Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Psychology for your Bachelor of Science at Massey
Psychology is a growing and ever-changing subject which helps us make sense of the human impact on the world in which we live.
You'll learn how people perceive, learn, think, develop, behave, and relate to one another. Courses will teach you how the structure of the brain affects our behaviour, what makes people different from one another and how being in groups affects people's behaviour. Finally, you'll learn how factors like culture, gender, poverty, and mental illness affect our health, our thinking, and our behaviour.
Market leading in New Zealand
Massey graduates more clinical psychologists than any other university in New Zealand. Our research and teaching is unique and recognised nationally and internationally. This strength and expertise means your learning will be relevant to today’s jobs and societies and your degree will have a great reputation.
Applied learning
During your degree, you can take part in our broad selection of courses across areas including forensic, experimental and community psychology that demonstrates how foundational skills can be applied.
Topics
Some of the topics taught in psychology courses include:
- abnormal and therapeutic psychology
- bicultural perspectives in psychology
- brain and behaviour
- community psychology
- evolution, learning and culture
- memory and cognition
- organisational psychology
- social psychology.
Planning information
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
You must pass at least 90 credits from the BSc Schedule A, including any compulsory courses, in your first 120 credits of study towards the Bachelor of Science.
The first year structure is designed to provide you with a broad knowledge and skill set which will equip you to go on to more advanced courses in the second and third years.
Suggested structure
Auckland
100-level courses
Take these in any order:
- 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
- 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
- 124103 Biophysical Principles or 160101 Calculus or 160102 Algebra or 160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
- 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science
Recommended 100-level elective:
- 175101 Psychology as a Social Science
Plus choose three 100 level elective courses. One of these electives must be from the BSc Schedule A courses. The remaining two electives can be from a subject area other than Science.
200-level courses in the major
- 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research
and take three from:
- 175201 Social Psychology
- 175205 Brain and Behaviour
- 175206 Memory and Cognition
- 175210 Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology
300-level courses in the major
Take four from:
- 175301 Community Psychology
- 175302 Abnormal and Therapeutic Psychology
- 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research
- 175304 The Psychology of Security
- 175306 Assessment of Individual Differences
- 175309 Forensic Psychology
- 175316 Evolution, Culture and Mind
- 175317 Health Psychology
- 175318 Experimental Psychology
- 175343 Personnel Psychology and Career Development
- 175345 Organisational Psychology
Manawatū
100-level courses
Take these in any order:
- 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
- 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
- 124103 Biophysical Principles or 160101 Calculus or 160102 Algebra or 160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
- 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science
Recommended 100 level elective:
- 175101 Psychology as a Social Science
Plus choose three 100 level elective courses. One of these electives must be from the BSc Schedule A courses. The remaining two electives can be from a subject area other than Science.
200-level courses in the major
- 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research
And take three from:
- 175201 Social Psychology
- 175205 Brain and Behaviour
- 175206 Memory and Cognition
- 175210 Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology
300-level courses in the major
Take four from:
- 175301 Community Psychology
- 175302 Abnormal and Therapeutic Psychology
- 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research
- 175304 The Psychology of Security
- 175306 Assessment of Individual Differences
- 175309 Forensic Psychology
- 175316 Evolution, Culture and Mind
- 175317 Health Psychology
- 175318 Experimental Psychology
- 175343 Personnel Psychology and Career Development
- 175345 Organisational Psychology
Distance
100-level courses to take
Take these in any order:
- 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
- 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
- 124103 Biophysical Principles or 160101 Calculus or 160102 Algebra or 160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
- 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science
Recommended 100 level elective:
- 175101 Psychology as a Social Science
Plus choose three 100 level elective courses. One of these electives must be from the BSc Schedule A courses. The remaining two electives can be from a subject area other than Science.
200-level courses in the major
- 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research
And take three from:
- 175201 Social Psychology
- 175205 Brain and Behaviour
- 175206 Memory and Cognition
- 175210 Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology
300-level courses in the major
Take four from:
- 175301 Community Psychology
- 175302 Abnormal and Therapeutic Psychology
- 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research
- 175304 The Psychology of Security
- 175306 Assessment of Individual Differences
- 175309 Forensic Psychology
- 175316 Evolution, Culture and Mind
- 175317 Health Psychology
- 175318 Experimental Psychology
- 175343 Personnel Psychology and Career Development
- 175345 Organisational Psychology
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
A Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with a minor
You may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another undergraduate degree, the regulations of that qualification will apply.
Some BSc minors that are particularly compatible with psychology include those shown below. Timetabling will prioritise these combinations to minimise clashes.
- Earth Science (Courses: 233105 and 189151 and 123103 or 123104)
- Exercise and Sport Science (Course: 234121)
- Human Nutrition (Courses: 123104 and 122102 and 162101)
- Physiology (Course: 214101 or 117155)
A Psychology minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and wish to complete a Psychology minor see the regulations for requirements.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Science core courses
Psychology courses
200-level courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research 15 credits
An introduction to methods commonly used in psychological research with particular emphasis on measurement, study designs, data analysis, and communicating research results.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection
Course code: 175201 Social Psychology 15 credits
A survey of contemporary experimental social psychology. Against this backdrop critical perspectives are introduced with particular emphasis on the practice of discursive psychology in the New Zealand context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175205 Brain and Behaviour 15 credits
An introduction to basic biological processes underpinning behaviour and what happens when these processes are disrupted. Students will develop critical thinking and effective communication skills (both verbal and written) in relation to biological psychology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175206 Memory and Cognition 15 credits
The central goal of the course is to consider how knowledge is represented and processed in the brain. Students will be introduced to the mental processes involved in thinking and knowing, studied within a converging methods framework that includes evidence from experimental psychology, neuroscience, neuropsychology, and cognitive science.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175210 Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology 15 credits
This course engages with the concept of culture, and its relevance and importance in a bicultural country such as Aotearoa. The interplay between non-Western cultural perspectives and the dominant form of psychology situated within a predominantly Western scientific paradigm, is explored. Indigenous perspectives in general and Māori worldviews specifically, are examined within and juxtaposed to, the discipline of psychology.
