Course details

Summary

Gain an in-depth understanding of psychology, education and learning with advanced study and practice in educational psychology.

Get the skills and knowledge you need to help people with social or learning difficulties in a range of educational settings.

You'll have the opportunity to develop and practise your skills under the expert guidance of world-class researchers and practitioners.

Explore a wide range of theoretical viewpoints and their practical applications in educational, community and workplace settings. The programme has a bicultural focus and is tailored to meet the needs of New Zealand communities. However your studies will also prepare you to work in multicultural communities and overseas.

Pathway in Educational Psychology

The Faculty of Education offers a research-based Master's programme and the practice-based Postgraduate Diploma that leads to registration as an educational psychologist. You need to complete the Master's before applying to study the limited-entry Diploma programme. The programme includes supervised practice as an intern psychologist and allows you to become a Registered Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Research

The Faculty of Education has a strong focus on research that enhances theoretical and evidence-based educational psychology policy and practice. You'll benefit from collaboration across education and psychology disciplines, and with the education sector.

Careers

An educational psychologist might focus on doing research or creating and implementing programmes that can help young people learn more effectively. You could work in a school or for the Ministry of Education, or you may plan to run your own practice providing services to both the public and private sector.

MEdPsyc graduates might go on to PhD study, or work in educational agencies that need specialised educational psychology knowledge and skills.

You'll study 10 compulsory courses over two or more years. In Part 1, the first year, you'll examine research methods and evidence-based practice, and take courses covering cultural issues in educational psychology, what motivates people to learn, and how to assess those with education difficulties.

In Part 2, you'll explore mental health in young people and how to promote positive behaviours, and study counselling and applied behaviour analysis. You'll also complete a practical research project.

You need to complete this qualification to apply for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice (PGDipEPP).

Entry criteria

Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology or Education and Psychology with a B average.

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).