Understand more about yourself and others
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
A Massey Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in psychology.
You’ll explore the thoughts, feelings and actions of individuals and groups in a social and cultural context. Psychology will help you make sense of the human impact on the world. You’ll learn about the natural, social and biological sides of psychology. You’ll also gain skills in research methods and applications of psychology.
You’ll ask questions such as:
A graduate diploma in psychology will equip you with valuable transferable skills. This includes research, analysis, communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Massey graduates more researchers and clinical psychologists than any other university in New Zealand. We’re connected to a wide range of community and statutory organisations. We produce unique and applied psychology research and training that’s recognised nationally and internationally. This expertise enhances the reputation of your degree and ensures your knowledge is relevant to today’s society.
A Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) can provide knowledge and skills relevant to a broad selection of applied psychology areas including clinical, health, education, community, industrial and organisational psychology. These diverse options mean you can study what you are most passionate about and carry that passion forward into your career.
The knowledge of human behaviour and interactions that you’ll gain from psychology will be useful in many careers including:
If you want to be a registered psychologist, you can explore your qualification options in our psychology pathways tool.
Once you have completed your Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) you can then apply for postgraduate studies in psychology if you wish.
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.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
from the Schedule to the Diploma including:
Endorsement courses (including at least 60 credits at 300 level)
From the Schedule at 200 (or 300) level
(at least) from the Schedule at 300 level
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 175203 | Introduction to Psychological Research | 15 |
| 175201 | Social Psychology | 15 |
| 175205 | Brain and Behaviour | 15 |
| 175206 | Memory and Cognition | 15 |
| 175210 | Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology | 15 |
| 175301 | Community Psychology | 15 |
| 175302 | Abnormal and Therapeutic Psychology | 15 |
| 175303 | The Practice of Psychological Research | 15 |
| 175304 | The Psychology of Security | 15 |
| 175306 | Assessment of Individual Differences | 15 |
| 175309 | Forensic Psychology | 15 |
| 175311 | Psychology of Women | 15 |
| 175313 | Gender and Violence | 15 |
| 175316 | Evolution, Culture and Mind | 15 |
| 175317 | Health Psychology | 15 |
| 175318 | Experimental Psychology | 15 |
| 175343 | Personnel Psychology and Career Development | 15 |
| 175345 | Organisational Psychology | 15 |
Full-time study comprises eight 15-credit courses for a total of 120 credits in one year. We recommend you aim for 60 credits per semester.
When you are granted entry to the programme, you are not required to pass 175.102 which is the 100-level prerequisite course for 175.203. You will need to apply for 175.203 as a Special Request and the prerequisite will be waived.
If you plan to progress onto postgraduate study in psychology it is recommended that you take all eight courses in psychology, including your electives.
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.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
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 will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for psychology by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
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 programme 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 programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.