Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This programme provides a broad introduction to core areas of psychology together with practical research and professional skills. Typical topics include:

• Research methods and statistics – experimental design, quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis and interpretation.
• Foundations of psychology – cognitive, biological, social and personality psychology.
• Developmental psychology – lifespan perspectives on learning and development.
• Assessment and measurement – psychometrics, test use and interpretation.
• Applied psychology areas – organisational behaviour, health psychology, and community interventions.
• Counselling and communication skills – basic helping skills, ethical practice and working with diverse populations.
• Professional and ethical practice – legal, ethical and cultural competencies including Māori and Pasifika perspectives in psychological work.
• Capstone project or research project – an applied research project that integrates theoretical and practical learning.

Courses are taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory work and supervised project work. The programme may be taken full time over one year or part time over a longer period, depending on the student’s circumstances.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The programme is tailored as a conversion qualification, so prior study in psychology is not required, but evidence of academic capability and quantitative literacy is expected.

• Academic transcript demonstrating a completed undergraduate degree from a recognised institution.
• A statement of purpose outlining reasons for undertaking the diploma and relevant experience.
• English language proficiency at the University’s postgraduate level if the first language of instruction was not English.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide a CV and referee report; selection may also consider relevant work or community experience.

Meeting the Graduate Diploma requirements does not itself confer registration as a psychologist. Graduates who intend to pursue practitioner registration should check the additional professional or postgraduate training required in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Career prospects

Graduates use this qualification in a variety of applied settings or as a stepping stone to further professional study. Typical career directions include:

• Support and specialist roles in health, education, social services and community organisations.
• Human resources, organisational development and employee wellbeing positions in public and private sectors.
• Research assistant or data‑analysis roles in academic, government or market research organisations.
• Further postgraduate study in psychology (for example honours or master’s pathways) leading to professional training programmes.

The programme emphasises transferable research and interpersonal skills valued by employers, such as critical thinking, assessment, report writing and culturally responsive practice.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT’s School of Psychology offers an applied, practice‑oriented approach with strong links to community and industry partners across Auckland and New Zealand. Students benefit from research‑active staff, well‑equipped teaching laboratories and opportunities for supervised applied projects. The University places emphasis on culturally informed practice, including kaupapa Māori and Pacific approaches, and provides dedicated student support services for study, careers and research skill development. The city location supports placement and employment connections in diverse public and private organisations.