Programme details

Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology

The program is structured to fulfill the criteria for registration as a psychologist in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance (HPCA) Act.

Course description

The Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology is purposefully designed to meet the critical academic and practical requirements for individuals aiming to achieve registration as professional psychologists. This comprehensive program is closely aligned with the regulatory standards set out in the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act, ensuring it adheres to the highest professional and ethical benchmarks.

Through a combination of rigorous coursework, supervised practice, and applied learning, students gain the essential knowledge, competencies, and real-world experience required to excel in the field of psychology. Upon successful completion, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue registration and confidently enter professional practice in a variety of psychological settings.

Specialisations

Behaviour Analysis
Community Psychology
Psychology

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

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology are equipped with the competencies required for professional registration and can pursue a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. Career paths may include:

-Registered Psychologist
-Mental Health Practitioner
-Rehabilitation Psychologist
-Private Practice Psychologist
-Mental Health Consultant
-Assessment and Diagnostic Specialist

Entry requirements

To apply for the Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must hold a Master of Applied Psychology from the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Academic Board. They should have specialized in the relevant area during their master’s or demonstrated adequate graduate-level coursework and research to the Head of the School of Psychology.

Applicants must also show evidence of meeting the New Zealand Psychologists Board’s admission criteria, including passing a Police vetting check, complying with the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014, and adhering to the Vaccinations for Health Care Workers Policy.

Additionally, candidates must be employed (paid or voluntary) in a role related to their proposed endorsement. Acceptance into the program requires approval from the Head of the School of Psychology and will be assessed individually, considering the relevance of completed master’s courses, current employment suitability, and available supervision.

English Language requirements for Post-graduate courses:

-an Academic IELTS7 Overall score of at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band), or
-a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
-a TOEFL iBT Home Edition overall score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
-a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
-a PTE Academic (paper-based) overall score of 56 with no band less than 46, or
-a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) C1 Expert with an overall high pass and no less than a pass in each skill, or
-a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 38-50 score per skill, or
-awarded a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5), or
-a Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III with a pass in all four components, or
-a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 120, or
-a B2 First (formally known as Cambridge English: First (FCE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or
-a C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or
-a Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) minimum score of 59.