Why Study / Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology (PGDipChFamPsyc) is a specialised, limited-entry professional psychology qualification at the University of Canterbury.

The programme is designed for students who want to develop the competencies required to work as child and family psychologists and pursue professional registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. UC describes the programme as unique in New Zealand.

Key benefits include:

• Specialist training in psychology for children, adolescents and families.
• Strong focus on children's mental health, emotional wellbeing and learning.
• Training in psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.
• Understanding of family, parenting and wider community systems.
• Emphasis on children's strengths, resilience and protective factors.
• Evidence-based professional practice.
• Bicultural and culturally responsive practice, including M?ori-centred perspectives.
• Supervised clinical/practical experience.
• Placements in schools/kura, early childhood centres and health/medical settings.
• Training through UC's Pukemanu Centre, which provides services to children and families in the Christchurch region.
• A 1,500-hour internship in the final professional year.
• Preparation for professional registration as a psychologist in New Zealand, subject to meeting the New Zealand Psychologists Board's requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of academic, practical and professional training.

Year 1:

• CFPY611 – Theory and Practice in Child and Family Psychology – 30 points
• CFPY612 – Year 1 Practicum and Skills Training – 45 points

The first year develops theoretical and applied foundations and introduces students to professional skills and supervised practical work.

Year 2:

• CFPY621 – Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology – 30 points
• CFPY622 – Year 2 Practicum and Skills Training – 45 points

This stage advances professional practice and supervised skills development.

Final professional year:

• CFPY631 – Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part A – 30 points
• CFPY632 – Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part B – 30 points
• CFPY633 – Supervised Internship – Full-time – 60 points

Total final year: 120 points.

For part-time students, the supervised internship is divided into:

• CFPY634 – Supervised Internship – Part-time, Part A – 30 points
• CFPY635 – Supervised Internship – Part-time, Part B – 30 points.

The final year develops advanced competencies in:

• Complex psychological assessment
• Psychological formulation
• Psychological intervention
• Working with children and young people
• Working with parents and caregivers
• Working with wh?nau
• Collaboration with other professionals
• Culturally responsive practice
• M?ori-centred knowledge
• Professional supervision
• Continuing professional development
• Ethical and professional behaviour.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors or endorsements within the PGDipChFamPsyc.

The qualification itself is the specialist area: Child and Family Psychology.

The programme focuses particularly on:

• Child psychology
• Adolescent psychology
• Family psychology
• Child mental health
• Emotional wellbeing
• Learning
• Parenting
• Adult mental health in the context of families
• Psychological assessment
• Psychological formulation
• Intervention
• Family and community systems
• Maori and culturally responsive psychology
• Professional psychology practice.

Programme Highlights

• 270-point professional postgraduate qualification.
• 3 years full-time.
• Up to 5 years part-time.
• February intake.
• Limited-entry programme.
• Current programme information indicates 10 places per year.
• Special application and selection process.
• Group exercise, role play and interview for shortlisted candidates.
• Academic study combined with professional training.
• Clinical/community placements.
• Training through the Pukemanu Centre.
• 1,500-hour supervised internship.
• Strong child, adolescent and family focus.
• Maori and culturally responsive practice.
• Evidence-based professional psychology training.
• Accredited/recognised in UC's current accreditation listing by the New Zealand Psychologists Board and New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists.

Career Outcomes

The programme is specifically designed for professional practice with children, adolescents and families.

UC identifies potential work contexts including:

• Health services
• Education
• Welfare
• Non-government organisations
• Private-sector services
• Community services
• Child and family support services.

Professional work can involve:

• Psychological assessment
• Formulation
• Intervention
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Family support
• Parenting support
• Collaboration with schools and other professionals
• Work with children and young people experiencing psychological or developmental difficulties.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

There are several important 2026–2028 updates.

1. Limited-entry selection

The July 2026 UC programme information states that only 10 students are selected each year. Applications close on 1 October and shortlisted applicants undergo a competitive selection process.

2. M?ori language/cultural preparation

For candidates applying for the 2027 intake, UC currently states that it is preferred that applicants have completed a Te Reo M?ori and/or Tikanga M?ori course through UC or another provider.

From the 2028 intake onwards, completion of a Te Reo Maori and/or Tikanga Maori course will become a requirement for entry.

This is a particularly important requirement for international students planning a 2028 or later application.

3. Vaccination

Students must undertake community-based training, including placements in schools/kura, early childhood centres and health/medical facilities.

UC states that vaccination in line with New Zealand Government requirements is required for this qualification and students must provide evidence of vaccination status if requested. Failure to meet vaccination requirements may prevent a student from completing particular placements and therefore the qualification.

4. Professional progression

The qualification requires completion of the prescribed master's or PhD component before the diploma can be awarded.

5. Academic progression

Students normally must pass CFPY611, CFPY612, CFPY621, CFPY622, CFPY631 and CFPY632 on the first attempt unless an exemption is granted.

The internship courses have specific re-enrolment rules, and failure of the specified core courses can result in withdrawal from the programme.

6. Graduating examination

Students must apply to sit the graduating examination and receive approval from the Programme Director or delegate. The examination can normally be attempted a maximum of two times, with a maximum 12-month interval between attempts.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically undertaking this programme in New Zealand, the normal visa route is the Fee Paying Student Visa, assuming the student meets Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Current INZ requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of funds to pay tuition fees or an eligible scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of ability/intention to leave New Zealand when required.