Late applications are currently being accepted for this programme.

Counselling is a challenging yet rewarding career that has a wide range of employment opportunities. Counsellors support people to empower themselves and in the process their own lives are enhanced.

The Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling), a Wintec qualification offered through NMIT offers an applied education for those who wish to pursue a professional career in counselling. If you are already working in the areas of mental health, education or social service, this programme will give you a formal qualification.

Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Counselling 2011
Programme structure

• Level 7
• 3 years full time or part time options (up to a maximum of 6 years part time)
• Starts: February
• Nelson campus

Content includes

Stage One:

Five interdisciplinary core courses:

• Te Pu - Foundations of Maori Social Practice
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Human Development
• Working with Difference

Three field specific courses:

• Introduction to Counselling 1 & 2
• Professional Counselling Practice 1

Stage Two:

Two interdisciplinary core courses:

• Te Weru - Developing Culturally Safe Practice
• Social Research

Six field specific core courses:

• Working with Specific Client Issues
• Activity Based Counselling
• Professional Development Issues
• Professional Counselling Practice 2A, 2B & 2C

Stage Three:

Two interdisciplinary core courses:

• Te More - Tiriti/Treaty Based Collaboration
• Social Policy

Three field specific core courses:

• Development of Counselling Practice
• Presentation and Review of Counselling Practice
• Working with Families, Couples and Children, PLUS one interdisciplinary elective course

 

Entry reqirements

All applicants:

• 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 in four subjects, including English, OR
• 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three subjects; OR equivalent.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate an IELTS academic score of 6.5 in all bands; OR equivalent.  

As an alternative, applicants for the Counselling endorsement may be granted entry if they have gained one of the following relevant previous qualifications:

• NMIT Certificate in Counselling and Social Work (Level 4)
• National Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work) (Level 4)
• National Certificate in Social Services, OR equivalent. 

You are required to indicate whether you have been convicted of or are being prosecuted for a criminal offence as some types of criminal conviction may limit the ability to secure practicum placements and therefore complete the programme.

Counselling students will engage in a group exercise and an individual interview and be assessed on:

• personal development and maturity (usually applicants need to be at leat 25 years of age)
• social services experience
• openness to new ideas
• an ability and/or interest in working with people

Selection of candidates will also be based on the following considerations: a submitted application, a submitted record of qualifications, employment history, work experience, two references, a personal biography and an interview.

Selection will be made on the basis of:

• ability to undertake academic work to the standard required;
• communication skills - verbal and written, in both interpersonal and group contexts;
• awareness and knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi;
• awareness of their own beliefs and values;
• ability to work independently and as part of a group.

Gain employment in the social services in areas that require counsellors, such as mental health agencies, private practices, community agencies, or workplace support. As a graduate once you have completed the required number of hours of external supervision you will be able to apply for provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.