The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology at the University of Otago is a one-year postgraduate programme that provides intensive coursework and supervised clinical training for students who already hold a psychology degree and want to progress towards professional practice or further clinical training. It suits graduates seeking a focused, practice-oriented grounding in clinical assessment, formulation and intervention before applying to professional clinical training programmes or working in allied mental health roles.
The programme combines core taught papers with supervised clinical practicum and a supervised research or project component. Typical topics include assessment and diagnosis across the lifespan, evidence-based psychological interventions (for example cognitive–behavioural approaches), psychopathology and developmental disorders, case formulation, ethics and professional practice, and outcome measurement.
Applicants normally require a recognised undergraduate degree with substantial psychology content. Typically this means completion of fourth-year or honours-level study in psychology, or an equivalent qualification that demonstrates advanced standing in psychological theory, research methods and assessment. Academic merit at an advanced level is expected.
Selection commonly also involves consideration of relevant clinical or voluntary experience, referee reports, and an interview. Successful applicants must meet any professional suitability checks required for clinical placements, which can include police and health clearances. International applicants should check specific residency and qualification recognition requirements.
The Graduate Diploma is designed as a preparatory qualification for further professional training in clinical psychology (for example entry to a professional master’s or doctoral programme) and strengthens candidacy for those competitive places. Graduates also move into roles within mental health services, such as assistant psychologist, psychological services assistant, case manager, community mental health worker, or roles in NGOs and wellbeing teams where advanced understanding of assessment and evidence-based interventions is valued.
Additionally, the diploma supports careers in applied research, clinical trials coordination, and practice-based roles in settings such as hospitals, primary care, schools and correctional facilities, particularly when combined with further postgraduate study or supervised practice hours required for professional registration pathways.
University of Otago has a long-established health sciences faculty with integrated teaching and clinical services, providing access to experienced clinical educators and a range of supervised placement settings including university clinics and public health services. The programme emphasises both evidence-based practice and culturally responsive care, reflecting Otago’s commitment to local communities and Te Tiriti-informed practice.
Students benefit from close supervision, strong links between teaching and clinical research, and opportunities to engage with active research groups in clinical, developmental and neuropsychology. The Dunedin campus environment offers a compact clinical training network, enabling coordinated placements and mentoring that support transition into professional training or employment in the mental health sector.
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