University of Waikato

What you'll study

The Master of Arts in Psychology is offered as a research-led programme with options that typically include a substantial research thesis supported by coursework, or a larger coursework component with a smaller research project, depending on the pathway you choose. Core study areas reflect the School of Psychology's research strengths and commonly include:

• Research methods and statistics – advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques, experimental design, psychometrics and data analysis methods used in contemporary psychological research.
• Cognitive and neuroscience psychology – attention, memory, perception, and brain–behaviour relationships, often with laboratory and neurocognitive methods.
• Developmental and social psychology – lifespan development, social cognition, identity, and interpersonal processes.
• Health and clinical psychology – theoretical approaches to mental health, health behaviour, assessment methods and applied interventions (note that this degree is primarily research focused and does not itself confer clinical registration).
• Applied and organisational psychology – topics such as workplace behaviour, human factors, and assessment in organisational settings.
• Indigenous and cultural psychology – research perspectives that incorporate Māori and Pacific worldviews, cultural context in psychological theory and practice.

The programme emphasises independent research skills. You will design and conduct a substantial empirical project under the supervision of academic staff, prepare a thesis or equivalent research report, and present findings. Coursework units are intended to support your thesis through advanced methodological training, literature synthesis, and specialised topics aligned with supervisor expertise.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree with honours, or a postgraduate diploma with a research component, in psychology or a closely related discipline. Selection is based on academic merit and the ability to undertake advanced research; you will usually need to provide:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• Research proposal or statement of research interests outlining a feasible master’s project and alignment with academic staff expertise.
• References from academic supervisors or professional referees who can comment on your research potential.
• Evidence of research experience or relevant work experience can strengthen an application.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Some applicants may be interviewed by potential supervisors. Candidates without a research-focused qualification may be directed to a bridging pathway or a postgraduate diploma before entry to the master’s research stream.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Psychology typically progress into research and applied roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors, or continue to doctoral study. Common career pathways include:

• Research roles – positions in university departments, government research institutes, health research organisations, or private research consultancies.
• Policy and evaluation – roles in policy development, programme evaluation and evidence synthesis for government and NGOs.
• Organisational roles – human resources, organisational development, training and development, or workplace wellbeing roles that draw on applied research skills.
• Health and community services – roles in health promotion, community mental health services, or as part of multidisciplinary teams (note: clinical registration requires further professional training and supervised practice).
• Further academic training – many students use the MA as a stepping stone to PhD study and careers in academia.

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous research methods and thesis writing makes graduates attractive to employers who need strong analytical, project management and communication skills.

Why study at University of Waikato

The University of Waikato’s School of Psychology is known for a research-active staff profile and a supportive supervisory environment for postgraduate students. Strengths include research groups in health, cognition, development and applied psychology, and an emphasis on culturally-informed approaches that integrate Māori and Pacific perspectives into psychological research.

Postgraduate students benefit from close supervision, access to well-equipped laboratories and statistical support, and opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects across the university. The School fosters a collegial atmosphere with seminars, research forums and funding support for conference presentations, helping students build a professional research profile and prepare for careers in research, policy, or applied practice.