University of Auckland

What you'll study

This graduate diploma covers core areas of health psychology, emphasising theory, research methods and application. Typical topics include psychological models of health behaviour, behaviour change interventions, health communication, chronic illness and coping, stress and resilience, and the social determinants of health. Students study advanced research methods and quantitative statistics relevant to health research and carry out a supervised research project or applied assignment in a health setting.

• Foundations of health psychology: theories of behaviour change, illness perceptions and patient–provider interactions.
• Health behaviour change: intervention design, evaluation and implementation in community and clinical contexts.
• Research methods and statistics: study design, data analysis, critical appraisal of health psychology evidence.
• Applied practice/research project: supervised piece of empirical or practice-focused work linking theory to a health-setting problem.
• Optional/selective topics: areas such as chronic disease management, addiction, paediatric health psychology, or workplace health depending on availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor’s degree. A background in psychology is required — this is typically satisfied by an undergraduate major or substantial coursework in psychology, including training in research methods and statistics at an intermediate or advanced level. Equivalent experience or prior study may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements.

The programme is intended for graduates seeking a specialist introduction to health psychology; it is not a professional qualification for registration as a clinical or health psychologist. Applicants considering registration should review the professional and regulatory requirements in their jurisdiction and consider further postgraduate training.

Career prospects

Graduates use the skills from this diploma in a range of roles across health-focused organisations. Common career pathways include roles in health promotion, community and public health agencies, non-government organisations, health policy and research settings, and health services delivery. Typical job titles include health promotion practitioner, research assistant, behaviour-change advisor, programme evaluator and policy analyst.

Many students also use the diploma as a stepping stone to further postgraduate study (for example, a specialised master’s or research degree) if they aim to pursue research careers or professional psychologist training. Employers value the programme’s emphasis on evidence-based intervention, evaluation and applied research skills.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland offers access to a broad range of health and social science expertise, with teaching informed by active research in health behaviour, public health and clinical outcomes. The School of Psychology and related faculties maintain partnerships with local health providers and agencies, providing opportunities for applied projects and real-world engagement.

Students benefit from learning in New Zealand’s largest university environment, with access to specialised research facilities, interdisciplinary centres and a network of alumni across health and public sectors. The programme’s curriculum is designed to combine rigorous research training with practical skills relevant to contemporary health challenges.