Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice – PGDipPsychPrac

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice (PGDipPsychPrac) is a professional qualification that prepares students to work as registered psychologists. It is an internship that enables students to meet the competency requirements to be eligible for registration to practise under the Psychologist Scope of Practice under the Health Practitioners Competencies Assurance Act (2003).

Academic and Applied Training

The Diploma comprises 2 courses of formal academic work and 2 courses of supervised practice. It includes supervised training in the application of psychological theory and research to contemporary settings. The training will be academically rigorous and will reflect the highest standards of ethical, safe, and culturally-competent practice.

Study Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice is taught via brief periods of intensive study ('block courses'), combined with distance learning, which allows students to have their internships wherever suits them within New Zealand (international internships are not permitted). Block courses are held each semester on one of Massey's 3 campuses (Auckland, Manawatū, or Wellington).

Internship and Supervision

Students will be supervised by a registered psychologist in their place of work. They will work with their Massey supervisor to support them to develop the competencies required for registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Students will be required to complete 1500 hours of supervised practice in 1 calendar year.

Entry Requirements

• To apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice, students must hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology (or equivalent), and:
  • Either have been awarded or qualified for a Master's degree in Psychology which must include a thesis of at least 90 credits. Additionally, candidates must have successfully completed at least 90 credits of approved postgraduate courses. A minimum B+ grade average is required over the thesis and the course work;
  • Or have been awarded or qualified for a Doctoral degree specialising in Psychology which is approved as meeting Psychologists Board requirements, with a minimum B+ average across all relevant courses.
• By the time study commences, students must also have:
  • Secured internship employment (paid or unpaid) in a workplace where activities require engagement in psychologically-based practice;
  • Arranged for approved supervision in the field from a New Zealand registered psychologist who works in the agency that is hosting the internship;
  • Be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board in the Intern Psychologist Scope of Practice.

Limited Places

There is a limited number of places available. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the qualification. A selection process will be used to shortlist candidates for interviews.

Registration as an Intern

If selected for this qualification, students will be required to apply for registration as an intern psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. When applying for registration as an intern, students will need to authorise the PGDipPsychPrac team and the Registration Board to request a check of their Criminal Record with the New Zealand Police.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, students should review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact the university.

English Language Skills

If students need help with their English language skills before starting university, they can take Massey's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $11,615
• International students: Not applicable

Careers and Job Opportunities

Psychological practice isn’t limited to 1-to-1 services for designated clients with mental health challenges. As a graduate of this qualification, students might use their psychology knowledge to provide psychotherapy or counselling to individuals who are unwell, or they 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.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice

The internship, with the associated course work, should occur within 13 months of full-time study, or 25 months if studying part-time. The courses have non-standard start and finish dates.

Practical Work Requirement

Students must undertake a minimum of 1500 hours practical work and provide evidence of its completion. This is to be provided in the form of an employer’s certificate of performance and is required prior to the examination in Advanced Professional Issues in Psychological Practice Part II.

Courses and Specialisations

• Advanced Professional Issues in Psychological Practice Part I: 30 credits
• Advanced Professional Issues in Psychological Practice Part II: 30 credits
• Practicum in Psychological Practice Part I: 30 credits
• Practicum in Psychological Practice Part II: 30 credits

Related Study Options

• Business Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology – DClinPsych
• Indigenous Psychologies – Diploma in Arts
• Master of Clinical Psychology – MClinPsych
• Psychology – Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Psychology – Bachelor of Health Science
• Psychology – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Psychology – Bachelor of Science
• Psychology – Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
• Psychology – Diploma in Arts
• Psychology – Master of Health Science
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
• Psychology – Master of Science
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Psychology – Master of Arts
• Psychology – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
• Psychology – Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Psychology - Health Psychology – Master of Science

Official Regulations

To understand what students need to study and must complete to graduate, they should read the official rules and regulations for this qualification. These include the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

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