100-level

HSRV103
Violence in Society
Description
This course will introduce students to the issue of violence in society and its impact on communities. The course will introduce the concept of structural violence and explore the links between interpersonal violence and structural violence. Key topics include economic violence, colonial violence, cultural violence, gendered violence, political violence and family violence.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Special non-calendar-based Four 2026 (UC Online)
Points
15 points
HSRV104
Youth Realities
Description
The course introduces students to the diverse realities of ‘youth’ with a focus on multiple contexts. Students explore the concept of youth and the cultural, historical, political and economic contexts in which young people live and the decisions that they make. We critically consider the issues that place young people outside the margins of dominant society, and the responses, models and theoretical frameworks used in youth studies.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Special non-calendar-based Three 2026 (UC Online)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
SOWK104

200-level

HSRV201
Communication in the Human Services
Description
This course provides foundation knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. The context of human communication is considered in terms of the impact of gender, class and culture and how these elements mediate social relationships. The focus of the course is on enhancing communication effectiveness in different organisational contexts. An introduction to korero Maori is integral to the course in terms of the New Zealand context.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points HSRV at 100 level; or 60 points at 100 level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ, BHtlhSc, or BYCL.
Restrictions
SOWK201
HSRV202
Human Behaviour and Human Systems
Description
This course examines the applications to human services of primary knowledge about human functioning and social behaviours, drawing on contemporary theories of psychosocial processes. The course explores selected developmental and external challenges facing children and families in New Zealand. The focus of the course is on usual developmental processes and the interface between individual and societal expectations, and implications for social service delivery.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 100 level in HSRV; OR 60 points at 100-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
SOWK202
HSRV204
Culture, Indigeneity and Citizenship: Critical Debates for the Human Services
Description
The course provides a critical introduction to the historical and current debates of culture, indigeneity and citizenship. The course focuses on debates that move beyond conventional notions of culture, indigeneity and citizenship, and treats these as strategic concepts that are central in the analysis of global/local identities, participation, empowerment, and social justice. Understanding how other communities, populations, groups and individuals organise their lives and participate in the social world enables us to develop theoretically informed tools for providing practical analysis and advice in the shaping/construction of human services agencies and practice.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 100 level in HSRV; OR 60 points at 100-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
HSRV208
Gender Sensitivity and the Human Services
Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to critically investigate shifting socio-cultural constructions of gender. Students are introduced to theories, experiences and issues of gender, to think about how gender matters in the choices and opportunities available to us; in shaping ideas regarding individual and social well-being; the ways in which gender is experienced, defined, validated, and reworked.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
15 points at 100 level in HSRV AND 15 points from either Schedule V to the BA, Schedule C to the BSW(Hons), Schedules C or E to the BCJ; OR 60 points from the BA, BSW(Hons) or BCJ.
Restrictions
HSRV308
HSRV209
Violent Inequalities
Description
This course introduces students to the study of links between inequalities and violence. It provides students with the opportunity to question taken for granted assumptions about violence and inequality through a focus on class, gender and species. The topic adopts a social justice approach and includes consideration of issues such as links between violence to humans and violence to animals, in particular family violence, animal and child abuse; practical interventions to address gender-based violence, and socio-political causes of violence such as neoliberalism. The course provides students with the opportunity to question taken for granted assumptions about power, discourse, crime and violence as well as encouraging students to think about the nature, form and process of advocacy on behalf of the marginalized.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points HSRV at 100 level; or 60 points at 100 level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ, BHtlhSc, or BYCL.
Restrictions
CULT209
HSRV210
Gender, Crime and Social Theory
Description
This course considers a range of explanatory theories emanating from a range of disciplines that contribute to current understandings of gender, crime, deviance, social theory and social control. Theories and constructions of crime, deviance, violence and gender will be discussed as these relate to gendered experiences within and without the criminal justice system.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 100 level in HSRV; OR 60 points at 100-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
HSRV303, HSRV310
HSRV211
Community Development: Concepts, Practice and the Dynamics of Change
Description
In this course, the concept of community in the modern world is explored, together with theoretical and practical approaches to understanding community development. An introduction is provided to community analysis and the dynamics of change in communities.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 100 level in HSRV; OR 60 points at 100-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
HSRV215
Sport, Exercise and Development
Description
This course provides the opportunity to explore socio-cultural constructions of sport and exercise. Students are introduced to key social theories to develop an understanding of the cultural, political and economic processes of sport and the role of sport in constructing dominant ways of thinking in relation to gender, ethnicity, sexuality, (dis)ability, class and nationality. We critically consider issues in the promotion of sport and exercise in areas of health, wellbeing and social development within local and global contexts. The inclusion of guest lecturers in specialist areas and current research from staff ensures that the course is cutting edge.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 100 level in HSRV; OR 60 points at 100-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth or BYCL.
HSRV216
Introduction to Public Policy and Policy Analysis
Description
This course introduces concepts of and approaches to public policy analysis and evaluation. The course examines the interaction of expertise, society, and public policy and clarifies the intricacies of the policy process in light of technological and social change.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from HLTH, HSRV, or POLS; or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA, or Schedule V of the LLB, or the Schedule V of the BCJ, or the Schedule V of the BCom.
Restrictions
POLS206

