Why Study / Key Benefits

• The BPsycSc(Hons) is an advanced, research-focused psychology qualification designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree or an approved qualifying programme in psychology.
• It develops advanced knowledge of psychological concepts, theories and research methods.
• Students gain experience in independent research, advanced seminars, analytical work and close academic supervision.
• Students can select Psychology electives according to their interests and career goals.
• The programme includes a substantial research component, with a choice between a traditional independent research project and an industry-engaged group research project.
• The industry-engaged option allows students to work with community or organisational partners on an applied psychology research project.
• The qualification provides a strong pathway into further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused Master's programmes.
• Students achieving a First Class or Second Class Division I Honours degree can apply to progress directly to PhD study, subject to the PhD admission requirements. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BPsycSc(Hons) consists of 120 points.

The structure is:

• PSYC678 – Advanced Research Methods and Statistics: 15 points
• Research project: 30 points
• Approved elective study: up to 75 points.

For the research component, students choose one of:

• PSYC679 – Research Project: 30 points
• PSYC680 – Industry-engaged Group Research Project: 30 points.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The BPsycSc(Hons) does not have formally named majors or specialisations.

Instead, students create an area of emphasis through their elective choices and research project.

Possible academic areas can include:

• Psychology
• Child and Family Psychology
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Psychological research methods
• Applied psychology
• Behaviour and mental processes
• Organisational/community-related psychology topics, depending on available approved electives.

Programme Highlights

• New UC qualification first offered in 2026.
• 120 points.
• NZQF Level 8–9 classification.
• One-year full-time structure.
• Up to two years part-time.
• February intake only.
• Maximum 70 places per year.
• Competitive selection.
• Requires substantial prior Psychology study.
• B+ standard required for consideration.
• Advanced research methods and statistics.
• 30-point research project.
• Choice of traditional or industry-engaged research.
• Close academic supervision.
• On-campus delivery according to the current qualification page.
• Provides preparation for research-focused postgraduate Psychology study.
• High-performing graduates may be able to apply directly to PhD study, subject to PhD admission requirements.

Career Outcomes

UC describes the qualification as preparation for postgraduate study and psychology-related careers, rather than as a standalone professional registration qualification.

Potential areas of employment include:

• Research
• Policy
• Programme evaluation
• Data analysis
• Government agencies
• Public organisations
• Non-government organisations
• Private companies
• Academic research environments
• Non-registered mental health or rehabilitation roles.

The qualification is particularly useful for students intending to continue into:

• Master of Arts (Thesis)
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology
• PhD study, where the applicant meets the relevant entry standard.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The BPsycSc(Hons) is a new UC qualification introduced in 2026. The official 2026 regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.

Current special requirements include:

• Special application required.
• Applications due by 1 December each year.
• Maximum 70 places.
• Competitive selection.
• Minimum B+ average for consideration.
• Prior Psychology study is required.
• PSYC375 or equivalent is specifically required for the standard Psychology pathway.
• Research project must be completed within one year.
• Some individual research courses require Head of School approval.
• PSYC679 requires a B+ in PSYC375 or equivalent plus Head of School approval.
• PSYC680 is restricted to BPsycSc(Hons) students and requires PSYC377, with PSYC375 or equivalent also specified in the course information.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student travelling to New Zealand for full-time study, the usual visa route is the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the individual student's circumstances.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.
• Satisfactory attendance and academic progress.

Current visa information:

• Cost: from NZD 850
• Maximum duration: up to 4 years
• Processing time: 80% within 8.5 weeks.
• Application: online.
• INZ strongly encourages students to apply approximately three months before intended travel.

Work rights:

• Eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week while studying.
• Full-time work during scheduled holidays may be permitted, depending on the conditions attached to the visa.

Living-fund requirement:

• NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary study of one year or longer.
• NZD 1,667 per month where the study period is less than one year.