New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Whānau, Community and Social Services)
at ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURYFree ConsultationQUALIFICATION
Certificate – Level 4 (120 credits)
Duration
1 Year Full-Time (Part-time up to 4 years)
Location
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
Fees
NZ$26,572.00 (13,37,360) per year
Entry Score
IELTS 5.5 overall (all bands 5.0 or higher)
Next Intake
20 July 2026
Programme Overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) – Whānau, Community and Social Services prepares students for entry-level support roles in the health and wellbeing sector. Students learn how to support people facing challenges such as housing insecurity, family violence, disability, and social isolation, covering tools and strategies for community development, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and culturally inclusive practice. The programme develops strong interpersonal skills, ethical decision-making, and bicultural competence grounded in mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A mandatory 200 hours of workplace practice is included, providing hands-on experience in whānau, community, and social service settings. Students already employed or volunteering in a relevant agency may complete their placement hours there.
What You'll Study
Core Courses – Level 4
- Contemporary Issues in Aotearoa (15 credits)
- Knowledge for Practice (15 credits)
- Introduction to Health and Wellbeing Support Work in Aotearoa (15 credits)
- Te Ao Hauora Māori (15 credits)
- Working With People (15 credits)
- Practicum A: Whānau, Community and Social Services (15 credits)
- Practicum B: Whānau, Community and Social Services (30 credits)
Why Choose This Programme?
- 200 Hours Workplace Practice: Mandatory practicum in real whānau, community, and social service organisations
- Bicultural Foundation: Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and mātauranga Māori — Te Ao Hauora Māori is a core course
- Broad Sector Coverage: Prepares students for roles across community organisations, housing, disability support, aged care, family violence, and advocacy services
- Flexible Study: Part-time study available over up to 4 years to accommodate working students
- Pathway to Further Study: Graduates may progress into the Bachelor of Social Work
- Study Visa Eligible: Programme available to international students on a study visa
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Community Organisations | Community Support Worker, Community Development Officer |
| Social Services | Social Services Coordinator, Case Support Worker |
| Housing & Advocacy | Housing Support Worker, Advocacy Worker |
| Disability Support | Disability Support Worker, Needs Assessment Coordinator |
| Aged Care | Aged Care Support Worker, Whānau Support Worker |
Entry Requirements
Academic: 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits, or NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Open Pathway, or equivalent. Alternative entry available for those with equivalent skills gained through study, work, or life experience.
English: IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Scores must come from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years. NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents may complete a free Ara assessment instead.
Additional Requirements:
- NZ Police Vetting (police clearance)
- Two referee reports demonstrating good character and personal attributes
- Signed disclosure form
- Consent to Disclosure of Information form
- Interview may be required to confirm suitability for workplace practice
Performance: Satisfactory academic progress and workplace practicum assessments required throughout. Credit recognition available for relevant prior study or work experience.
