Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology (PGDipOrgPsyc) focuses on applying psychology to workplaces, organisations, teams and employees.
• Students develop knowledge of human behaviour, behaviour-change strategies and evidence-based organisational psychology.
• The programme addresses workplace issues such as stress, workplace bullying, change management, employee performance, work design and selection.
• Students learn to work with individuals, teams and organisations to support healthy, ethical, equitable and sustainable working environments.
• A major feature is the supervised internship undertaken within the student's current organisation.
• UC states that the diploma provides a pathway towards registration as a psychologist under the general scope with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, subject to the applicable registration requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of four compulsory 30-point courses:

• PSYC685 – Advanced Topics in Organisational Psychology Part 1
• PSYC687 – Internship in Organisational Psychology Part 1
• PSYC686 – Advanced Topics in Organisational Psychology Part 2
• PSYC688 – Internship in Organisational Psychology Part 2

The course content includes:

• Organisational psychology theory and application
• Human behaviour in organisations
• Workplace performance
• Behaviour-change strategies
• Employee and organisational wellbeing
• Workplace issues
• Cultural competencies
• Professional practice
• Ethical and evidence-based organisational psychology

Disciplines / Specialisations

• Primary discipline: Organisational Psychology.
• Related field: Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
• The programme does not list separate majors or specialisations.
• The qualification itself is awarded specifically in Organisational Psychology.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point professional postgraduate qualification.
• One-year full-time structure.
• February intake.
• Four compulsory 30-point courses.
• 1,500-hour supervised internship.
• Internship is completed through the student's current organisation.
• Supervision by programme/field supervisors and registered psychology professionals.
• Campus-based academic component.
• Workshops, seminars, cultural learning and professional competency development.
• Includes a noho marae component for cultural competency development.
• Designed as a pathway toward psychologist registration under the general scope, subject to New Zealand Psychologists Board requirements.
• UC identifies the qualification as a professional pathway rather than a conventional coursework-only postgraduate diploma.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue organisational psychology and related professional roles in:

• Organisational development
• Human resources
• Recruitment and selection
• Training and development
• Coaching
• Workplace health and safety
• Organisational consultancy
• Organisational strategy and development
• Research analysis
• Government and public-sector organisations

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The qualification is currently active and is listed by UC among its Psychology/Science postgraduate qualifications.
• It was first offered in 2024.
• The current programme is highly selective and requires an interview.
• A relevant 240-point master's degree or PhD is a minimum academic requirement.
• The previous qualification must contain substantial organisational psychology coursework and research.
• Employment relevant to organisational psychology is mandatory for the internship requirement.
• Employer approval for using the position as the internship is required.
• Students entering the internship courses must be admitted to the PGDipOrgPsyc and registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board as an intern psychologist.
• The programme requires all courses to be passed at the first attempt unless an exemption is granted.
• A student who fails a required course will be withdrawn from the programme.
• A grade below B+ in a course triggers a discussion with the programme director/course coordinator regarding potential study support.
• Merit is not awarded; Distinction is awarded at a GPA of 7.00 or higher in qualification courses.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for this full-time programme.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the student has sufficient funds to pay them, or an applicable scholarship/approved funding arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence meeting health and character requirements where applicable.
• Evidence of genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of plans/funds for onward travel where required