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.

UC offers a balanced and comprehensive set of courses, excellent opportunities to undertake work in experimental psychology, and has nationally and internationally recognised postgraduate applied programmes in Applied Psychology, Child and Family Psychology and Clinical Psychology (leading to professional registration as a psychologist).

UC has more than 25 specialist academic staff offering a diverse range of research and teaching options. With a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students we seek to foster close working relationships between staff and students. Undergraduate students from 100-level courses onwards can become involved in research projects and may make significant contributions to the discipline.

Qualification structure and duration

A student must complete at least 120 points from taught courses, as approved by the Head of Department and the Dean of Arts.

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 organizations, 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, 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

Candidates must have qualified for a Bachelor of Arts or an equivalent degree and satisfied the prerequisites for the subject concerned. Prerequisites vary between departments, but normally good grades in 300-level courses in that subject are required.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.