Why Study Master of Arts in Psychology

The Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of Waikato is a 180-point taught master's programme designed for students who want to develop advanced knowledge of psychology while combining it with study from other disciplines. The programme can be completed in approximately 1.5 years and does not require a thesis or dissertation. It is particularly suitable for students interested in applying psychological knowledge and research skills to a range of professional and psychology-related careers.

• Level of study: Master's Degree (MA)
• Campus: Hamilton
• Mode of learning: Primarily campus-based/in-person study; individual paper delivery modes may vary.
• Duration: 1.5 years full-time
• Total points: 180 points
• Intakes: March (Trimester A) and July (Trimester B)
• School: School of Psychological and Social Sciences
• Work-integrated learning: No formal work-integrated learning component is listed for this programme.

Key Benefits

• Develops deeper and specialised knowledge of psychology.
• Builds advanced research, analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Provides training in conducting and communicating psychological research.
• Allows students to combine Psychology with selected subjects from other disciplines.
• Offers flexibility to personalise the master's degree through elective choices.
• No thesis or dissertation is required, making it suitable for students seeking a taught postgraduate qualification.
• Psychology at Waikato covers areas including M?ori and Community Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Environmental Psychology.
• The University of Waikato is ranked among the world's top 300 universities for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings.

Program Structure

The Master of Arts in Psychology consists of 180 points. Students must complete at least 60 points from Psychology courses, including at least 45 points from the approved List A papers. The programme also includes required postgraduate academic/research components and allows students to select electives from Psychology and other disciplines.

• Core/research component includes:
  • ALPSS500 – Academic & Professional Research & Writing – 30 points
  • PSYCH539 – Graduate Research Methods in Psychology
• Psychology List A options include:
  • PSYCH538 – Applications of Behaviour Analysis
  • PSYCH545 – Special Topic: The WTF Seminar: Facts, Fiction, Fake News
  • PSYCH555 – Environmental Psychology
  • PSYCH560 – Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues
  • PSYCH579 – Applying Psychology to Work
  • PSYCH580 – The Psychology of Crime and Criminality: Research and Practice
• Psychology electives may include:
  • PSYCH561 – Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles
  • PSYCH575 – Kaupapa M?ori Psychology
  • PSYCH577 – Single Subject Research Design
• Students can also select suitable 500-level electives from other disciplines, subject to prerequisites. Examples include Applied Business Analytics, Policy Analysis, Environmental Politics and Public Policy, Official Social Statistics, Population Health and Equity, and Research Methods for Population Analysis.

Discipline / Specialisation

The qualification is specifically offered in Psychology within the Master of Arts. It is not structured as a set of separate named specialisations like the Master of Applied Psychology; instead, students can shape their study through Psychology papers and cross-disciplinary electives.

Relevant areas available through the Psychology subject include:

• Behavioural Psychology and Behaviour Analysis
• Cognitive Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Maori and Community Psychology
• Psychology of Crime and Criminality
• Applied Psychology in the workplace
• Kaupapa Maori Psychology
• Psychological research methods

Programme Highlights

• 180-point postgraduate qualification.
• Approximately 1.5 years of full-time study.
• March and July intakes.
• Based at the Hamilton campus.
• Taught master's programme with no thesis or dissertation requirement.
• Minimum academic entry requirement is a relevant bachelor's degree with a B grade average or better across third-year papers.
• For international students, postgraduate English proficiency generally requires IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT 90 with a minimum writing score of 21 or PTE Academic 58 with no communicative skill below 50.
• 2027 international tuition for the 180-point Master of Arts category is estimated at NZD 62,339–72,324, depending on the subject/fee band. Fees are indicative and can change; the final amount is confirmed in the enrolment agreement.
• Scholarships available to eligible international students include the Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship, with awards of up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees. There is also a specific Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India, which covers postgraduate taught study and is relevant to eligible Indian applicants.

Career Outcomes

The qualification can prepare graduates for a variety of psychology-related and interdisciplinary roles. Career options listed by the University include:

• Behavioural Technician
• Probation Officer
• Psychological Data Analyst
• Programme Evaluator
• Policy Analyst
• Consultant
• Marketing Advisor
• Project Manager
• Human Resources Manager

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students studying this programme in New Zealand normally require a valid New Zealand student visa, unless they fall under an exemption. The University states that the student visa must name the University of Waikato as the place of study.

• Students generally apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa for a standard international degree programme.
• An Offer of Place from the University is required for the visa process.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment and sufficient funds for living expenses is required.
• The University currently states that international students should be able to demonstrate funds of at least NZD 20,000 per year for living costs.
• Students must maintain appropriate insurance and comply with student-visa conditions.
• Students must remain enrolled in full-time study, attend classes and make satisfactory academic progress.
• A valid passport and other Immigration New Zealand supporting documents are required.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current University information confirms the Master of Arts in Psychology as a 180-point programme with March and July intakes and a 1.5-year duration.
• For 2027, Psychology regulations specify that students completing the 180-point MA in Psychology must include ALPSS500 and PSYCH539 and at least 45 points from the approved Psychology List A.
• Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree with a B grade average or better across third-year papers.
• International applicants must satisfy the University's postgraduate English-language requirements unless an approved exemption or equivalent qualification applies.
• 2027 tuition fees are indicative and subject to change. The University will confirm the actual tuition fees through the student's enrolment agreement.
• Scholarship availability and deadlines can vary. The Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India is currently available for eligible new international postgraduate students and can provide up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees.