Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipClinPsyc) is a professional clinical psychology qualification with a strong practical component.
• UC describes it as the first qualification of its kind in New Zealand.
• Students develop skills in clinical assessment, psychopathology, psychometric testing, interviewing, psychotherapy, clinical practice and professional internship.
• The programme combines academic coursework with substantial supervised/practical experience.
• Training incorporates culturally safe practice and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• The qualification is designed as part of the pathway toward registration in the Clinical Psychologist scope of practice in New Zealand.
• UC accepts applications from international students who meet the admission requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme is structured over three years.

Year 1:

• PSYC641 Advanced Psychopathology – 30 points
• PSYC642 Psychometric Assessment Methods – 18 points
• PSYC643 Year 1 Practicum – 24 points

Year 1 total: 72 points.

Key content includes:

• adult and child psychopathology
• classification and differential diagnosis
• epidemiology and causes of psychological disorders
• psychological assessment
• psychometric testing
• neuropsychological assessment
• intelligence testing
• behavioural and emotional assessment
• clinical interviewing
• client-centred and evidence-based practice
• culturally safe clinical practice.

Year 2:

• PSYC651 Psychotherapeutic Methods – 30 points
• PSYC653 Year 2 Practicum – 30 points
• PSYC654 Comprehensive Exam in Clinical Psychology – 12 points

Year 2 total: 72 points.

PSYC651 introduces conceptual foundations and applications of cognitive and behavioural therapies for child, adolescent and adult disorders. The course also addresses adapting CBT for M?ori and Pasifika clients and includes a noho marae component to develop knowledge of tikanga and kaupapa M?ori approaches.

The Year 2 practicum provides further applied clinical training, while the comprehensive examination assesses students after completion of the first two years.

Year 3:

• PSYC661 Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology 1 – 30 points
• PSYC662 Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology II – 30 points
• PSYC670 Internship in Clinical Psychology – 60 points

Alternatively, with permission:

• PSYC671 Internship in Clinical Psychology A – 30 points
• PSYC672 Internship in Clinical Psychology B – 30 points.

Disciplines/Specialisations

There are no majors or minors within the PGDipClinPsyc.

The qualification is specifically focused on:

• Clinical Psychology
• psychopathology
• clinical assessment
• psychometric assessment
• psychotherapy
• clinical intervention
• clinical practicum
• professional clinical internship
• culturally responsive and bicultural clinical practice.

Programme Highlights

• Professional clinical psychology qualification.
• 264 points.
• Three years full-time.
• Up to five years part-time with permission.
• February/Semester 1 intake.
• Limited-entry and highly competitive.
• Campus-based in Christchurch.
• No distance-learning option.
• Extensive practicum and internship experience.
• Training in clinical assessment and psychotherapy.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.
• Explicit attention to cultural safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Preparation for the clinical psychology registration pathway.
• UC's qualification is listed by the New Zealand Psychologists Board among its accredited clinical psychology programmes.

Career Outcomes

UC states that graduates have career opportunities across a broad range of settings, including:

• mental health services
• primary care
• healthcare
• criminal justice
• social welfare
• education
• research
• senior administrative and management roles related to psychology. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

Several points are particularly important for 2027 international applicants:

• Applications for the February 2027 intake close on 20 September 2026 at 23:59 NZST.
• Referee reports are due by 23 September 2026 at 23:59 NZST.
• International applicants should begin UC admission/qualification assessment at least two months before the PGDipClinPsyc application deadline.
• The programme is limited entry and admission is competitive.
• A special application form/additional information is required.
• Three referee reports are required.
• Shortlisted candidates participate in an interview/selection process.
• Shortlisted candidates are asked to submit an audio recording demonstrating reflective listening and empathic skills before Selection Day.
• Selection Day takes place in November, with outcomes expected in early December.
• Clinical experience, research experience and cultural awareness strengthen an application.

There are also strict progression requirements after admission:

• Unless an exemption is granted, all courses must be passed at the first attempt.
• A grade below B+ in any course triggers a review of the student's status.
• Failure of a required course can result in withdrawal.
• There are restrictions on the number of attempts permitted for the comprehensive and diploma examinations.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the PGDipClinPsyc on campus in New Zealand will normally require a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable health and travel insurance.
• Meeting health requirements.
• Meeting character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.