BA - Psychology as a major
If you’re fascinated by the history and creative activities of humankind and how this shapes societies and our future, then a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is for you. Our graduates are in demand for their flexible skills, practical outlook and depth of understanding they bring to their roles.
Widely regarded as the centre of Applied Psychology in New Zealand, Psychology at Waikato offers numerous study options for those keen to pursue this remarkable discipline.
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Education and Society
- English
- Environmental Planning
- Geography
- History
- Human Development
- International Languages and Cultures
- Law
- Linguistics
- Music
- Māori and Indigenous Studies
- Māori Language/Te Reo Māori
- Pacific and Indigenous Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Population Studies
- Screen and Media Studies
- Social Policy
- Sociology
- Theatre Studies
- Writing Studies
Apply to enrol
Key information
| Years: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 360 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): | $6,117-$7,132 per year |
| Fees (International): | $25,160 - $32,750 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Faculties: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Career opportunities
- Behaviour Analyst
- Clinical or Community Psychologist
- Community Programme Coordinator
- Human Resource Adviser
- Private Practitioner
- Research Scientist
Degree Planner
Degree planner — BA in Psychology
PSYCH307 is a required paper for students continuing on to graduate study.
Year 1
One from List A
(see BA Papers below)
Field of the Degree
100 Level
Field of the Degree
100 Level
Elective
Elective
Year 2
Any PSYCH 200
level paper
Any PSYCH 200
level paper
One from List B
(see BA Papers below)
Field of the Degree
200 Level
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
Any PSYCH 300
level paper
Any PSYCH 300
level paper
Any PSYCH 300
level paper
Any PSYCH 300
level paper or HMDEV340
One from List C
(see BA Papers below)
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Stream
- Elective
- Compulsory
BA Papers
Lists A, B and C
List A: Academic Foundations
- ARTSC101 Indigenous Social Science Research
- ARTSC102 Art in Context
- ARTSC103 Rights and Reasons
- ARTSC105 Language in Context
- ENSLA103 Undergraduate Research Writing for ESL Students
- ENSLA202 Oral Skills for Academic English
List B: Cultural Perspectives
Any Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies paper, or- ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTHY102 New Zealand and the Pacific
- INTLC101 International Languages and Cultures
- ANTHY201 Ethnicity and Identity
- ANTHY202 Polynesian Ethnography
- DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
- EDUCA200 Te Hononga Tangata
- ENGLI200 Global Fictions
- FRNCH231 French Language Intermediate 1
- GEOGY219 Māori Lands and Communities
- HISTY225 Indigenous Histories: Narratives, Ethics and Decoloniality
- INTLC221 Understanding East Asia
- LEGAL211 International Law: Global and Comparative
- LINGS203 Language, Society and Culture
- Any MAORI paper
- Any PACIS paper
List C: Work-Integrated Learning
- ARTSW300 Arts and Cultural Festivals
- ARTSW301 Professional Practice in the Arts (prerequisites ARTSC110 - so open to all BA students)
- ARTSW302 Work-Related Project in the Arts (prerequisites ARTSC110 - so open to all BA students)
- LINGS301 Research Apprenticeship
- MEDIA307 Professional Studio Production
- POPST300 Population Studies Work-Related Project
- PSYCH300 Work Placement in Psychology
- SOCSC300 Work-Integrated Learning - Work Placements
- SOCSC301 Work-Integrated Learning - Work-Related Project
- SPNSH300 Spanish Internship
- WRITE396 Writing Studies Work Placement
*Please consult our Student Advisors for the correct work-integrated learning paper.
Papers
Papers available within Psychology
Psychology is about understanding the behaviour and cognitive processes of people and animals in their physical, social and organisational environment. As a behavioural science, it examines the way behaviour is learned and can be changed. As a social science, it focuses on individuals within the context of families, organisations and other groups, communities, cultures and societies. As a biological science, it studies the senses (hearing, vision, touch) and how the brain and physiological systems relate to behaviour. As a cognitive science it studies perception, attention, memory, thinking and language understanding. The study of development, personality, learning and motivation are also part of Psychology.
Psychology is available as a major for the Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Psychology may also be taken as a second major or as a minor within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Psychology as a single major for the BSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Psychology, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include PSYCH100, PSYCH101, PSYCH203, PSYCH204, PSYCH211, and 60 points from PSYCH307, PSYCH314, PSYCH319, PSYCH322, PSYCH337 and PSYCH338.
