Course details

Summary

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Waikato you gain an internationally recognised degree, leading to diverse career opportunities. Our graduates are in demand for their flexible skills, practical outlook and depth of understanding they bring to their roles. A Waikato BA develops sector-specific analytical abilities and research experience, well-honed written and verbal communication skills, and a broad perspective on the world and its various cultures. You'll learn about human nature and the human mind as they are revealed by the arts, the languages, the politics, and the cultures of the past and the present. The effective communication skills developed while studying the Arts are valued as essential in the modern workplace.

From analysing the reasons for anger to considering the best way to train dogs, the study of Psychology allows insight into countless intriguing facets of cognitive function. 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.

At Waikato, we offer plenty of flexibility to adapt learning to suit your desired focus. Psychology can be taken as a major for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Science - unlike any other university in New Zealand.

As a social science, Psychology focuses on individuals within the context of families, organisations and other groups, communities, cultures and societies. As a biological science, Psychology studies the senses (hearing, vision, touch) and how the brain and physiological systems relate to behaviour. As a cognitive science, Psychology studies perception, attention, memory, thinking and language understanding. The study of development, personality, learning and motivation are also part of Psychology at Waikato, as is animal behaviour and welfare.

Areas of study at Waikato include Animal Behaviour, Behaviour Analysis, Clinical Animal Behaviour, Clinical Psychology, Community, Kaupapa 毛利 and Applied Social Psychology, Health and Mental Health Services and Organisational Psychology.

Career Opportunities

• Behaviour Analyst
• Clinical or Community Psychologist
• Community Programme Coordinator
• Human Resource Adviser
• Private Practitioner
• Research Scientist

Requirements

• Students are required to pass a total value of at least 360 points.

• At least 240 points must be above 100 level, and at least 80 points must be above 200 level.

• An Arts major subject comprises at least 120 points above 100 level, including at least 60 points above 200 level.

• No paper can count towards two majors.

• A supporting subject comprises at least 70 points, with at least 40 points above 100 level. In a double major, the second major subject fulfils this requirement.

• A major, supporting subject or specialization must include any compulsory papers.

• Up to 80 points may be taken ‘outside’ the Arts subjects (that is, from non-Arts subjects). In a double major, if the second major is a non-Arts subject, up to 120 points may be taken. If more than 120 points are required for the major, a Dean’s waiver is required.

• A program of study may only include two directed studies, of which only one may be counted towards your major. Each major has specific rules regarding directed studies

Entry criteria

Applicants must meet NCEA University Entrance criteria or have completed the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies, no less than C grade in any paper plus a B grade in CAFS001 and 002. Some qualifications require specific papers and higher grades or have obtained any other equivalent overseas qualification.

University Entrance means: From 2015 - (i) NCEA Level 3, (ii) a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, in each of three approved subjects, and (iii) the numeracy requirements of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of achievement standards and/or unit standards specified by NZQA, and (iv) the literacy requirement of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 2 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of: (a) 5 credits in reading , and (b) 5 credits in writing from a list specified by NZQA.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme.