New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice and Applied Practice) (Level 5)

Develop the skills and knowledge needed in the Health and Wellbeing community with the New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice and Applied Practice) (Level 5).

This programme is ideal for newcomers to the industry, seasoned professionals already working in the Health and Wellbeing sector, and those looking for professional development opportunities. 


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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill
Qualification
Diploma
Level
5
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time or two years part-time

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$1,157.00 (incl. GST)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

The New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Practice/Applied Practice) (Level 5) prepares learners for a rewarding career supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and communities across a range of health and social service settings. The programme combines theory, practical skills, cultural understanding, professional practice, and applied workplace learning, including a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practice experience.

Students will develop skills in:

  • Professional communication and relationship building
  • Health and wellbeing support practices
  • Community wellbeing, equity, and social inclusion
  • Person-centred and whānau-centred approaches
  • Māori perspectives and approaches to wellbeing
  • Evidence-informed practice and research skills
  • Professional ethics, leadership, and reflective practice
  • Applied workplace learning and practicum experience

Mature applicants aged 20 years or over are encouraged to apply.

Course Content

The programme consists of eight courses that build professional capability, cultural competence, practical workplace skills, and evidence-informed practice:

HW5.112 Skills for Professional Practice
Develop professional communication, relationship-building, cultural responsiveness, ethical practice, legislation awareness, and health and safety knowledge required in health and wellbeing settings.

HW5.122 Navigating Community Wellbeing and Equity
Explore health and social policy, community wellbeing, equity, stigma and discrimination, and how to connect people with appropriate services and support networks.

HW5.132 Theory for Practice
Examine health and wellbeing theories, recovery models, intervention approaches, wellness planning, and evidence-based practices that support individuals and whānau.

HW5.142 Applied Practice 1
Apply learning in a workplace or practicum setting while developing communication, advocacy, relationship-building, reflective practice, and professional development skills.

HW5.252 Te Ao Hauora Māori (Māori Perspectives and Approaches)
Gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, hauora models, cultural safety, and approaches that support meaningful engagement with Māori individuals, whānau, and communities.

HW5.262 Integrating Evidence in Health Practice
Learn to evaluate research, apply evidence-informed practice, address workplace challenges, and implement inclusive health and wellbeing interventions.

HW5.272 Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership
Develop professional identity, reflective practice, ethical decision-making, leadership, collaboration, and multidisciplinary teamwork skills.

HW5.282 Applied Practice 2
Integrate workplace experience, cultural understanding, evidence-based practice, leadership, and ethical decision-making to support positive outcomes for service users and their whānau.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue roles in:

  • Community Support
  • Mental Health and Addiction Support
  • Disability Support
  • Youth Work
  • Social Services
  • Employment Support
  • Consumer Advocacy
  • Navigation Services
  • Iwi and Community Organisations
  • Health and Wellbeing Services

Employees and volunteers may be required to undergo ongoing checks to ensure they are a fit and proper person to provide support in the health and wellbeing sectors.

Application Criteria

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to this programme, applicants must meet the General, Special, or Discretionary Admission requirements, any Programme Specific Requirements, and the English Language Requirements.

General Admission

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age when the programme begins and meet one of the following:

  • NCEA Level 2, including a minimum of 12 credits at Level 2 in each of four approved subjects; or
  • Completion of four years of secondary education; or
  • A recognised and relevant Level 4 qualification.

Applicants may also be considered if they hold:

  • NCEA Level 3; or
    An approved qualification at Level 3 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), or equivalent.

Discretionary Admission

  • Applicants aged 20 years or older who do not meet the academic entry requirements may be considered for admission. Entry may be granted based on:
  • A portfolio of evidence demonstrating their ability to succeed in the programme; and
  • A successful interview.

Programme Specific Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Attend an information session with academic staff.
  • Demonstrate written communication skills equivalent to a minimum of NZQA Level 3.
  • Provide the names of two referees.
  • Complete a Police Vetting consent form and declaration.

If Police Vetting identifies information that may affect a student's ability to complete the programme, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss this with the Programme Manager. SIT reserves the right to decline admission where a police record indicates the applicant may be unsuitable for placement or employment in the health and wellbeing sector. Decisions will be guided by relevant professional and industry requirements.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.

International applicants can meet this requirement through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a programme taught in English (subject to SIT's Determination of English Language Proficiency requirements).
  • New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) with any endorsement.
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall, with no band lower than 5.0, achieved within the two years prior to enrolment.
  • An accepted equivalent English language qualification.

Selection Process

Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection is based on:

  • Academic achievement.
  • Suitability for the programme.
  • Availability of places.

Note:

  1. Applicants may be required to attend an interview (in person or online) and provide evidence of prior qualifications or achievements.
  2. Where applications exceed the number of available places, preference will be given to applicants who best meet the selection criteria. Eligible applicants who are not offered a place may be placed on a waiting list or referred to another programme.
  3. Applications should be submitted by the published closing date. Late applications may be considered if places remain available.
  4. All enrolments are approved at the discretion of the Programme Operations Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty (or delegate) and relevant teaching staff.
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