Where you can study
International students
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Specialise in Business Psychology for your Bachelor of Arts at Massey
Stand out from the crowd
Massey’s BA (Business Psychology) draws on leading expertise from business and psychology to set you apart from the rest. The BA (Business Psychology) is taught in collaboration by psychology and business lecturers. It applies psychology to the world of business. It will develop your understanding of how people affect and are affected by, organisational culture, human resources and management. Your understanding of human attitude and behaviour will be a distinct advantage in your ability to drive business growth.
The only qualification of its kind in New Zealand
People are integral to the success or failure of any business. Massey is the only New Zealand university offering a major that combines psychology with the human side of business.
Use your skills to excel in business
Enhance your employability with a powerful skill-set. By studying business psychology within an arts degree, you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of business and psychology, as well as broad transferable communication and analytical skills integral to any career. This diverse mix of skills will enhance both your work-readiness and your world-readiness.
A Bachelor of Arts in Business Psychology is a good fit if you:
- want to help businesses improve their team culture
- want to know what makes you and other people tick
- want the flexibility to follow your passions.
Planning information
If you study full time, in the 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 if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
About this major
The Business Psychology major in the Bachelor of Arts consists of 195 credits.
The two first-year (100-level) psychology courses are compulsory for this major. They are 175101 Psychology as a Social Science and 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science, and together they are the basic foundations of your future studies in psychology. You must complete 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science before you can move onto the more advanced (200-level) psychology courses.
Once you’ve completed the first-year courses, you can move on to the 200-level 175201 Social Psychology course and the 200-level 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research course. In turn, you need to have these before you can go on to the 300-level psychology courses. When you have passed a 100-level course you can start the business part of your major. To do this, all you have to do is select courses 114241 Principles of Human Resource Management and 152250 Managing Organisations offered by the Massey School of Business.
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 Arts (Business Psychology) with a minor
You may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations or 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
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 75 credits
- Major courses – 195 credits
- Other electives – 90 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- At least 30 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 200 level
- At least 90 credits at 300 level
You could replace electives with a second BA major, or some electives with a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Business, or the Bachelor of Science.
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 Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Business Psychology courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 114241 Principles of Human Resources Management 15 credits
An introduction to human resources management (HRM) theories and practices in national and international contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152250 Managing Organisations 15 credits
An analysis of the management of organisations emphasising themes relating to people, process and structure.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175101 Psychology as a Social Science 15 credits
An introduction to psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour, with emphasis on individual differences and social influences. The course aims to develop an awareness of the issues, terminology, methods and techniques involved in the study of human behaviour.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science 15 credits
An introduction to methods and findings from the scientific study of psychology and its application to everyday human behaviour. Examination of basic behavioural, perceptual and cognitive processes and how these are influenced by biological mechanisms and cultural context.
View full course detailsCourse 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: 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 selections
Course code: 114330 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace 15 credits
An examination of issues, opportunities, and responses to managing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
View full course detailsCourse code: 114396 Strategic Human Resource Management 15 credits
An exploration of human resources management as a strategy to achieve organisational goals. Particular emphasis is given to organisations’ responses to trends in both their internal and external environments.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152304 Managing Services 15 credits
Examines theories and issues relating to the place of services in the economy.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152325 Designing and Developing Organisations 15 credits
A theoretical and practical introduction to organisational designs and development processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152336 Leadership Practice 15 credits
A critical analysis of the theory and practice of leadership relevant to public and private organisations and the development of ethical leadership and citizenship in a variety of socio-cultural contexts.
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: 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 detailsSubject courses
Course 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 detailsCourse 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: 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 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 Massey’s BA (Business Psychology), outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
If you have already completed a bachelor degree
If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.
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 programme, 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
Where can a BA (Business Psychology) take you?
Business psychologists often work as consultants. They often meet with business leaders and management to assist with improving personnel strategies, including hiring methods and training qualifications, and evaluating the success of the organisational structure.
Our graduates work as:
- human resources managers
- real estate account managers
- employment consultants
- careers counsellors
- training and development providers
- human factor researchers
- retail directors.
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.
Related study options
Doctor of Clinical Psychology – DClinPsych
The Doctor of Clinical Psychology is a competitive-entry professional qualification that will train you to become a registered clinical psychologist.
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
Become a registered psychologist with Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice.
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
Join Massey’s market-leading Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and learn how people perceive, learn, think, develop, behave, and relate to one another.
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