Master of Applied Psychology
Apply now for 2024.
The deadline for applications is 1 November.
Admission is competitive and subject to departmental selection processes. Early application is encouraged. Eligible applications will be considered by the selection committee in November. View the entry requirements section below for more information.
Studying for your Master of Applied Psychology at the University of Waikato allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of one of two key areas of applied psychology.
You'll choose your specialist area in behaviour analysis or community psychology. You'll develop a detailed understanding of the underlying ideas relating to your chosen area, as well as learn about the fundamental principles and guiding values connected to your specialist field.
During your Master of Applied Psychology studies, you'll be given opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience. This will be through getting involved in work placements and projects, where you'll be connected with a range of organisations and community groups.
The type of workplaces you'll be placed in depends on the specialist area you've chosen. You could have a placement in an educational environment such as a school, university or special education venue. You may do a project at a research institution or in a private practice. Perhaps you'll work with business and industry, or in the health sector. You may have a placement in a governmental agency, or if it fits in with your specialist area, a zoo.
Key information
| Entry Requirements: | Refer to the programme regulations. |
|---|---|
| Years: | 1-2 years |
| Study Locations: | Hamilton |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$8,056 - $8,888 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $38,915 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate 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. | |
Degree Planner
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Entry requirements
Entry is competitive.
Entry is competitive. The number of students accepted into the programme is limited.
To be considered for admission into Year 1 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have:
- a Bachelor's degree with with at least a B+ grade average across the Psychology major; AND
- a pass in PSYCH307 Psychological Research Methods (or equivalent); AND
- for the Behaviour Analysis programme, a pass in PSYCH314 Behaviour Analysis (or equivalent); OR
- for the Community Psychology programme, a pass in PSYCH302 Community, Culture and Diversity (or equivalent).
Note that progression to Year 2 of the programme is subject to achieving at least a B+ grade average across the 120-points of Year 1 papers, and supervision being available for the masters thesis.
To be considered for admission into Year 2 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have:
- an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least a B+ grade average, including the core 500-level taught papers for the respective specialisation as set out in the University Catalogue of Papers. Admission in Year 2 is also subject to supervision being available for the masters thesis.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
Master of Applied Psychology (Behaviour Analysis) – MAppPsy(BA)
Knowledge, skills, certification, and pathways beyond the MAppPsy.
Knowledge, skills, certification, and pathways beyond the MAppPsy.
The Master of Applied Psychology in Behaviour Analysis provides students with:
- a sound understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with Behaviour Analysis, and of the applications of these concepts and principles
- a knowledge of the research skills required for behaviour analysis, including the ability to read, interpret and appraise published behavioural research critically, and the ability to conduct fundamental and, where appropriate, applied research in behaviour analysis
- an understanding of functional analyses of problem behaviour and of how to develop an appropriate programme for behaviour change in their area of specialty
- analytic and library research skills, and skills in presenting proposals and reports in both written and oral format.
The Behaviour Analysis courses available for this degree are verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). The MAppPsy(BA) provides a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis), which can lead to registration as a psychologist in New Zealand and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®, an internationally recognized certification.
Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) – MAppPsy(Comm)
Community Psychology is available as a specialist graduate subject.
Community Psychology is available as a specialist graduate subject. The University of Waikato is the only institution in New Zealand to offer this professional practice programme that has been accredited by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Community Psychology is an applied degree, suitable for students wishing to work with community groups. The Master of Applied Psychology degree offers a flexible, step-wise progression through the academic and professional qualifications with the potential to lead to registration as a psychologist.
Building on learning obtained in undergraduate degrees, the goals of the MAppPsy(Comm) are to provide graduates with a quality learning experience for transitioning from academic knowledge to professional practice.
Graduates will have the opportunity to become familiar with how community psychology relates to working in a range of contexts and with a range of groups. Through this programme you will develop and enhance your oral and written communication skills as well as your research skills, through: proposals, reports and evaluation.
Waikato MAppPsy(Comm) students learn from experts in the field of Community Psychology. University staff Drs Bridgette Masters-Awatere, Mohi Rua, and Ottilie Stolte are supported by Teaching Fellows Drs Jane Furness & Trish Young, who are registered psychologists. Our team is supported by professionals (from the Institute of Community Psychology – IcomPA) and alumni (Programme Associates) who contribute from time to time as guest lecturers or examiners.
After completing your MAppPsy(Comm) you can go on to do supervised practice in order to register as a Psychologist. Community Psychologists work in health, education, social development, justice sectors as well as private practice. Community Psychologists are knowledgeable about issues relevant to disability, iwi, environmental and social services agencies, as providers and funders, as well as policy makers. All of these skills makes Community Psychology graduates highly employable.
Contacts
Programme Administrator
Phone: +64 7 838 5630
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610 Email: [email protected]
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