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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.

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.

A new 180-point Master of Arts in Psychology is offered from 2024.  Click here for full details
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Key information

Years: 3
Points: 360
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $6,776 - $7,821 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $29,425 - $38,305 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Area of Study:
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). *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

PSYCH100
Brain, Behaviour and Cognition

PSYCH101
Social Psychology, Health and Wellbeing

One from List A

ARTSC110
Old Worlds - New Worlds

Field of the Degree
100 level

Field of the Degree
100 level

Elective

Elective

Year 2

PSYCH211
Understanding Psychological Research

Any PSYCH 200
level paper

Any PSYCH 200
level paper

One from List B

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

PSYCH300 Work Placement or PSYCH301 Research Assistantship

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Compulsory
  • Elective

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 first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Psychology may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Psychology as a single major for the BA, BSc or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in papers listed for Psychology, including PSYCH100, PSYCH101, PSYCH211, plus a further 30 points at Level 200, and at least 60 points at 300 level.

To complete Psychology as part of a double major for the BA, BSc, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points in papers listed for Psychology, including PSYCH100, PSYCH101, and PSYCH211. 90 points must be above 100 level and at least 45 points above 200 level.

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.

Kaupapa Māori Psychology is also available as a minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled. Please see Kaupapa Māori Psychology for further information.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
PSYCH100Brain, Behaviour and Cognition15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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.
PSYCH101Social Psychology, Health and Well-being15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
PSYCH110Psychology Goes to the Movies: What Blockbuster Films Get Right and Wrong About the Science of Human Behaviour 15.024G (Online)
In this course we examine the scientific integrity of popular movies with psychological themes, addressing questions such as “How well does this film depict psychological principles, behaviours, and psychological science?”.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
PSYCH202Mauri Ora: Social Psychology of Human Flourishing15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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.
PSYCH203Cognitive Neuroscience15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
PSYCH204Learning and Perception15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
This course is intended to give students an introduction to behavioural psychology and to the psychology of perception. Students will learn about the philosophy behind the behavioural approach to psychology, the basic principles of behaviour analysis, and how those principles can be applied to issues of clinical and community impor...
PSYCH206Social Psychology and Development15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
Social psychology topics include environmental psychology, social relationships, and helping and hindering others. Developmental psychology investigates why we develop as we do. Together, this paper explores why we do the things we do.
PSYCH211Understanding Psychological Research15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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 Points Occurrence / Location
ALPSS390Directed Study15.024X (Hamilton)
This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major or minor under the guidance of academic staff.
HMDEV340Perspectives on Counselling15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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.
PSYCH302Community, Culture and Diversity15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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...
PSYCH303Indigenous Psychology15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
Students develop a critical analysis of the positions of contemporary Indigenous peoples through discussion and examination of the Western world and New Zealand society. The theory base is drawn predominantly from Maori and indigenous development, community and social psychology and of health and social policy.
PSYCH307Psychological Research Methods15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
PSYCH314Behaviour Analysis15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (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
PSYCH317Organisational Psychology15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
This course offers a general introduction to how psychology can be used to build better workplaces and work lives. It takes a problem-solving approach, introducing key work psychology concepts and building student understanding of how to apply them to work, while providing an awareness of how business priorities inform applied psyc...
PSYCH319Infant and Child Development15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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.
PSYCH322Memory and Cognition15.024A (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.
PSYCH337Individual Differences and Measurement15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
PSYCH338Mental Health and Well Being15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
This course offers an introduction to the definition, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing30.024A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (Online)
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020), in order to produce resilient, creative students with strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
ALPSS590Directed Study30.024X (Hamilton)
This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
PSYC521Professional Issues in Clinical Practice20.024D (Hamilton)
This first year clinical paper introduces the science and practice of clinical psychology. It is designed to provide an entry into the profession and to understand the history and nature of our field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of thei...
PSYC522Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice20.024D (Hamilton)
This first year clinical paper provides knowledge of bicultural theory and practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand and of the implications of biculturalism for mental health systems. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and produce case studies and appropriate documentation of their clinical experience.
PSYC523Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills20.024A (Hamilton)
The aim of this paper is to enable students in the 2nd year of the clinical psychology program to work sensitively, ethically, competently, culturally appropriately, and effectively in the clinical field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and clinical placements.
PSYC524Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills20.024B (Hamilton)
The aim of this paper is to enable students in the 2nd year of the clinical psychology program to work sensitively, ethically, competently, culturally appropriately, and effectively in the clinical field. Students attend weekly case conference and clinical concepts seminars and external placements.
