New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Education and Social Sciences

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 services, 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 programs or occupational options in a career pathway of your choice.

Key facts

Start Month(s) February, July
Study Location(s) MIT Otara
Level 4
Domestic fees $3,100 (approx.)
Youth Guarantee Not available
Programme Code NZ2860
Duration

19 weeks (full-time), one year (part-time)
Study Method Full-time, Part-time
Credits 60
International Fees NZD$8,100 (approx.)
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship Not available
Qualification New Zealand Certificate

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/

Provisional Entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme will be eligible to be enrolled as a student where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success. Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements for a programme may also be eligible to enrol in exceptional circumstances. Such decisions will be made by the Director/Head of School.

International students

Test your English level to help you plan.

Take our free online English test to get a basic indication of your English level. This will help you understand what programmes you can apply for and what preparation you may require before you start your programme of study.

Need IELTS?

Book your British Council IELTS test with us.

You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 5-7 days.

Career opportunities

The Certificate is a complete qualification for employment in the Social Services sector.

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/art work/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.

Key dates

To find the start date of your programme intake listed above, please view the social work calendar.

Further training or study

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

Download a social work brochure

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Information is correct as at October 2019. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2020 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2020 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2020 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2020 are based on the 2019 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2020. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is accredited under the provisions of the Education Act 1989. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.