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.
Psychology at Waikato offers numerous study options for those keen to pursue this remarkable discipline.
Apply to enrol
Key information
| Years: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) |
| 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 |
| 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
Papers
Papers available within Psychology
Prescriptions for the MA, MSc, MSc(Res) 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 | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC521 | Professional Issues in Clinical Practice | 20.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYC522 | Bicultural Approaches to Clinical Practice | 20.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYC523 | Clinical Practicum 1: Fundamental Clinical Skills | 20.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYC524 | Clinical Practicum 2: Advanced and Specialist Skills | 20.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYC541 | Case Study Analysis in Community Psychology | 40.0 | 21X (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 | 21X (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 | 40.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (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 | 20.0 | 21I (Online), 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (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 | 15.0 | 21A (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 | 21X (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 | 21I (Hamilton) & 21X (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 | 21I (Hamilton) & 21X (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. | |||
| PSYCH536 | Eyewitness Memory, Psychological Science and the Law | 15.0 | 21A (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 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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 | 21A (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 | 21X (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 | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYCH556 | Advanced Topics in Adult Mental Health and Well Being | 15.0 | 21A (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 | 15.0 | 21A (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 | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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 | 21B (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 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers research on major childhood syndromes including conduct disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent problems and childhood anxiety. | |||
| PSYCH573 | Learning, Training and Development | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on the role of psychology in learning at work, as well as the development, implementation and evaluation of training programmes. It is particularly relevant for students interested in organisational psychology, as well as those moving into careers which involve developing training or workshop-based interventions ... | |||
| PSYCH575 | Kaupapa Māori Psychology | 15.0 | 21A (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 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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 | 21A (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 | 21B (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 | 21A (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 | 21X (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 | 21X (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. | |||
| PSYCH587 | Behaviour Analysis Practicum | 15.0 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (Online) |
| This paper focuses on the knowledge and skills required for practitioners and academics in behaviour analysis working in applied settings. Students will gain this knowledge and these skills in the context of a practical project in a community setting. This will involve conducting a behavioural assessment to identify intervention ne... | |||
| PSYCH588 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Online), 21A (Tauranga), 21B (Hamilton), 21B (Online), 21B (Tauranga), 21H (Hamilton), 21H (Online) & 21H (Tauranga) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYCH589 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Online), 21A (Tauranga), 21B (Hamilton), 21B (Online), 21B (Tauranga), 21H (Hamilton), 21H (Online) & 21H (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 | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga), 21B (Hamilton), 21B (Tauranga), 21D (Hamilton), 21D (Tauranga), 21H (Hamilton) & 21H (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 | 30.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH593 | Psychology Thesis | 90.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| PSYCH594 | Psychology Thesis | 120.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (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.
Contacts
School of Psychology
Phone:
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