View full course details300-level courses
Course code: 175301 Community Psychology 15 credits
Community psychology focuses on people within the contexts of social settings and systems, that is, in ecological relationships with social and physical environments. Conceptual frameworks, the roles of research and practice, and specific intervention strategies developed and used by community psychologists will be among topics considered.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175302 Introduction to Clinical Psychology 15 credits
This course provides an introduction to clinical psychology and mental distress, with an emphasis on current thinking and research in the field. The course examines: the core concepts in defining and classifying mental distress; some of the major psychological disorders across the lifespan; empirically supported approaches to explaining mental distress; and treatments aimed at supporting people towards recovery.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research 15 credits
Study of the practice of psychological research. Students undertake a range of exercises and class projects to develop practical research skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175304 The Psychology of Security 15 credits
An exploration of how psychology can be utilised to improve our understanding of, and responses to, the various security challenges posed by the contemporary environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175306 Assessment of Individual Differences 15 credits
Study of the basic concepts of psychological testing within the broad context of the assessment of individual and group differences. Examination of the rationale behind testing and its application to a wide range of assessment situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175309 Forensic Psychology 15 credits
The focus of this course is to study the issues and controversies in contemporary relationships between psychology and law. The diversity of the field of forensic practice is reflected in the topics covered, and the themes of violence and justice are used to represent the multidisciplinary influences at the nexus of psychology and law within mental health and legal systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175311 Psychology of Women 15 credits
A theory and research-based examination of the Psychology of Women as a sub-discipline with particular focus on how research in the field challenges gender biases and social assumptions. The history of the field is illustrated by classic and contemporary examples of research methodologies suitable for critical studies of sexuality, mothering and gender-based violence.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175316 Evolution, Culture and Mind 15 credits
An evolutionary approach to viewing humans as a species socialized into meaning-making, focusing on biological, cultural, and evolutionary bases of human behaviour, and on applying different approaches to culture to understand the self, and the functioning of societies and culture.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175317 Health Psychology 15 credits
This course consists of an introduction to and critique of general theories and models that have been used to understand, describe, predict and change behaviours related to health and illness and health promotion. It has a strong focus on the application of health psychology in the New Zealand context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175318 Experimental Psychology 15 credits
An examination of cognitive, neuropsychological and electrophysiological techniques of experimental psychology through a hands-on approach.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175343 Personnel Psychology and Career Development 15 credits
Study of applied aspects of individual differences in organisations. Issues such as selection and training, performance evaluation, occupational health and vocational and career development will be studied.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175345 Organisational Psychology 15 credits
An introduction to key concepts within organisational psychology, concentrating on the interplay between theoretical issues and practical concerns. Students will be enabled to critically evaluate the implications which different psychological perspectives have for understanding organisational problems.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
A degree in psychology may lead to many possible career paths. Virtually any setting where knowledge of human behaviour and interactions is useful may employ someone with knowledge of psychology. Some areas in which recent graduates have gained employment are:
- human resource management
- rehabilitation psychology
- business psychology
- teaching
- scientific research
- public health
- counselling
- defence psychology
- special education.
After completing the bachelor's qualification, postgraduate study may give you the opportunity to practice as a registered psychologist in clinical or organisational settings.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Psychology
Massey is ranked in the world's top 300 universities for psychology by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
Related study options
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Indigenous Psychologies – Diploma in Arts
If you have an interest in how culture influences psychology, then Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Indigenous Psychologies) is for you.
Master of Clinical Psychology – MClinPsych
The Master of Clinical Psychology is a competitive-entry professional qualification that will train you to become a registered clinical psychologist.
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice – PGDipPsychPrac
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Psychology – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Understand more about yourself and others. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Psychology), you can study psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Psychology – Bachelor of Health Science
If you’re interested in improving people’s health and wellbeing, and want to make real changes in the community, the Bachelor of Health Science (Psychology) is a great career choice.
Psychology – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Psychology), you can take your undergraduate study of psychology further.
Psychology – Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Take your study of psychology to the next level. With Massey’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology), you can further investigate an issue in psychology that has grabbed your attention.
Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
Massey’s BA (Psychology) will help you explore how the brain works, and understand how we think, behave and make decisions.
Psychology – Diploma in Arts
Psychology explores the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups in a social and cultural context. The goal of psychology is to understand, describe and predict behaviour.
Psychology – Master of Health Science
With Massey’s Master of Health Science (Psychology), you’ll study in more detail the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups to help you make sense of the human impact on the world.
Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Build on your interest in psychology with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Psychology). In detail, learn the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups in social and cultural contexts.
Psychology – Master of Science
With Massey’s Master of Science (Psychology) you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of psychology that interests you.
Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Help you make sense of the human impact on the world with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology). You can take your undergraduate study of psychology to the next level.
Psychology – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (Psychology), you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for psychology. Complete advanced research of an aspect of psychology that interests you.
Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Psychology), you’ll study in more detail the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups in social and cultural contexts.
Psychology – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Psychology - Health Psychology – Master of Science
Understand the application of psychology to health issues with the MSc (Psychology - Health Psychology). Explore health promotion and policies, the meaning of health and illness, and how to analyse treatment structures.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz