Duration and study methods

Full-time for 17 teaching weeks, part-time available. The maximum time to complete this programme part-time is 2 years.Programme structure

Start dates

February, JulyKey dates and timetables

Qualification

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Education and Social Sciences
Programme code: NZ2860

Credits

60

Location

MIT Ōtara

Entry requirements

Open entry

Domestic fees

$3,600 (approx.)Individual course fees

International fees

NZD $13,000 (approx.)

Free* study

Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:

Programme highlights

This certificate course is aimed at those who have an interest in helping others.

You will learn self-awareness, gain self-insights and learn the necessary interpersonal communication skills needed to work in the social services sector. You will explore your own cultural identity and that of others.

This certificate is the ideal place to start if you are considering a career in the ‘helping professions’ including social work, community work, mental health and addiction services, youth work, counselling or iwi social services.

This programme will give you the confidence to study at a tertiary level and go on to pathway into degree-level programmes or occupational options in a career pathway of your choice.

If you are Māori or Pasifika, find out how you could be supported on your MIT journey with Te Ara Oranga.

Entry requirements

General

Open entry for domestic students

There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.

International students: English language entry requirements

For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/

International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below four courses (60 credits):
105.445 Skills for successful tertiary study (15 credits)
  • Gain personal self-awareness to perform effectively with best practice in a social services setting.
  • Demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to work safely with a diverse range of clients in a social services environment.
  • Apply appropriate and effective strategies to assist clients and whanau to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.
  • Produce written work/artwork/group work/verbal presentations centred around different subjects or occupations by using your imagination, creativity, self-exploration, reflection and feedback, cultural literacy and engagement with and use of appropriate help and support.
  • Access and use information technologies for academic and/or workplace purposes.
  • Evaluate opportunities and develop a plan for study and career pathways relevant to a chosen field. Pathway into employment or degree level programs.


105.446 Pathway project A - society (15 credits)

Progressively apply, consolidate and demonstrate the skills and knowledge developed in this and the Numeracy and Literacy courses through real-world learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended career destination.

You will learn about:

  • How culture influences communication in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
  • The role of the individual in society.
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
  • Cultural competency.
  • Society and how it influences work in social services.
  • Human Rights Commission.
  • Diversity in our community.


105.447 Pathway project B - society (15 credits)

Progressively apply, consolidate and demonstrate the skills and knowledge developed in this and the Numeracy and Literacy courses through real-world learning experiences in order to meet the varied demands of their personal life, study and intended career destination.

You will learn about:

  • Discrimination and stigma.
  • Te Ao Maori/Maori world-view.
  • Disabilities.
  • Powhiri process and marae protocols.
  • Roles and responsibilities for marae.


181.435 Building communication competence (15 credits)

  • Demonstrate reflective self-management skills for study.
  • Communicate and collaborate as a speaker and as a listener in a learning group.
  • Use selected communication technologies appropriately within an academic and/or vocational context.
  • Gain personal self-awareness, navigation and facilitation skills to perform effectively in a social services environment.
  • Gain awareness and understanding of the principles and barriers to recovery in the mental health and addiction setting.

Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

Further training or study

It is also a pathway towards further professional training including social work, counselling and mental health, and nursing.

Career opportunities

The certificate is a complete qualification for employment in the social services sector.

See why more people choose Foundation and bridging programmes at MIT