Programme details

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology

The study of counselling psychology focuses on promoting health and wellbeing, encouraging collaboration between the psychologist and the client to achieve optimal mental health outcomes.

Course description

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology provides an opportunity to pursue a pathway for registration as a psychologist in New Zealand.

Typically, the Master of Health Science in Psychology serves as the prerequisite for the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, which constitutes the final segment of tertiary education required for eligibility to register with the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board. Direct entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology is not feasible, as the Master of Health Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology is presented as an integrated program.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 4 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Sucessful completion of the required qualification, graduates can work in roles associated with Counselling Psychology.

Entry requirements

Students must have completed:

Master of Health Science with a specialisation in Psychology; OR
Relevant master’s degree in psychology and have passed the courses (Psychological Intervention, Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis, Supervised Practicum); OR
Relevant master’s degree in psychology and courses equivalent to those listed above

Students who successfully finish the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) in Psychology, and subsequently pursue the Master of Health Science in Psychology, are eligible to enroll in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology. This is contingent upon their registration with the NZ Psychologists’ Board as an intern psychologist, as well as obtaining a suitable internship position. Although AUT offers several internship providers, agencies typically conduct interviews for these roles.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0

Subjects

Health

Credits

120

Duration

1 year

Intakes

Feb

International fees

Approx $44,792