Course details

Summary

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive and social processes in humans and other animals. It is a rapidly developing field touching on all aspects of human life. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology are rapidly enhancing our understanding of how the brain works, while increasingly complex theories are being developed to understand both normal and abnormal development and the behaviour of individuals and groups. Major advances are being made in understanding and treating psycho-pathologies such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addictions.

Psychology students are trained to:

• think independently and critically about psychological issues
• become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings and major theories of psychology
• learn how to distinguish genuine findings from implausible and suspect claims
• understand modern scientific research in psychology.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is a three-year non-clinical degree designed to address gaps in the health workforce by producing graduates with multidisciplinary skills and an understanding of important national health issues.

New Zealand's health and disability sector is characterized by a diverse workforce made up of many occupations. This diversity is essential to be able to provide the range of services required to meet population health outcomes.

Qualification structure and duration

The BHSc requires a total of 360 points made up of:

• at least 135 points from compulsory courses
• at least 90 points from one subject major
• the remaining points may be taken from within Health Sciences or any other degree offered at UC.

Note: at least 225 of the total points must be above 100-level and at least 90 points must be for courses at 300-level.

Recommended preparation

Psychology is presented and taught as a science, but students from both arts and science backgrounds find the study of Psychology an interesting and worthwhile challenge.

Being able to write clearly and lucidly is a key skill for psychologists. Increasingly, Psychology has come to incorporate findings from neuroscience, making some background knowledge in biology very useful. Students use statistical methods in analysing and treating research data, meaning a background in statistics is helpful. Competence in mathematics at Year 11 and computer skills are assumed.

Further study

At postgraduate level, UC offers a number of popular and highly regarded programmes enabling students to conduct advanced investigation and research in the area of Psychology, as well as specialist programmes in:

Applied Psychology (in a Master of Science or PhD)

Child and Family Psychology (in a postgraduate diploma, Master of Arts or Master of Science)

Clinical Psychology (postgraduate diploma).

Career opportunities

Psychologists have a unique mix of skills. As well as a basic knowledge about people, as individuals and in groups, they are required to have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to analyse and understand quantitative data, and a critical and objective way of approaching problems.

Further specialist opportunities open up for those who have completed postgraduate training in Applied Psychology, Child and Family Psychology, and Clinical Psychology (leading to professional registration as a psychologist). Clinical psychologists work with individuals and their families where there are difficulties in adjustment and coping.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Recommended preparation

For some majors, a background in biology, chemistry and statistics can be beneficial. If you would like to brush up on your knowledge in these areas, Headstart preparatory and summer catch-up courses are available.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.