BSc students who are taking Psychology as a part of a double major must include at least 30 points from PSYCH307, PSYCH314, PSYCH319, PSYCH322, PSYCH337 and PSYCH338.
To complete Psychology as a single major for the BA or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in papers listed for Psychology, including PSYCH100, PSYCH101, PSYCH211, 30 points at Level 200, and at least 60 points above 200 level.
Students intending to major in Psychology are recommended to include PSYCH307 in their programme of study in order to meet prerequisites for study at postgraduate study.
To complete Psychology as part of a double major, students must gain 120 points including at least 45 points above 200 level.
Students taking Psychology as part of a double major should discuss paper selection with one of the Psychology Undergraduate Advisors.
To complete a minor in Psychology, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Psychology major, including at least 15 points at 200 level and at least 15 points at 300 level.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH100 | Brain, Behaviour and Cognition | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces perceptual systems, mechanisms of learning, emotions and motivation, the biological basis of psychology, such as brain structure and functioning, processes underlying behaviour, memory and cognition. | ||
| PSYCH101 | Social Psychology, Health and Well-being | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts. | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH202 | Mauri Ora: Social Psychology of Human Flourishing | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| The paper will examine important conceptual frameworks and theory within social psychology and the social sciences generally. Maori perspectives and exemplars will be a significant emphasis within the paper. | ||
| PSYCH203 | Cognitive Psychology and Development | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This paper will provide students with an overview of current findings and theories of cognitive neuroscience, cognitive development, and cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, and decision making. | ||
| PSYCH204 | Behavioural Psychology and Perception | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| Students will learn the basic assumptions of the philosophy of behaviourism, the principles of behaviour analysis, and how those principles can be applied to issues of clinical and community importance. | ||
| PSYCH211 | Understanding Psychological Research | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper will cover the basic methodological approaches relevant to psychological and social science research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of research. | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| HMDEV340 | Perspectives on Counselling | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular. | ||
| PSYCH300 | Work placement in Psychology | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper fulfils The University of Waikato's requirement for all students to engage with the wider community in a work-related or applied project setting. This paper provides opportunities for professional and personal development within varied work settings relevant to the field of Psychology. A limited number of placements may ... | ||
| PSYCH301 | Psychology Research Assistantship | 20A (Hamilton) & 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper fulfils The University of Waikato's requirement for all students to engage with the wider community in a work-related or applied project setting. This paper provides opportunities for professional and personal development within varied work-related settings relevant to the field of Psychology. | ||
| PSYCH302 | Community, Culture and Diversity | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| The focus of this paper is the study of social justice, intersectionality, transformative interventions, and social change strategies that are central to community, indigenous and liberation psychologies. Issues covered include inequalities, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and (dis)ability. Key considerations are the broader co... | ||
| PSYCH307 | Psychological Research Methods | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| The paper covers research theory and methods, making students critical consumers of psychological research. It expands on concepts taught in PSYCH211 to build more advanced research skills. | ||
| PSYCH314 | Behaviour Analysis | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This course is intended to give students an understanding of the philosophy of behaviourism, experimental methods used in the study of behaviour, and the application of behavioural principles | ||
| PSYCH317 | Organisational Psychology | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This course offers a general introduction to the psychology of work and organisational behaviour. | ||
| PSYCH319 | Infant and Child Development | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| The objective of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of infants' and children's cognitive, emotional, and social development from a psychological perspective. | ||
| PSYCH322 | Memory and Cognition | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Research, theories and principles in memory and cognition, with an emphasis on the applications to real-world problems, such as the overlap of psychology and the law. | ||
| PSYCH337 | Individual Differences and Measurement | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This course will cover measurement issues in psychology, and a range of basic measurement techniques. It will include coverage of theories of intelligence and of personality and their measurement. | ||
| PSYCH338 | Mental Health and Well Being | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This course offers an introduction to the definition, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. | ||
| PSYCH344 | Positive Psychology | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper will cover research in areas such as well-being, flow, personal strength, creativity, innovation, psychological health, resilience and characteristics of positive groups, institutions and organisations. | ||
| PSYCH360 | Special Topic: Psychology of Security, Crime Science, and Criminal Behaviour | 20A (Online) & 20B (Online) |
| This special topic examines topical issues in psychological aspects of security and crime science, by drawing on theory, research and relevant applications in psychological science | ||
