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.

Psychology may be taken as a major subject for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science degree. It may also be taken as a subject in a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) will extend your knowledge in multiple interest areas, satisfying many questions you may have about the world and encouraging you to investigate even further.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• a minimum of 255 points of Science courses
• the remaining 105 points can be from either Science courses or courses from other degrees.
• At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

Many students combine the study of a BSc with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Laws. If you are considering a double degree you should get advice from the College of Science Student Advisor or the Liaison Office.

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.

Psychology graduates hold research and policy analyst positions in government departments and other large public sector organisations, as well as positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including many private sector businesses. Many graduates are employed in public relations, teaching and training, District Health Boards, the New Zealand Defence Forces, and the Department of Corrections and in social service agencies such as employment services, social welfare, counselling services and health promotion. 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.

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.