300-level

HSRV301
Change and Human Systems
Description
This course uses theory to illuminate the functioning and processes of change within and across family, organisation, community and global systems. In addition to critically examining the relationship between oppression, empowerment and change in human systems, the course broadly considers ethical values and the legal obligations of human service delivery systems.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 200 level in HSRV; OR, 60 points at 200-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
HSRV310
Gender, Crime and Social Theory
Description
This course considers a range of explanatory theories emanating from a range of disciplines that contribute to current understandings of gender, crime, deviance, social theory and social control. Theories and constructions of crime, deviance, violence and gender will be discussed as these relate to gendered experiences within and without the criminal justice system.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 200 level in HSRV; OR, 60 points at 200-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
HSRV210, HSRV303
HSRV311
Qualitative Research Methods
Description
This course introduces students to a range of qualitative research approaches. We begin by exploring the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, including methodological frameworks, theories, and controversies. Students learn about practical issues encountered in ‘doing’ research. Those practical issues include ethics of the research process; navigating cultures and hard-to-reach groups; data gathering via documents, interviews, and focus groups; and analysing data. Students are encouraged to think critically about the applicability of developing ethical research models within diverse contexts/settings. Through manageable research assignments, students become familiar with the business of research and how it fits within complex and diverse human service systems.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 200 level in HSRV; OR, 60 points at 200-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
HSRV302
HSRV316
Non-Governmental Organisations and Social Development
Description
This course investigates the characteristics and emergent role of NGOs in contemporary society within the context of challenges and issues related to social development. Learning will be integrated through the use of international and New Zealand case studies.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 200 level in HSRV; OR, 60 points at 200-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
HSRV306
HSRV318
Gender Sensitivity in Human Services
Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to critically investigate shifting socio-cultural constructions of gender. Students are introduced to theories, experiences and issues of gender, to think about how gender matters in the choices and opportunities available to us; in shaping ideas regarding individual and social well-being; the ways in which gender is experienced, defined, validated, and reworked.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points at 200 level in HSRV; OR, 60 points at 200-level from Schedule V to the BA, BSW Hons, BCJ or B Hlth Sc or BYCL.
Restrictions
HSRV208, HSRV308

Not Offered Courses in 2026

200-level

HSRV203
Policy Debates in the Social Services
Description
This course examines key principles guiding policy on the provision of social services. Trends and debates around the shifting relationship between welfare systems and the state are explored along with factors influencing the delivery of human services in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Students will learn to critically assess the implications of social service delivery for providers and consumers of welfare services, and issues around the impact of inequalities in society.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021
For further information see HSRV203 course details
Points
15 points