Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Whānau, Community and Social Services) (Level 4)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Summary
This programme prepares you to work in a variety of social and community support roles within the health and wellbeing sector.
You’ll learn how to support people facing challenges such as housing insecurity, family violence, disability, and social isolation. Your studies will cover tools and strategies for community development, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and culturally inclusive practice. You’ll also develop strong interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, ethical decision-making, and bicultural competence grounded in mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
You’ll be equipped to work alongside individuals, whānau and communities to support autonomy, identify goals, reduce vulnerability, build resilience and help people achieve their aspirations.
As part of your studies, you’ll complete 200 hours of workplace practice, giving you hands-on experience in whānau, community and social service settings that will prepare you for employment. If you're already employed or volunteering in a relevant agency, this will be your placement.
Check out the Health and Wellbeing FAQ's on the right.
Part-time up to 4 years.
Entry criteria
Academic Requirements10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits
Or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Open Pathway, or equivalent
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to provide:
- Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- Referee Reports Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports.
- Signed Disclosure Form Successful applicants will be required to complete a disclosure form.
- Interview Applicants who meet entry criteria may be required to attend an interview to ensure they are a fit and proper person to provide support in the workplace.
- Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
If you have met New Zealand University Entrance requirements or acceptable alternatives as defined by NZQA you are not required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.