MA - Psychology as a main subject
The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree also includes a substantial component of independent research. The Master of Arts may be taken within the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, School of Arts or the School of Social Sciences.
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.
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Key information
| Years: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): | $6,748-$8,085 per year |
| Fees (International): | $30,695-$34,930 (120 pts) or $46,045-$52,395 (180 pts) |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate 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
Papers
Papers available within Psychology
Prescriptions for the MA, MSc, MSc(Research) and MSocSc
Entry to the Psychology Masters programme is competitive and it is recommended students discuss entry requirements and possible research topics with potential supervisors during their honours and PGDip year, before applying for entry to Masters.
To complete an MA or MSocSc in Psychology, students must take a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis and the equivalent of 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and the equivalent of 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
To complete an MSc in Psychology, students admitted to the 120 point MSc, must take 60 points from approved 500 level papers and a 60 point dissertation.
Prescriptions for the MAppPsy
There are three specified programmes available within this degree: Behaviour Analysis, Community Psychology, and Organisational Psychology.
Behaviour Analysis
To complete a MAppPsy in Behaviour Analysis, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points comprising the compulsory papers: PSYCH538, PSYCH560, PSYCH561, PSYCH577 and PSYCH587 or a 15 or 30 point directed study (PSYCH588, PSYCH589 or PSYCH590) in a relevant area, a 60 point dissertation (PSYCH592), 90 point thesis (PSYCH593) or a 120 point thesis (PSYCH594) and a further 30 to 105 points selected from the optional papers: PSYCH564, PSYCH575 and PSYCH581. Optional papers should be selected in consultation with the Behaviour Analysis Programme Convenor.
Community Psychology
To complete a MAppPsy in Community Psychology, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points comprising 90 points from the compulsory papers (PSYCH511, PSYCH513, PSYCH575, PSYCH582, PSYCH583), a 60 point dissertation (PSYCH592) or a 90 point thesis (PSYCH593) or a 120 point thesis (PSYCH594), and 30 to 90 points from optional papers in Anthropology, Population Studies and Demography, Development Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Geography, History, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Screen and Media Studies, and Sociology. Optional papers should be selected in consultation with the Community Psychology Programme Convenor.
Organisational Psychology
To complete a MAppPsy in Organisational Psychology, students must pass the equivalent of 240 points. A minimum of 180 points must be in Psychology, including the following compulsory papers: 120 point thesis (PSYCH594), on an I/O psychology topic, PSYCH539, PSYCH573, PSYCH579. Plus at least one from: PSYCH581, PSYCH585. The remaining 60 points may be chosen from a relevant, or related discipline, in consultation with the convenor of the programme.
Students considering enrolment in the MAppPsy must, in addition to fulfilling the requirements set out in the appropriate regulations, meet the School of Psychology requirements for entry into the programme. Entry is competitive. Applications should be made to the Convenor (indicating one of Behaviour Analysis, Community Psychology, or Organisational Psychology), MAppPsy, School of Psychology.
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. | ||
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.
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