The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice is your pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice (PGDipPsychPrac) is a professional qualification that prepares you to work as a registered psychologist.
This is an internship programme that will train you to be eligible for registration to practise under the Psychologist Scope of Practice, as defined by the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
The diploma comprises two courses of formal academic work, and two of supervised practice.
You’ll get supervised training in the application of psychological theory and research to contemporary settings. Your training will be academically rigorous, and will reflect the highest standards of ethical, safe and culturally competent practice.
During your internship you’ll function like a professional psychologist, but under close supervision. You’ll gain the skills and learn the responsibilities you need to later practise psychology independently.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice is available by distance learning, so you can study wherever suits you. You’ll benefit from Massey’s established expertise in distance education.
The diploma can also be completed in any field of psychological practice. This broadens your opportunities to practise psychology in New Zealand society.
Massey graduates more researchers and registered psychologists than any other university in New Zealand. We’re connected to a wide range of community and statutory organisations, and 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.
Massey is ranked in the world’s top 300 universities for psychology by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking.
Psychological practice isn’t limited to one-to-one services for designated clients with mental health challenges. As a graduate of this programme, you might use your psychology knowledge to provide psychotherapy or counselling to individuals who are unwell, or you could be providing a different type of psychological service to the public. Common areas of practice include health psychology, kaupapa Māori psychology, community development, working with youth, and rehabilitation psychology.
Our graduates typically work in their community in:
If you want to be a registered psychologist, you can explore your qualification options in our psychology pathways tool.
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