Massey University

What you'll study

This programme develops understanding of typical and atypical psychological development across childhood and adolescence and the application of psychological approaches to learning, behaviour and well‑being in educational and community settings. Teaching combines theory, research methods and applied assessment and intervention planning.

• Developmental psychology — cognitive, social and emotional development from infancy to adolescence, and lifespan perspectives on learning.
• Learning and teaching processes — evidence‑informed approaches to instruction, motivation, classroom behaviour and curriculum adaptations for diverse learners.
• Assessment and intervention — psychometric and functional assessment principles, formulation, goal setting and design of individualised interventions for learning and developmental needs.
• Special needs and inclusive practice — understanding neurodevelopmental conditions, learning differences and strategies to support inclusion in schools and early childhood settings.
• Family and system contexts — attachment, family dynamics, cultural and socio‑ecological influences on child development and learning.
• Research methods and ethics — qualitative and quantitative methods relevant to educational and developmental psychology, critical appraisal of evidence and professional ethics.

Delivery is typically a mix of lectures, seminars, case‑based learning and supervised applied work or projects. The programme prepares students to apply psychological knowledge in educational, health or community contexts and to pursue further professional training where required.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree with a substantial component in psychology or a related discipline, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience. Where an applicant’s background is outside psychology, admission may be considered if they can show prior study or professional experience relevant to working with children and young people.

International applicants must meet Massey University’s English language requirements. Applicants may also be asked to provide a personal statement outlining their experience and motivation, and referees who can comment on their suitability for postgraduate study and applied work with children or youth.

Career prospects

Graduates use the knowledge and skills from this diploma in a range of roles that support learning and development, including positions in schools, early childhood services, youth and community organisations, policy and programme development, and non‑government organisations. It is also a common pathway into further postgraduate study (for example a professional master’s in educational or developmental psychology) for those seeking registration as a practising psychologist or specialist roles in educational psychology.

Typical roles include learning support coordinator, behaviour support assistant, specialist educator aide, youth support worker, research assistant or policy advisor in child development and education sectors. Employers value graduates’ ability to translate developmental evidence into practical assessment, intervention and programme planning.

Why study at Massey University

Massey offers applied, research‑informed teaching in psychology with a focus on real‑world practice and flexible study options across campuses and distance learning. The university has established connections with schools, health services and community organisations, providing opportunities for applied learning and professional networking. You will be taught by staff active in research and practice in developmental and educational psychology, and benefit from Massey’s emphasis on transferable skills in assessment, intervention planning and evidence appraisal.