Programme details

Master of Applied Psychology - MAppPsy

An in-depth study in one of two key subjects of applied psychology

Course description

In this programme, you’ll specialise in either behaviour analysis or community psychology. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying concepts and principles specific to your chosen area, alongside learning the fundamental values guiding your specialization.

Throughout your studies, practical experience is emphasised. You’ll engage in work placements and projects with various organizations and community groups, tailored to your chosen specialty. Possible placements include educational settings such as schools or universities, research institutions, private practices, businesses, health sectors, governmental agencies, etc, depending on your specialisation.

Specialisations

Master of Applied Psychology in Behaviour Analysis (MAppPsy(BA))

The Master of Applied Psychology in Behaviour Analysis (MAppPsy(BA)) equips students with:

A solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Behaviour Analysis, and their practical applications.
Research skills necessary for Behaviour Analysis, including critical evaluation of published research and the ability to conduct both fundamental and applied research.
Competence in conducting functional analyses of problem behaviour and designing effective behaviour change programs tailored to specific areas of specialisation.
Proficiency in analytic and library research, as well as in presenting proposals and reports in written and oral formats.

Courses within the Behaviour Analysis specialisation are accredited by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). The MAppPsy(BA) serves as a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis), enabling registration as a psychologist in New Zealand and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), an internationally recognised credential.

Master of Applied Psychology in Community Psychology (MAppPsy(Comm))
The Master of Applied Psychology in Community Psychology (MAppPsy(Comm)) is a specialized graduate program offered exclusively at the University of Waikato, accredited by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. This professional practice degree is designed for students interested in working with community groups.

Key features of the MAppPsy(Comm) include:

Providing a pathway to registration as a psychologist, integrating academic learning with professional practice.
Focusing on the application of community psychology principles in various contexts and with diverse groups.
Developing advanced oral and written communication skills, as well as research abilities through project proposals, reports, and evaluations.
Students benefit from learning under the guidance of renowned experts in Community Psychology, including university academics and registered psychologists. The program also involves contributions from professionals at the Institute of Community Psychology (IcomPA) and alumni as guest lecturers or examiners.

Upon completing the MAppPsy(Comm), graduates can pursue supervised practice to become registered psychologists. Community Psychologists are employed across health, education, social development, and justice sectors, as well as in private practice. They possess expertise in areas such as disability, iwi (indigenous communities), environmental and social services, and policy-making, enhancing their employability in diverse roles.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with NZ 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 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

This programme provided a pathway to registration as a psychologist with one of the two specialisations, or may lead to positions in educational settings such as schools or universities, research institutions, private practices, businesses, health sectors, governmental agencies.

Entry requirements

For admission into the Master of Applied Psychology (MAppPsy) program:

Year 1 Admission

Applicants must have:

A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B+ grade average across the Psychology major.
Admission to Year 1 does not guarantee progression to Year 2; progression to the master’s thesis stage in Year 2 requires maintaining at least a B+ grade average across Year 1 papers.

Year 2 Admission

Applicants must have:

An Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least a B+ grade average.
This should include the compulsory papers for their chosen specialization.

After applying, prospective students can consult with a senior academic advisor to tailor their studies based on individual goals and prior experience, ensuring comprehensive support for academic success.

English proficiency

You must meet one of the following requirements for postgraduate studies. Note that some programmes may have a higher requirement.

an Academic IELTS 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 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 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.