PSYC541Case Study Analysis in Community Psychology40.024X (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.
PSYC542Professional Issues in Community Psychology20.024X (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.
PSYCH502Community, Culture and Diversity15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
This paper offers students an advanced exploration of the different approaches and actions encompassed within community psychology, and in related fields such as indigenous, clinical and applied social psychologies.
PSYCH511Evaluation Research Design15.024A (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.
PSYCH513Evaluation Research Analysis30.024X (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 ...
PSYCH526Clinical Internship: Assessment-Focused30.024I (Hamilton) & 24X (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.
PSYCH527Clinical Internship: Treatment-Focused30.024I (Hamilton) & 24X (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.
PSYCH536Eyewitness Memory, Psychological Science and the Law15.024A (Hamilton)
In this course, we learn about the legal system; the impact of eyewitness testimony; wrongful convictions; perceiving and remembering real world events, and common myths about memory that pervade our legal system and the opinions of the general public.
PSYCH538Applications of Behaviour Analysis15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
This paper focuses on the implementation of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in practice. Behavioural interventions and programmes, including common manualised interventions, will be reviewed. The objective is to identify critical components and essential practical skills, and to provide opportunity to practice these skills. Implem...
PSYCH539Graduate Research Methods in Psychology15.024A (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...
PSYCH543The Practice of Community Psychology60.024X (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.
PSYCH545Special Topic: The WTF seminar: Facts, Fiction, Fake news15.024A (Hamilton)
Can the world no longer distinguish among fact, fiction, and fake news? Join us—calibrate your WTF detector, explain why a claim is wrong, and help someone else understand too.
PSYCH551Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA45.024D (Hamilton) & 24D (Online)
This 45-point course teaches students to critically analyse and apply theoretical knowledge of behaviour analysis to psychological practice within a science-practitioner model, aiming to develop effective and culturally sensitive practitioners.
PSYCH552Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA)15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
This 15-point course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills concerning ethical issues in the professional practice in Psychology, specifically in applied behaviour analysis.
PSYCH553The Practice of Psychology ABA60.024X (Hamilton)
No description available.
PSYCH555Environmental Psychology15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in Environmental Psychology, the study of the transaction between humans and their natural and built environments.
PSYCH560Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
This paper closely examines the conceptual and philosophical foundations of behaviour analysis: Commonly accepted behavioural concepts and principles are reexamined. The paper aims to help students understand current thinking in behavioural psychology, and how this intersects with other subfields of psychology. It has a strong focu...
PSYCH561Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the conceptual foundations and core principles of behaviour analysis, including research and theory related to the concepts of reinforcement, extinction, stimulus control, derived stimulus relations, and motivating operations.
PSYCH562Theories of Psychotherapy15.024B (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 ...
PSYCH564Developmental Psychopathology15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper considers research on major childhood syndromes including conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent problems and childhood anxiety.
PSYCH575Kaupapa Māori Psychology15.024A (Hamilton)
Students develop a critical understanding of Kaupapa Maori psychology, and how it is 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 and research as psychologists in applied settings. Topics covered inclu...
PSYCH577Single Subject Research Design15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
This course covers research methodologies used in the field of behaviour analysis, including collection of data, experimental design, data presentation and analysis, and interpretation and reporting of research findings.
PSYCH579Applying Psychology to Work15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper is designed to help students develop a critical awareness of psychological contributions to how our work and workplaces are designed. It will develop student knowledge of how psychology can be used to understand work behaviour and relationships, create more efficient workplaces and protect employee safety, as well as enh...
PSYCH580The Psychology of Criminal Conduct15.024B (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.
PSYCH581Psychological Assessment15.024A (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.
PSYCH582Community Health Psychology15.024X (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.
PSYCH583Foundations of Community Psychology15.024X (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 PSYCH575, which deals specifically with the Treaty of Waitangi.
PSYCH586Behaviour Analysis Practicum30.024D (Online)
This 30-point course provides the opportunity to gain practical clinical skills by administering a criterion-referenced assessment tool, the VB-MAPP, in an applied setting with a client.
PSYCH591Honours Research Project30.024D (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
PSYCH592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
PSYCH593Psychology Thesis90.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
PSYCH594Psychology Thesis120.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

800 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
PSYCH800Psychology MPhil Thesis120.024X (Hamilton)
No description available.

900 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
PSYCH900Psychology PhD Thesis120.024I (Hamilton), 24I (Tauranga), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton), 24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
No description available.

Scholarships and prizes

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Graduate study options

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology

Master of Arts in Psychology (180-point Masters)

Master of Science (Research) in Psychology

Master of Applied Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)

Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology

There are many different pathways you can take when choosing Psychology as a career - for example, Community Psychology, Applied Cognitive Psychology, Behavioural Psychology or Clinical 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.

Available in Tauranga

For students in Tauranga, Psychology is available as major subject for the BA, BSocSc, or BSc.

Documents

Contacts

School of Psychology
Phone: +64 7 838 4136
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waikato.ac.nz/psychology/
Location: Hamilton Campus, K block, Level 1, Room  K.1.12
Office hours: 8.30am to 4.00pm

School of Science
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScience