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For the people who want to know what makes us tick

For the people who want to know what make us tick

Enrol in psychology - from social and behavioural, to
cognitive and clinical

Why study Psychology?

Psychology is one of the most important and critical topics in modern society. At Waikato, we welcome students into a community full of innovative thinkers. Our students work alongside internationally respected psychologists to understand and advocate for inclusive communities.

We ensure psychology is scientific and accountable, producing world-leading research in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our areas of specialisation are in the most critical areas of psychology, where psychology can make a difference to New Zealand society (Māori and community psychology, Clinical psychology, Behavioural psychology and Cognitive psychology).

Get extra support with our broad range of scholarships

Learn from award
winning professors

Internationally recognised Māori Psychology Research Unit

With our flexible teaching options you can study at our campus in Hamilton or Tauranga

Advocate for society

At the University of Waikato, we offer plenty of flexibility to adapt learning to suit your desired focus. Psychology can be taken as a major for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Science - unlike any other university in New Zealand

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Three students studying and chatting

Ready for the next level?

Studying for your Master of Applied Psychology at the University of Waikato allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of one of three key areas of applied psychology. Gain relevant hands-on experience through work placements and projects, where you'll be connected with a range of organisations and community groups.

Master of Applied Psychology

Leading Māori Psychology

He honore, he kororia, he maungarongo ki te whenua he whakaaro pai ki nga tangata katoa.

Three students studying and chatting

The School of Psychology aims to create an environment in which psychology is recognised as a platform for Māori development.

Through various strategies the School supports Māori students to reach their potential in their chosen specialities and to provide all psychology students with Māori and bicultural paradigms and insights relevant to working and living in Aotearoa.

Read more about Kaupapa Māori psychology

Articles

Psychology student shares her passion for rural mental health

Cathleen Schriber grew up on a dairy farm between Waihou and Te Aroha in heartland Waikato. The struggles of people in rural communities sparked a passion for studying psychology at the University of Waikato.

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Covid-19 and the impact on our wellbeing - 48 countries compared

A University of Waikato academic has played a key role in an international study researching human experience, behaviour and attitudes towards the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Taciano Milfont joined the COVIDiSTRESS global survey which gathered data from participants across the globe in the early months of the pandemic last year.

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Waikato psychologists receive international honours

Two University of Waikato academics have been recognised by the Association for Psychological Science (APS), one of the world’s leading international bodies for psychology. In the announcement this month, Professor Vincent Reid was made a Fellow of the APS, while Dr Aleea Devitt received a Rising Star award.

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App to help prevent postnatal depression and anxiety among expectant mothers

An app designed to help prevent postnatal depression and anxiety among expectant mothers has been relaunched by the University of Waikato to help women find the support and strategies they need for positive mental health.

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Older generations are increasingly concerned about climate change

Opinion polls and news articles indicate climate change awareness and concern has increased globally, but is there a difference between what older and younger people believe? University of Waikato environmental psychology researcher, Dr Taciano Milfont, was curious and set out to find the answer, leading a study investigating the attitudes of different generations of New Zealanders towards climate change.

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