Social Studies Degrees

CPIT’s programme of study in Community Studies are:

Certificate in Community Studies
Level: 4 – This programme is about supporting people and features interactive and action-oriented learning. Skills, knowledge and values relevant to working with people are modelled in class. You will develop your self awareness in order to be an effective worker in helping and support roles. You will be required to do 300 hours of work placement in community agencies. You will have the opportunity to specialise in an area of choice: Social Services, Youth Work or Disability Support.

Adult Literacy
Level: 1 – An individual programme will be developed to suit your needs so you can improve skills in reading, writing, spelling and mathematics with a group of people with similar needs. Communicating in groups and basic computer skills are also part of the programme. Students who attend full or part time for one term or more will achieve a CPIT Statement of Attendance and record of any Unit Standards achieved (these will be working towards the Level 1 National Certificate in Employment Skills).
Why should I study Community Studies at CPIT?
CPIT has a long history of providing quality training in the social services field. “CPIT has very good relationships with practitioners in Christchurch community agencies. Students will have clinical placements in a range of community organisations throughout Canterbury, providing
a wide variety of experience and knowledge.
Our classes are relatively small and our rooms are designed to create a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Certificate in Community Studies is able to be completed in one year full time
or up to four years part time.

Download an application form and referees form for the Certificate in Community Studies.
What are my career options upon completing the Certificate in Community Studies?

Graduates of the Certificate in Community Studies will be able to work with people
in a safe, competent and inclusive manner. As a graduate, you can choose to seek
work with a number of community agencies and organisations or continue your studies
at a higher level.
What will I study?

Certificate students will gain generic knowledge for working in agencies within the community, while also having the opportunity to specialise in one of the following areas:
Social Services
Youth Work
Disability Support

As a Certificate in Community Studies student, no matter what your chosen specialisation, you’ll study these fundamental courses which provide a platform for the rest of your study:
Culture and Diversity
Skills for Working with People
Human Growth, Hauora and Self Awareness
Ethics, Law and Abuse
Preparation for Study and Placement

For more detailed information, view the list of course options for this qualification.
Where will I study?

The School of Community Studies is based in the Faculty of Health and Sciences on CPIT’s central city campus. You will undertake fieldwork placements in a range of agencies throughout Canterbury which will provide you with a wide variety of experience and knowledge. Students
at the School of Community Studies have access to an extensive range of campus
facilities including:
24 hour computer access with internet and email for current students
CPIT’s well-resourced library
Learning Services
Two cafés
A health centre offering nursing, medical and counselling services
A recreation centre
The Christchurch Polytechnic Students Association (CPSA)