BSc - Psychology as a major
Major, Second Major
If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for. Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree. You will gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.
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.
Apply to enrol
Key information
| Years: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 360 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $7,608 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $34,745 - $36,480 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *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 — BSc in Psychology
This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List C:
Science Numeracy
Elective
Elective
Year 2
One from List C:
Science Numeracy
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
PSYCH paper
300 level
PSYCH paper
300 level
PSYCH paper
300 level
PSYCH paper
One from List B:
Work-Integrated Learning
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
Please note: PSYCH307 is a required paper for students continuing on to graduate study.
300 level PSYCH papers
Choose 60 points from the following:
This information is provisional and subject to change.BSc Papers
Lists A, B and C
List A: Science Fundamentals
Choose 45 points from the following:
- APHYS111 Physics in Context
- AQCUL101 Introduction to Aquaculture
- BIOEB101 Concepts of Biology
- BIOEB102 Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOMD101 Introduction to Human Biology
- BIOMO101 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- CHEMY100 Chemistry in Context
- CHEMY101 Structure and Spectroscopy
- CHEMY102 Chemical Reactivity
- CLIMT101 Introduction to Climate Change Science
- EARTH101 Introduction to Earth System Sciences
- EARTH102 Discovering Planet Earth
- ENGEN111 Electricity and Electronics
- ENGEN112 Materials Science and Engineering
- ENGEN180 Foundations of Engineering
- ENVSC101 Environmental Science
- MARIN101 Marine Biodiversity
- PHYSC100 General Physics
List B: Work-Integrated Learning
Choose one from the following:
List C: Science Numeracy
Choose 30 points from the following:
- COMPX101 Introduction to Programming
or COMPX102 Object-Oriented Programming
or ENGEN103 Engineering Computing - MATHS101 Introduction to Calculus
or ENGEN101 Engineering Mathematics 1A - MATHS102 Introduction to Algebra
or ENGEN102 Engineering Mathematics 1B - MATHS135 Discrete Structures
- MATHS165 General Mathematics
- MATHS168 Preparatory Mathematics
- PHYSC100 General Physics
or PHYSC101 Physics for Engineers and Scientists
or ENGEN110 Engineering Mechanics - DATAX111 Statistics for Science
or DATAX121 Introduction to Statistical Methods - CHEMY202 Physical Chemistry
or CHEMY204 Analytical Chemistry - COMPX201 Data Structures and Algorithms
or COMPX202 Mobile Computing and Software Architecture
or COMPX223 Database Practice and Experience
or COMPX241 Software Engineering Development
or COMPX242 Software Engineering Process
or CSMAX101 The World of Data - ENVPL202 Cartography and Spatial Analysis
- ENGEN201 Engineering Mathematics 2
- Any 200-level MATHS paper
- Any 200-level DATAX 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 first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), the Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC), 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, BCC, 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, BCC, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCH100 | Brain, Behaviour and Cognition | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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. | |||
| PSYCH110 | Psychology Goes to the Movies: What Blockbuster Films Get Right and Wrong About the Science of Human Behaviour | 15.0 | 23G (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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCH202 | Mauri Ora: Social Psychology of Human Flourishing | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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 Neuroscience | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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... | |||
| PSYCH206 | Social Psychology and Development | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| 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. | |||
| PSYCH211 | Understanding Psychological Research | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS390 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| HMDEV340 | Perspectives on Counselling | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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. | |||
| PSYCH302 | Community, Culture and Diversity | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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... | |||
| PSYCH303 | Indigenous Psychology | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| Students develop a critical analysis of the positions of contemporary Maori people through discussion and examination of the Western world and New Zealand society. The theory base is drawn from Maori and indigenous development, community and social psychology and of health and social policy. | |||
| PSYCH307 | Psychological Research Methods | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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... | |||
| PSYCH319 | Infant and Child Development | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This course offers an introduction to the definition, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| PSYC521 | Professional Issues in Clinical Practice | 20.0 | 23D (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... | |||
| PSYC522 | Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice | 20.0 | 23D (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. | |||
| PSYC523 | Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills | 20.0 | 23A (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. | |||
| PSYC524 | Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills | 20.0 | 23B (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. | |||
| PSYC541 | Case Study Analysis in Community Psychology | 40.0 | 23X (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 | 20.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| PSYCH511 | Evaluation Research Design | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 30.0 | 23X (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 | 30.0 | 23I (Hamilton) & 23X (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 | 30.0 | 23I (Hamilton) & 23X (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 | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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... | |||
| PSYCH539 | Graduate Research Methods in Psychology | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 60.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| PSYCH551 | Case Study Analysis in Applied Psychology ABA | 45.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (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. | |||
| PSYCH552 | Ethical Issues in Psychology (ABA) | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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. | |||
| PSYCH553 | The Practice of Psychology ABA | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYCH555 | Environmental Psychology | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in Environmental Psychology, the study of the transaction between humans and their natural and built environments. | |||
| PSYCH560 | Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (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... | |||
| PSYCH561 | Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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. | |||
| PSYCH562 | Theories of Psychotherapy | 15.0 | 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers research on major childhood syndromes including conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent problems and childhood anxiety. | |||
| PSYCH575 | Kaupapa Māori Psychology | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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. | |||
| PSYCH579 | Applying Psychology to Work | 15.0 | 23B (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... | |||
| PSYCH580 | The Psychology of Criminal Conduct | 15.0 | 23B (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 | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 15.0 | 23X (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 | 15.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| PSYCH586 | Behaviour Analysis Practicum | 30.0 | 23D (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. | |||
| PSYCH591 | Honours Dissertation | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH593 | Psychology Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| PSYCH594 | Psychology Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCH800 | Psychology MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCH900 | Psychology PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23I (Tauranga), 23J (Hamilton), 23J (Tauranga), 23K (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (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
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Social Sciences in Psychology
With an approved programme of study the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology can also lead to the following programmes:
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)
Please contact the school to discuss your plans with an academic staff member before finalising your programme of study.
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, 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
In Tauranga, Psychology is available as major subject for the BSc, BA, or BSocSc.
In Tauranga, Psychology is available as major subject for the BSc, BA, or BSocSc. A number of papers listed in the BSc degree planner footnotes (List A and List C especially) may not be taught in Tauranga. The University offers free transport to the Hamilton campus via the Kaimai Shuttle for students wanting to take these papers.
Contacts
School of Psychology
Email: [email protected]
School of Science
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScience