Massey University

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced coursework, intensive clinical placements and a supervised research component to develop clinical competence in assessment, formulation and intervention. Core areas covered include adult and child psychopathology, psychological assessment and psychometrics, cognitive and behavioural therapies, family and group interventions, neuropsychological concepts, crisis intervention and culturally responsive practice.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis — standardised assessment, diagnostic formulation and risk assessment across age groups.
• Therapeutic Interventions — training in evidence‑based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and brief psychodynamic methods, with emphasis on formulation‑driven treatment planning.
• Developmental and Lifespan Perspectives — developmental psychopathology and intervention considerations for children, adolescents and older adults.
• Professional Practice and Ethics — ethics, legal frameworks, professional standards and reflective practice.
• Research Methods and Evidence Base — quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal of clinical research and a supervised research project or thesis component.
• Clinical Placements — extended supervised practicum in community, hospital, forensic or specialist services, with opportunities to work with diverse population groups.

Teaching methods include seminars, clinical supervision, case conferences, simulated practice and placement‑based learning. Assessment typically involves case reports, observed clinical interviews, written assignments, examination of clinical skills and a research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have a recognised undergraduate degree in psychology with an honours year or an equivalent level of graduate preparation in psychology. Entry is competitive and selection typically takes account of academic performance, relevant clinical or voluntary experience, referee reports and an interview.

Additional requirements commonly include eligibility for provisional registration with the national psychology regulator and clearance of relevant background checks for work with vulnerable people. Because the programme leads to professional practice, applicants should be prepared for the demands of intensive clinical training, including travel to placement sites and commitments to supervised practice hours.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Clinical Psychology are qualified to seek registration as clinical psychologists and go on to work in a range of settings. Typical career paths include:

• Public health services and District Health Boards or their equivalents, providing assessment and therapy in adult, child and adolescent services.
• Private practice, offering psychological assessment and psychotherapy.
• Forensic, correctional or rehabilitation services, working with offenders and courts.
• Educational and community mental health services, including specialist clinics for trauma, addiction or developmental disorders.
• Research and academic roles, or further doctoral study in clinical psychology, neuropsychology or related areas.

Clinical psychologists also work in multidisciplinary teams alongside psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists and education professionals, and many combine clinical work with teaching, supervision or consultancy.

Why study at Massey University

Massey University offers clinical psychology training with a strong emphasis on applied clinical experience and research-informed practice. The programme is delivered by academic staff with clinical and research expertise, and students gain supervised placements across a variety of health and community settings, supporting exposure to diverse clinical populations.

Massey places emphasis on culturally responsive practice and engagement with tangata whenua and local communities, preparing graduates to work ethically and effectively in Aotearoa New Zealand. Facilities and learning supports include clinical training clinics, supervision from experienced practitioners and access to research resources across campuses and partner agencies.