| PSYCH389 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Online), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Online), 20B (Tauranga), 20S (Hamilton), 20S (Online) & 20S (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake an investigation on a specific topic from a psychological perspective. | ||
| PSYCH390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Online), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Online), 20B (Tauranga), 20S (Hamilton), 20S (Online) & 20S (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake an investigation on a specific topic from a psychological perspective. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC521 | Professional Issues in Clinical Practice | 20D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYC522 | Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice | 20D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYC523 | Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills | 20A (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYC524 | Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills | 20B (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYC541 | Case Study Analysis in Community Psychology | 20X (Hamilton) |
| This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice. | ||
| PSYC542 | Professional Issues in Community Psychology | 20X (Hamilton) |
| This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice. | ||
| PSYC551 | Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Online) |
| Students learn to apply behavioural theory and research to specific issues faced in practice, develop evidence-based interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions. | ||
| PSYC552 | Professional Issues in Psychology ABA | 20I (Online), 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Online) |
| Students develop an in-depth understanding of ethical principles and other professional issues in the practice of behavioural psychology, including cultural competency requirements and familiarity with relevant ethical codes and guidelines. | ||
| PSYCH511 | Evaluation Research Design | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides a theoretical grounding in programme evaluation, with an emphasis on the evaluation of programmes in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods, collaborative approaches and evaluation as a strategy of incremental social change. | ||
| PSYCH513 | Evaluation Research Analysis | 20X (Block) |
| This paper provides an introduction to evaluation praxis with a major focus on completing a small scale evaluation of a social service or health programme. Such roles as consultant, advocate, liaison and technician are part of the skills students experience. Engagement with the client through refining and negotiating an evaluation ... | ||
| PSYCH526 | Clinical Internship: Assessment-Focused | 20I (Hamilton) & 20X (Hamilton) |
| This paper consists of a supervised clinical internship focused on learning basic clinical psychology skills and principles. Students also attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars, and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience. | ||
| PSYCH527 | Clinical Internship: Treatment-Focused | 20I (Hamilton) & 20X (Hamilton) |
| This paper consists of a supervised clinical internship focused on learning basic clinical psychology skills and principles. Students also attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars, and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience. | ||
| PSYCH535 | Traumatic Memories and Repression | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines topical issues in traumatic memory and repression by drawing on theory and research in psychological science. | ||
| PSYCH538 | Applications of Behaviour Analysis | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper provides a depth of coverage on applying behaviour principles to interventions in applied settings. The objective is to examine and critique recent applications of the methods and theories of behaviour analysis in a range of settings to both prevent and change problems. | ||
| PSYCH539 | Graduate Research Methods in Psychology | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will give students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills base in research methods in Psychology. Its focus is in assisting students to understand, critique and conduct and report on research in experimental and quasi-experimental designs, multivariate/correlational designs, meta-analysis, and this paper w... | ||
| PSYCH543 | The Practice of Community Psychology | 20X (Hamilton) |
| This paper contributes to the suite of papers that comprise a supervised internship focused on learning to apply community psychology theories, knowledge and values into practice. | ||
| PSYCH553 | The Practice of Psychology ABA | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYCH556 | Advanced Topics in Adult Mental Health and Well Being | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper builds on PSYC338 and is a core paper for students in the Clinical Diploma Programme. It explores the various manifestations of adult psychopathology and covers the key areas of diagnosis, assessment, treatment and theories of etiology. It also investigates issues associated with psychopathology, such as stigmatisation, ... | ||
| PSYCH557 | Positive Psychology Research: Theory and Practice | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Provides students theoretical and practical broadening in Positive Psychology, the study of positive emotions, character strength, resilience and mental well-being. | ||
| PSYCH560 | Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper considers the conceptual theory behind, and the issues raised by, the implementation of behavioural programmes across a wide range of applied areas, such as clinical, educational, and health psychology and intellectual disability. The design and implementation of such programmes in practice is considered, and topics curr... | ||
| PSYCH561 | Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| This paper covers theory and research in several selected areas relevant to the understanding of behaviour and provides students with a) an understanding of the theoretical/conceptual principles underlining the research, b) the ability to examine and critique research in the area and c) an understanding of how theories, techniques ... | ||
