Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4)
This course is available
Online, On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Jul 2026
Campus
City Campus
Summary
This one-year health and wellbeing programme will provide students with the foundation knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to work alongside individuals, families, and whānau accessing social and community services.
Students gain a wide range of transferable skills essential to the role of a support worker and select from one of the following strands to further strengthen their learning:
- Mental health and addiction support: Apply mental health and/or addiction tools and strategies when working alongside tangata, family, and whānau to support autonomy, foster hope, and develop resilience.
- Whānau, community, and social services: Apply community and social services tools and strategies when working alongside tangata, family, and whānau to support autonomy, identify goals, reduce vulnerability, and build resilience or achieve aspirations.
A key benefit of this programme is its flexibility in delivery. Students studying at our Hamilton Campus study face-to-face with tutors and their peers twice a week and have three days for independent study or placement. Students living rurally in the wider Waikato can choose to study online with classes delivered by a tutor via Zoom. This programme is also delivered online for those already employed in a support work role.
Students will undertake 200 practicum hours in a work setting relevant to their selected strand to apply their knowledge and skills, enhance their learning, and develop professional practice.
We welcome all new students with an induction at the start of the programme.
Entry criteria
You can apply for this programme if you meet one or more of the below options.
Based on your school achievement (secondary study)
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1; including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
- A relevant course at NZQF Level 3;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on your work experience (on the job)
If you can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and experience that you have gained through work experience, that will help you to be successful in the programme.
Based on discretionary entrance
If you don't meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.
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