Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) is designed as a bridging qualification for graduates who already hold a degree in another subject and want to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
• Students develop an understanding of psychological processes from natural, social and biological perspectives.
• The programme covers areas such as perception, learning, cognition, development, behaviour, interpersonal relationships, brain and behaviour, social groups, culture, gender, poverty and mental health.
• Students develop transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, problem-solving and interpersonal interaction.
• The qualification can also provide a foundation for applying for further study in psychology after completion.
• Massey highlights its psychology research and training links with community and statutory organisations and states that its psychology expertise is recognised nationally and internationally.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

A full-time student normally completes 120 credits through eight 15-credit Psychology courses.

A key compulsory course is:

• 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research – introduces psychological research methods, measurement, study designs, data analysis and communication of research findings.

Massey states that 175203 is the prerequisite for the 300-level Psychology courses, except 175304 Psychology of Security, and should be taken at the student's first opportunity.

Psychology subject options currently listed include:

• 175201 Social Psychology – contemporary experimental social psychology and discursive psychology in the New Zealand context.
• 175205 Brain and Behaviour – biological processes underlying behaviour and effects of disruption to those processes.
• 175206 Memory and Cognition – representation and processing of knowledge, drawing on experimental psychology, neuroscience, neuropsychology and cognitive science.
• 175210 Ng? Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology – bicultural perspectives in psychology.
• 175301 Community Psychology – concepts, research, practice and intervention strategies used in community psychology.
• 175302 Introduction to Clinical Psychology – mental distress, psychological disorders, explanatory approaches and treatments.
• 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research – practical research exercises and projects.
• 175304 The Psychology of Security – application of psychology to contemporary security challenges.
• 175306 Assessment of Individual Differences – psychological testing and assessment of individual and group differences.
• 175317 Health Psychology – psychological theories and applications relating to health, illness and health promotion, with a New Zealand focus.
• 175318 Conducting Psychological Research – hands-on qualitative and quantitative psychological research, research ethics and science communication.
• 175343 People, Management and Careers at Work – selection, training, performance evaluation, occupational health and vocational/career development.
• 175345 Work Psychology – psychological perspectives applied to workplace problems.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The specific specialisation is:

• Psychology

Within Psychology, students can develop interests across areas such as:

• Social psychology
• Biological psychology / brain and behaviour
• Cognitive psychology
• Bicultural psychology
• Community psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Psychological research
• Security psychology
• Psychological assessment
• Health psychology
• Organisational and workplace psychology
• People, management and careers

Programme Highlights

• Equivalent to an undergraduate major in Psychology without requiring a second bachelor’s degree.
• Suitable as a conversion/bridging qualification for graduates from another academic discipline.
• 120-credit, one-year full-time structure.
• Available both on campus and through distance/online study.
• Psychology study combines natural, social and biological approaches.
• Strong emphasis on research methods and practical research skills.
• Students can explore clinical, health, community, cognitive, social, organisational and other psychology areas.
• The programme can provide a pathway towards applying for further psychology study.
• Massey describes its psychology research and training as nationally and internationally recognised.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies career relevance across a broad range of psychology-related and people-focused areas, including:

• Human services
• Communication
• Social services
• Business
• Counselling
• Human resources
• Public health
• Youth support
• Policy
• Rehabilitation
• Scientific research
• Special education

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme is currently open to international students both on campus in New Zealand and online from outside New Zealand.
• Course availability can change from year to year. Massey specifically warns that not all courses are available in every year.
• 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research is a particularly important sequencing requirement because it is the prerequisite for most 300-level Psychology courses.
• Students commencing in Semester One should enrol in 175203 at the first opportunity.
• Students commencing in Semester Two may be able to take two 300-level Psychology courses initially if available, but must take 175203 in Semester One of the following year. Massey notes that Semester Two commencement can therefore be difficult depending on course availability.
• Students planning postgraduate Psychology study should complete all eight courses in Psychology, including electives.
• No programme-specific GPA requirement is currently published on the Psychology Graduate Diploma page.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the qualification physically in New Zealand would generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand.

Current key conditions and requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the student has sufficient funding/scholarship as required.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs.
• For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses when the student is paying their own living costs.
• Evidence of acceptable medical/travel insurance as required.
• Applicants must satisfy health and character requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they intend to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay or otherwise have an appropriate lawful immigration status.
• The application is submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.
• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions attached to their individual visa.
• The qualification contains 120 credits, which is relevant when determining holiday work rights, but the actual work conditions are determined by the visa granted.