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 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: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $7,218 - $8,650 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $49,795-$56,670 (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
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in Psychology, a student should have completed either:
a) a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, or Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours, or Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least a B average, and
b) satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
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 [1]
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.
[1] The 240 point version of the specified programme of Organisational Psychology is suspended from 2021 and the 120 point version is suspended from 2022.
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC521 | Professional Issues in Clinical Practice | 20.0 | 22D (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 | 22D (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 | 22A (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 | 22B (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 | 22X (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 | 22X (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 | 22D (Hamilton) & 22D (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 | 22D (Hamilton) & 22D (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 | 22A (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 | 22X (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 | 22I (Hamilton) & 22X (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 | 22I (Hamilton) & 22X (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 | No occurrences |
| 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 | 22B (Hamilton) & 22B (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 | 22A (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 | 22X (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. | |||
| PSYCH545 | Special Topic: Psychological Science and the Next Pandemic | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton) |
| Psychological Science could have helped societies predict and address problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic: conspiracy theories; the spread of misinformation; vaccine hesitancy; failures to remember contacts or to scan a QR code; rates of PTSD or “PreTSD,” which arises when people imagine traumatic events in their future... | |||
| PSYCH553 | The Practice of Psychology ABA | 60.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| PSYCH555 | Environmental Psychology | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga) |
| Provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in Environmental Psychology, the study of the transaction between humans and their natural and built environments. | |||
| PSYCH556 | Advanced Topics in Adult Mental Health and Well Being | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton) |
| This paper builds on PSYCH338 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,... | |||
| PSYCH560 | Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues | 15.0 | 22B (Hamilton) & 22B (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 | 22A (Hamilton) & 22A (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 | 22B (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 | 22B (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 | 22A (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 | 22A (Hamilton) & 22A (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 | 22B (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 | 22B (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 | 22B (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 | 22X (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 | 22X (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. | |||
| PSYCH587 | Behaviour Analysis Practicum | 15.0 | 22D (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 | 22A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22A (Tauranga), 22B (Hamilton), 22B (Online), 22B (Tauranga), 22H (Hamilton), 22H (Online) & 22H (Tauranga) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| PSYCH589 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22A (Tauranga), 22B (Hamilton), 22B (Online), 22B (Tauranga), 22H (Hamilton), 22H (Online) & 22H (Tauranga) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| PSYCH590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 22A (Hamilton), 22A (Tauranga), 22B (Hamilton), 22B (Tauranga), 22D (Hamilton), 22D (Tauranga), 22H (Hamilton) & 22H (Tauranga) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| PSYCH591 | Honours Dissertation | 30.0 | 22D (Hamilton) & 22D (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 22X (Hamilton) & 22X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| PSYCH593 | Psychology Thesis | 90.0 | 22X (Hamilton) & 22X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| PSYCH594 | Psychology Thesis | 120.0 | 22I (Hamilton), 22X (Hamilton) & 22X (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
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.
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