University
The University of WaikatoPostgraduate Diploma of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
Duration
6 months
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Campus
Tauranga CBD Campus
Summary
Enhance your professional expertise for practice in Aotearoa New Zealand through applied learning and developing culturally responsive practice to prepare for roles across diverse social, community, and health sectors.
The Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services (PGDipPSOCS) is designed for internationally qualified social workers and human services professionals who want to strengthen their professional knowledge and prepare for practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. This programme prepares qualified social, community, and health professionals for practice in New Zealand and is not a first qualifying programme of study.
Enhance your transition into professional practice through applied learning that deepens your understanding of the social, cultural, and policy landscape of New Zealand's health, social, and community services.
You'll take part in workshop-based learning, community engagement activities, and applied projects that connect classroom learning with professional practice. These experiences incorporate indigenous learning approaches and include field trips to develop further understanding of ethical, culturally responsive, and inclusive practice supporting wellbeing and social justice.
Graduates build on their existing professionally recognised qualifications to be well prepared for roles across social, community, and health services, including casework, family and youth support, community coordination, and programme delivery in government and non-government organisations.
You can also study Professional Practice in Social and Community Services via the 60 point Postgraduate Certificate (PGCertPSOCS) or the 180 point Master's (MPSOCS).
Entry criteria
Candidates for the PGDipPSOCS must have:
- qualified for a bachelors degree of the University of Waikato or a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
- demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Academic Board that they have adequate training, experience, and ability to proceed with the proposed programme.
The selection process for the Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services also includes an interview, a declaration and two references.
In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit and relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.
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