Psychology (2024)

Psychology is about understanding the behaviour and cognitive processes of people and animals in their physical, social and organisational environment. As a behavioural science, it examines the way behaviour is learned and can be changed. As a social science, it focuses on individuals within the context of families, organisations and other groups, communities, cultures and societies. As a biological science, it studies the senses (hearing, vision, touch) and how the brain and physiological systems relate to behaviour. As a cognitive science it studies perception, attention, memory, thinking and language understanding. The study of development, personality, learning and motivation are also part of Psychology.

Psychology is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Psychology may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Psychology as a single major for the BA, BSc or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in papers listed for Psychology, including PSYCH100, PSYCH101, PSYCH211, plus a further 30 points at Level 200, and at least 60 points at 300 level.

To complete Psychology as part of a double major for the BA, BSc, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points in papers listed for Psychology, including PSYCH100, PSYCH101, and PSYCH211. 90 points must be above 100 level and at least 45 points above 200 level.

To complete a minor in Psychology, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Psychology major, including at least 15 points at 200 level and at least 15 points at 300 level.

Kaupapa Māori Psychology is also available as a minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled. Please see Kaupapa Māori Psychology for further information.

Note: Students intending to apply for postgraduate study in Psychology must include PSYCH307 in their programme of study, in order to meet prerequisites.

Students taking Psychology as part of a double major should discuss paper selection with one of the Psychology Undergraduate Advisors.

The Master of Applied Psychology in Organisational Psychology is not available for new enrolments in 2023 onwards.


On this page


  • Prescriptions for the Dip(SocSc), GradCert(Psych) and GradDip(Psych)

    A Diploma in Social Sciences, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Psychology at an advanced level in their first degree.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(Psych) and PGDip(Psych)

    To complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology, students must complete 60 points from 500 level Psychology papers.

    To complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 90 points from Psychology papers.

    All programmes of study should be devised in consultation with the relevant pathway Programme convenor, Head of School or the Graduate Studies Convenor.

  • Prescriptions for the BA(Hons), BSc(Hons) and BSocSc(Hons)

    To complete a BA(Hons), BSc(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Psychology, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including PSYCH591 as the required research paper.

  • Prescriptions for the MA, MSc, MSc(Res) and MSocSc

    To complete a Master of Arts or Master of Social Sciences in Psychology, students must complete 120 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc.

    To complete a Master of Science in Psychology, students admitted to the 120 point MSc, must take 60 points from 500 level Psychology papers and a 60 point dissertation (PSYCH592).

    To complete a Master of Science (Research) in Psychology, students must take a 120 point thesis (PSYCH594).

  • Prescriptions for the MAppPsy

    Applications must be received by 1 October of the year prior to enrolment. Students considering enrolment in the Master of Applied Psychology must, in addition to fulfilling the requirements set out in the appropriate regulations, meet the School of Psychology requirements for entry to graduate study. The number of students accepted into the programme is limited.

    There are three specified programmes available within the MAppPsy: Behaviour Analysis, Community Psychology, and Organisational Psychology.

    Behaviour Analysis

    To complete a MAppPsy in Behaviour Analysis, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points.

    Year 1 (120 points)

    Compulsory papers: PSYCH538, PSYCH560, PSYCH561, PSYCH577

    Recommended papers: PSYCH564, PSYCH575, PSYCH581, PSYCH586

    Other optional papers should be selected in consultation with the Behaviour Analysis Programme Convenor.

    Year 2 (120 points)

    The research component can comprise of, a 60 point dissertation (PSYCH592), 90 point thesis (PSYCH593) or a 120 point thesis (PSYCH594). Where further papers are required these should be selected in consultation with the Behaviour Analysis Programme Convenor.

    Community Psychology

    To complete a MAppPsy in Community Psychology, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points.

    Year 1 (120 points)

    Compulsory papers: PSYCH511, PSYCH513, PSYCH575, PSYCH582, PSYCH583

    Recommended papers: 30 points from optional papers in Anthropology, Development Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Geography, History, Human Development, Political Science, Population Studies and Demography, Psychology, Public Policy, Screen and Media Studies, and Sociology.

    Year 2 (120 points)

    The research component can comprise of a 60 point dissertation (PSYCH592), 90 point thesis (PSYCH593) or a 120 point thesis (PSYCH594). Where further papers are required optional papers should be selected in consultation with the Community Psychology Programme Convenor.

    Organisational Psychology [1]

    To complete a MAppPsy in Organisational Psychology, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points. A minimum of 180 points must be in Psychology, including the following compulsory papers: 120 point thesis (PSYCH594), on an I/O psychology topic, PSYCH539, PSYCH573, PSYCH579. Plus at least one from: PSYCH581, PSYCH585. The remaining 60 points may be chosen from a relevant, or related discipline, in consultation with the convenor of the programme.

    [1] The Master of Applied Psychology in Organisational Psychology is not available for new enrolments in 2024.

  • Prescriptions for the MPPBA

    To complete a Master of Professional Practice in Behaviour Analysis, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points.

    Students enrolled in the MPPBA must complete the following:

    Year 1: PSYCH538, PSYCH560, PSYCH561, PSYCH577, and 60 points from PSYCH564, PSYCH575, PSYCH580, PSYCH581 or PSYCH586.

    Year 2: PSYCH551, PSYCH552 and PSYCH554.

  • Prescriptions for the PGDipPracPsych

    Applications must be received by 1 October of the year prior to enrolment. The number of students accepted into the programme is limited. The Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology is awarded and endorsed in either Applied Behaviour Analysis or Community Psychology. To complete the Postgraduate Diploma, students must gain 120 points.

    Applied Behaviour Analysis

    PSYCH551, PSYCH552 and PSYCH553

    Community Psychology

    PSYC541, PSYC542 and PSYCH543

  • Prescriptions for the PGDipPsych(Clin)

    Applications must be received by 1 October of the year prior to enrolment. Students considering enrolment in the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical) must, in addition to fulfilling the requirements set out in the appropriate regulations, also meet the School of Psychology requirements for entry to graduate study. The number of students accepted into the programme is limited and shortlisted applicants are interviewed in November.

    Students enrolled in the PGDipPsych(Clin) must complete the following:

    Year 1: PSYC521 and PSYC522

    Year 2: PSYC523 and PSYC524

    Year 3: PSYCH526 and PSYCH527

  • Prescriptions for the MPhil

    The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    PSYCH100Brain, Behaviour and Cognition15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This paper introduces perceptual systems, mechanisms of learning, emotions and motivation, the biological basis of psychology, such as brain structure and functioning, processes underlying behaviour, memory and cognition.
    PSYCH101Social Psychology, Health and Well-being15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts.
    PSYCH110Psychology Goes to the Movies: What Blockbuster Films Get Right and Wrong About the Science of Human Behaviour 15.024G (Online)
    In this course we examine the scientific integrity of popular movies with psychological themes, addressing questions such as “How well does this film depict psychological principles, behaviours, and psychological science?”.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    PSYCH202Mauri Ora: Social Psychology of Human Flourishing15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    The paper will examine important conceptual frameworks and theory within social psychology and the social sciences generally. Maori perspectives and exemplars will be a significant emphasis within the paper.
    PSYCH203Cognitive Neuroscience15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This paper will provide students with an overview of current findings and theories of cognitive neuroscience, cognitive development, and cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, and decision making.
    PSYCH204Learning and Perception15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This course is intended to give students an introduction to behavioural psychology and to the psychology of perception. Students will learn about the philosophy behind the behavioural approach to psychology, the basic principles of behaviour analysis, and how those principles can be applied to issues of clinical and community impor...
    PSYCH206Social Psychology and Development15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    Social psychology topics include environmental psychology, social relationships, and helping and hindering others. Developmental psychology investigates why we develop as we do. Together, this paper explores why we do the things we do.
    PSYCH211Understanding Psychological Research15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This paper will cover the basic methodological approaches relevant to psychological and social science research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of research.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS390Directed Study15.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major or minor under the guidance of academic staff.
    HMDEV340Perspectives on Counselling15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular.
    PSYCH302Community, Culture and Diversity15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    The focus of this paper is the study of social justice, intersectionality, transformative interventions, and social change strategies that are central to community, indigenous and liberation psychologies. Issues covered include inequalities, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and (dis)ability. Key considerations are the broader co...
    PSYCH303Indigenous Psychology15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    Students develop a critical analysis of the positions of contemporary Indigenous peoples through discussion and examination of the Western world and New Zealand society. The theory base is drawn predominantly from Maori and indigenous development, community and social psychology and of health and social policy.
    PSYCH307Psychological Research Methods15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    The paper covers research theory and methods, making students critical consumers of psychological research. It expands on concepts taught in PSYCH211 to build more advanced research skills.
    PSYCH314Behaviour Analysis15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This course is intended to give students an understanding of the philosophy of behaviourism, experimental methods used in the study of behaviour, and the application of behavioural principles
    PSYCH317Organisational Psychology15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This course offers a general introduction to how psychology can be used to build better workplaces and work lives. It takes a problem-solving approach, introducing key work psychology concepts and building student understanding of how to apply them to work, while providing an awareness of how business priorities inform applied psyc...
    PSYCH319Infant and Child Development15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    The objective of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of infants' and children's cognitive, emotional, and social development from a psychological perspective.
    PSYCH322Memory and Cognition15.024A (Hamilton)
    Research, theories and principles in memory and cognition, with an emphasis on the applications to real-world problems, such as the overlap of psychology and the law.
    PSYCH337Individual Differences and Measurement15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This course will cover measurement issues in psychology, and a range of basic measurement techniques. It will include coverage of theories of intelligence and of personality and their measurement.
    PSYCH338Mental Health and Well Being15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This course offers an introduction to the definition, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing30.024A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (Online)
    In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020), in order to produce resilient, creative students with strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
    ALPSS590Directed Study30.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
    PSYC521Professional Issues in Clinical Practice20.024D (Hamilton)
    This first year clinical paper introduces the science and practice of clinical psychology. It is designed to provide an entry into the profession and to understand the history and nature of our field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of thei...
    PSYC522Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice20.024D (Hamilton)
    This first year clinical paper provides knowledge of bicultural theory and practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand and of the implications of biculturalism for mental health systems. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience.
    PSYC523Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills20.024A (Hamilton)
    The aim of this paper is to enable students in the 2nd year of the clinical psychology program to work sensitively, ethically, competently, culturally appropriately, and effectively in the clinical field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and clinical placements.
    PSYC524Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills20.024B (Hamilton)
    The aim of this paper is to enable students in the 2nd year of the clinical psychology program to work sensitively, ethically, competently, culturally appropriately, and effectively in the clinical field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and external placements.
    PSYC541Case Study Analysis in Community Psychology40.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice.
    PSYC542Professional Issues in Community Psychology20.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice.
    PSYCH502Community, Culture and Diversity15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This paper offers students an advanced exploration of the different approaches and actions encompassed within community psychology, and in related fields such as indigenous, clinical and applied social psychologies.
    PSYCH511Evaluation Research Design15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper provides a theoretical grounding in programme evaluation, with an emphasis on the evaluation of programmes in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods, collaborative approaches and evaluation as a strategy of incremental social change.
    PSYCH513Evaluation Research Analysis30.024X (Block)
