The Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies is a Level 7 graduate qualification designed for graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who wish to develop an understanding of psychotherapy, human behaviour and therapeutic relationships.

The programme introduces key psychotherapy theories, models and relational skills while encouraging self-awareness, reflective practice and experiential learning. It is suitable for people working in helping professions, community organisations, education, health and social services, as well as those interested in personal and professional development.

Why Study the Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies at AUT?

• Develop a strong foundation in psychotherapy theory and practice.
• Build transferable therapeutic and relational skills.
• Learn through experiential and reflective teaching methods.
• Choose between two study pathways:
  • Standard (Adult) pathway
  • Child and Adolescent pathway
• Suitable for graduates from a wide range of disciplines.
• Excellent preparation for the AUT Master of Psychotherapy.
• Learn from experienced psychotherapists, counsellors and mental health educators.
• Study in New Zealand's leading university department for psychotherapy education.

Programme Structure

Students complete 120 points through one of two pathways.

Standard (Adult) Pathway

Full-Year Courses

• PSYT706 – Psychotherapy Practice Skills (30 points)
• PSYT707 – Relational Psychotherapy Theories and Modalities (30 points)

Semester One

• PSYT702 – Social and Cultural Analysis
• PSYT712 – Reflexivity and Relational Skills

Semester Two

• MENH602 – Mental Health and Psychopathology
• MENH701 – Research in Mental Health

Child and Adolescent Pathway

Students complete the same core psychotherapy courses, but replace Mental Health and Psychopathology with:

• PSYT709 – Child and Adolescent Work Discussion Group

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study areas including:

• Psychotherapy Practice Skills
• Relational Psychotherapy
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Human Behaviour
• Mental Health
• Psychopathology
• Research in Mental Health
• Reflexive Practice
• Social and Cultural Analysis
• Therapeutic Relationships
• Child and Adolescent Development (selected pathway)
• Professional Reflection
• Experiential Learning

Disciplines / Pathways Offered

Students choose one of the following:

Standard (Adult) Psychotherapy Studies

Focuses on:

• Adult mental health
• Psychotherapy theories
• Relational practice
• Therapeutic approaches

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Studies

Focuses on:

• Infant observation
• Child development
• Psychodynamic theory
• Adolescent mental health
• Developmentally informed psychotherapy practice

Programme Highlights

• Graduate-entry psychotherapy qualification.
• Two pathway options (Adult or Child & Adolescent).
• Strong emphasis on reflective and experiential learning.
• Learn from experienced psychotherapy educators.
• Suitable for professionals from helping and community professions.
• Can provide a pathway to the AUT Master of Psychotherapy (subject to meeting admission requirements).
• Small cohort learning environment.
• Modern teaching facilities at AUT North Campus.

Career Outcomes

As this qualification is not a professional clinical psychotherapy qualification, graduates are not eligible to register as psychotherapists based on this diploma alone.

However, graduates may apply their knowledge in roles such as:

• Community Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Wellbeing Coordinator
• Youth Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Social Services Worker
• Community Development Officer
• Health Promotion Support Roles
• Human Services and Helping Professions

Visa Requirements

International students studying full-time must generally obtain a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where required)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (where applicable)
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3580.
• Programme Start: 22 February 2027.
• Application Deadline: 30 October 2026.
• Places are limited, and AUT advises students to apply early.
• Applicants may be asked to provide additional information to support their application.
• Preference is given to applicants with relevant helping-profession experience and/or personal psychotherapy experience.
• Completion of the Graduate Diploma does not guarantee admission to the Master of Psychotherapy, which has its own competitive selection process.