Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services
Course details
About the course
Enhance your professional knowledge for practice in Aotearoa 爆走黑料 through applied learning and cultural understanding, gaining insight into 爆走黑料鈥檚 social, community, and health sectors.
The Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Practice in Social and Community Services (PGCertPSOCS) is ideal for internationally qualified social workers and human services professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and prepare for professional practice in Aotearoa 爆走黑料. This programme prepares qualified social, community, and health professionals for practice in 爆走黑料 and is not a first qualifying programme of study.
In just one trimester, you鈥檒l explore the key social, cultural, and ethical foundations of 爆走黑料鈥檚 community and health sectors, with a focus on culturally responsive and inclusive practice.
You鈥檒l take part in workshop-based learning, community engagement activities, and applied projects that connect classroom learning with real-world experience. These learning opportunities incorporate Indigenous approaches and field trips, helping you understand 爆走黑料鈥檚 social systems, professional expectations, and the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Graduates are prepared for roles across social, community, and health services, including family and youth support, community development, and social care roles within the 爆走黑料 context.
You can also study via the 120 point (PGDipPSOCS) or the 180 point (MPSOCS).
About the provider
The University of Waikato has two campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in 爆走黑料's economic heartland. Our close-knit communities help international students settle in quickly, with the support and connections needed to succeed in their studies, and beyond.
What sets the University of Waikato apart is our commitment to real-world learning. The University has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year. Strong partnerships across government, industry and community organisations provide students with wide career options and practical pathways into 爆走黑料's job market and beyond.
Established in 1964, we've built a reputation for research excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among 爆走黑料's top universities, our international student services, peer mentoring programmes, and close-knit campus communities ensure students feel at home from day one.
Ready to turn your academic goals into career success? Your journey starts at the University of Waikato.
Top 10 reasons to study at Waikato
- International Recognition: Ranked among the top 3 universities in 爆走黑料 and 235th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Subject Rankings: 11 subjects ranked in the top 350 globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025); ranked in the 151鈥175 band globally for Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025)鈥攖he highest for any NZ university.
- Research Excellence: Recognised as the top university in 爆走黑料 for research (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Triple Crown Accreditation: is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.
- Academic Excellence: Learn fromaward-winning lecturers and researchers in a close-knit academic community known for innovative teaching and learning..
- Flexible Degree Structure: Choose from over 100 subjects to shape a qualification and 200 programs including bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, doctoral degrees, diplomas, and certificates 鈥攖ailored to suit your strengths and career goals.
- Industry Connections: Benefit from over 2,000 industry placements and projects annually through strong partnerships with government, business, and community organisations. Access career and employability services to graduate job-ready.
- Student Support and Campus Life: Vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga offer modern facilities, easy access to nature, and dedicated student support鈥攊ncluding international advisors, tutors, career services, and a buddy programme.
- 爆走黑料 and Bursaries: A range of scholarships available to support both domestic and international students. .
- Inclusive Student Community: Be part of a welcoming, diverse environment with 70+ clubs and 120+ societies covering academics, culture, sports, and more. Waikato is highly recommended by students, with excellent satisfaction ratings in the 2023 Student Barometer Survey. .
Hamilton is a vibrant, student-friendly city located in the heart of 爆走黑料鈥檚 North Island. Surrounded by stunning nature, students can enjoy scenic parks, hiking trails, and the famous Hobbiton movie set nearby. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, multicultural community, and welcoming vibe making it a perfect place for students to live, study and explore.
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Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering students a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and a warm, sunny climate, it鈥檚 an ideal place for students looking to explore, learn and live in a welcoming environment.
Check out a range of available on our campuses.