    This paper provides an introduction to evaluation praxis with a major focus on completing a small scale evaluation of a social service or health programme. Such roles as consultant, advocate, liaison and technician are part of the skills students experience. Engagement with the client through refining and negotiating an evaluation ...
    PSYCH526Clinical Internship: Assessment-Focused30.024I (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    This paper consists of a supervised clinical internship focused on learning basic clinical psychology skills and principles. Students also attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars, and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience.
    PSYCH527Clinical Internship: Treatment-Focused30.024I (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
    This paper consists of a supervised clinical internship focused on learning basic clinical psychology skills and principles. Students also attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars, and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience.
    PSYCH536Eyewitness Memory, Psychological Science and the Law15.024A (Hamilton)
    In this course, we learn about the legal system; the impact of eyewitness testimony; wrongful convictions; perceiving and remembering real world events, and common myths about memory that pervade our legal system and the opinions of the general public.
    PSYCH538Applications of Behaviour Analysis15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
    This paper focuses on the implementation of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in practice. Behavioural interventions and programmes, including common manualised interventions, will be reviewed. The objective is to identify critical components and essential practical skills, and to provide opportunity to practice these skills. Implem...
    PSYCH539Graduate Research Methods in Psychology15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper will give students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills base in research methods in Psychology. Its focus is in assisting students to understand, critique and conduct and report on research in experimental and quasi-experimental designs, multivariate/correlational designs, meta-analysis, and this paper w...
    PSYCH543The Practice of Community Psychology60.024X (Hamilton)
    This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice.
    PSYCH545Special Topic: The WTF seminar: Facts, Fiction, Fake news15.024A (Hamilton)
    Can the world no longer distinguish among fact, fiction, and fake news? Join us—calibrate your WTF detector, explain why a claim is wrong, and help someone else understand too.
    PSYCH551Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA45.024D (Hamilton) & 24D (Online)
    This 45-point course teaches students to critically analyse and apply theoretical knowledge of behaviour analysis to psychological practice within a science-practitioner model, aiming to develop effective and culturally sensitive practitioners.
    PSYCH552Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA)15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
    This 15-point course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills concerning ethical issues in the professional practice in Psychology, specifically in applied behaviour analysis.
    PSYCH553The Practice of Psychology ABA60.024X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
    PSYCH555Environmental Psychology15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in Environmental Psychology, the study of the transaction between humans and their natural and built environments.
    PSYCH560Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
    This paper closely examines the conceptual and philosophical foundations of behaviour analysis: Commonly accepted behavioural concepts and principles are reexamined. The paper aims to help students understand current thinking in behavioural psychology, and how this intersects with other subfields of psychology. It has a strong focu...
    PSYCH561Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
    This course provides an in-depth introduction to the conceptual foundations and core principles of behaviour analysis, including research and theory related to the concepts of reinforcement, extinction, stimulus control, derived stimulus relations, and motivating operations.
    PSYCH562Theories of Psychotherapy15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper surveys the prominent systems of therapy in order to provide students with knowledge of how each type of therapeutic school conceptualizes the processes used to describe personal problems, relevant change mechanisms, and treatment modalities. Students are encouraged to develop knowledge of an integrative model to use as ...
    PSYCH564Developmental Psychopathology15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper considers research on major childhood syndromes including conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent problems and childhood anxiety.
    PSYCH575Kaupapa Māori Psychology15.024A (Hamilton)
    Students develop a critical understanding of Kaupapa Maori psychology, and how it is sensitive to context, conscious of history and responsive to multiple ways of knowing and being in the world. This paper will cover topics relevant to students who wish to work and research as psychologists in applied settings. Topics covered inclu...
    PSYCH577Single Subject Research Design15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
    This course covers research methodologies used in the field of behaviour analysis, including collection of data, experimental design, data presentation and analysis, and interpretation and reporting of research findings.
    PSYCH579Applying Psychology to Work15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper is designed to help students develop a critical awareness of psychological contributions to how our work and workplaces are designed. It will develop student knowledge of how psychology can be used to understand work behaviour and relationships, create more efficient workplaces and protect employee safety, as well as enh...
    PSYCH580The Psychology of Crime and Criminality: Research and Practice15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper builds on the introduction to the psychology of crime and criminality provided by FPSYC502. Drawing on foundational knowledge from that paper, we critique relevant research, and consider how to apply it to prevent crime, particularly in correctional contexts.
    PSYCH581Psychological Assessment15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper covers the selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of a range of psychological and behavioural assessments that are commonly used in New Zealand. The paper is targeted to students intending to pursue further study to become a registered psychologist.
    PSYCH582Community Health Psychology15.024X (Block)
    This paper provides an introduction to community health psychology and the theoretical and practical dilemmas faced by psychologists working with participative approaches within the health arena.
    PSYCH583Foundations of Community Psychology15.024X (Block)
    This paper emphasises the application of community psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand, especially in relation to its emergence as a bicultural nation. Students are strongly recommended to also enrol in PSYCH575, which deals specifically with the Treaty of Waitangi.
    PSYCH586Behaviour Analysis Practicum30.024D (Online)
    This 30-point course provides the opportunity to gain practical clinical skills by administering a criterion-referenced assessment tool, the VB-MAPP, in an applied setting with a client.
    PSYCH591Honours Research Project30.024D (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    PSYCH592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    PSYCH593Psychology Thesis90.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    PSYCH594Psychology Thesis120.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    PSYCH800Psychology MPhil Thesis120.024X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    PSYCH900Psychology PhD Thesis120.024I (Hamilton), 24I (Tauranga), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton), 24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    No description available.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 12 March 2024 7:59pm

This page has been reformatted for printing.