| PSYCH562 | Theories of Psychotherapy | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper surveys the prominent systems of therapy in order to provide students with knowledge of how each type of therapeutic school conceptualizes the processes used to describe personal problems, relevant change mechanisms, and treatment modalities. Students are encouraged to develop knowledge of an integrative model to use as ... | ||
| PSYCH564 | Developmental Psychopathology | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers research on major childhood syndromes including conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent problems and childhood anxiety. | ||
| PSYCH573 | Training and Development | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of training programmes. This paper is particularly relevant for student interested in organisational psychology, as well as those interested in developing training or workshop-based interventions to improve professionals' knowledge, skills or work behaviour. | ||
| PSYCH575 | Indigenous Psychologies | 20A (Hamilton) |
| Indigenous psychologies are sensitive to context, conscious of history and responsive to multiple ways of knowing and being in the world. This paper will cover topics relevant to students who wish to work as psychologists in applied settings, in particular, clinical, community and organisational settings and applied psychological r... | ||
| PSYCH577 | Research Methods in Behaviour Analysis | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| This paper covers a range of topics in the applications of laboratory-derived principles to the understanding of, and attempts to change, human behaviour. Students will be brought up to date with the recent research in these areas and will learn to read, understand and critically evaluate the literature which attempts to apply the ... | ||
| PSYCH579 | Applying Psychology to Work | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines theoretical and empirical issues concerning the psychology of work behaviour in organisations. Students evaluate the application of psychological theory and research to behaviour in organizations and develop a critical awareness of psychological contributions to the study of organisations. | ||
| PSYCH580 | The Psychology of Criminal Conduct | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Over recent years correctional psychology has been developing into a specialised discipline with strong career paths for clinicians and researchers. This paper is designed to introduce individuals to the theory and practice of psychology applied to the analysis, prevention, assessment, and treatment of criminal behaviour. | ||
| PSYCH581 | Psychological Assessment | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of a range of psychological and behavioural assessments that are commonly used in New Zealand. The paper is targeted to students intending to pursue further study to become a registered psychologist. | ||
| PSYCH582 | Community Health Psychology | 20X (Block) |
| This paper provides an introduction to community health psychology and the theoretical and practical dilemmas faced by psychologists working with participative approaches within the health arena. | ||
| PSYCH583 | Foundations of Community Psychology | 20X (Block) |
| This paper emphasises the application of community psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand, especially in relation to its emergence as a bicultural nation. Students are strongly recommended to also enrol in PSYC575, which deals specifically with the Treaty of Waitangi. | ||
| PSYCH585 | Leadership and Change | 20B (Hamilton) & 20X (Block) |
| This paper focuses on the processes and outcomes of organisational change management, and the knowledge and skills required of organisational psychologists who function as organisational consultants. | ||
| PSYCH587 | Behaviour Analysis Practicum | 20D (Hamilton) & 20D (Online) |
| This paper focuses on the research knowledge and skills required in behaviour analysis. Students will gain academic knowledge and professional skills related to designing and undertaking a practical project in this area. | ||
| PSYCH588 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Online), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Online), 20B (Tauranga), 20S (Hamilton), 20S (Online) & 20S (Tauranga) |
| No description available. | ||
| PSYCH589 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Online), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Online), 20B (Tauranga), 20S (Hamilton), 20S (Online) & 20S (Tauranga) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the School of Psychology Graduate Handbook. | ||
| PSYCH590 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton), 20B (Tauranga), 20D (Hamilton), 20D (Tauranga), 20S (Hamilton) & 20S (Tauranga) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the School of Psychology Graduate Handbook. | ||
| PSYCH591 | Honours Dissertation | 20D (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| PSYCH592 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| PSYCH593 | Psychology Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| PSYCH594 | Psychology Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC800 | Psychology MPhil Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC900 | Psychology PhD Thesis | 20I (Hamilton), 20I (Tauranga), 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| No description available. | ||
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
Expand to read graduate study options
If you want to go on to graduate study – and we hope that you do – please consult the Graduate Handbook or talk to academic staff about your plans, particularly before you finalise your 300 level programme of study.
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Subject links
Undergraduate Pathways
Expand to read Undergraduate Pathways
There are many different pathways you can take when choosing Psychology as a career - for example, Organisational Psychology, Applied Cognitive Psychology, or Organisational Psychology.
It's important to have your pathway in mind when you select your third-year papers, so talk to academic staff for recommendations or work with one of our student advisors - they can ensure that you select the right combination of papers to pursue your interest. For help please contact psyc-fass@waikato.ac.nz.
Available in Tauranga
Contacts
School of Psychology
Phone:
General and undergraduate email enquiries: psyc-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and postgraduate email: psyc-grad@waikato.ac.nz
School of Science
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: contact-hecs@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering