Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology – PGDipEdDevPsych

The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology is a 1-year internship that can be completed part-time over 2 years under exceptional circumstances. It provides a framework for supervised professional psychological practice.

What does an educational psychologist do?

Educational psychology is a varied and multi-dimensional job and reflects an interest in supporting others to learn and thrive. Educational psychologists are a unique professional group who have in-depth understanding of psychology, education, and learning. They can work collaboratively with whānau, and with other professionals across many discipline groups.

Dynamic learning experience

The qualification has a strong cultural and relational teaching pedagogy, which embeds Mātauranga Māori. You’ll have the ability to complete your internship in a university-approved organisation, for example, the Ministry of Education, Explore Specialist Advice, or the RTLB service. You’ll develop a strong understanding of what it means to be an educational psychologist in Aotearoa New Zealand. This qualification also enables graduates to work as a registered psychologist overseas (e.g., UK, Australia).

A PGDipEdDevPsych is a good fit if you:

• want to work within an inclusionary, rights-based framework
• wish to be exposed to a wide range of psychological and bicultural theoretical viewpoints and practical applications
• are keen to meet the needs of young people within bicultural New Zealand communities.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (the internship) you will:

• have a B+ average or above over a completed Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology or over a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology (or equivalent), and
• have passed at least 60 credits of approved psychology courses including at least 45 credits at 200-level or higher, and
• have passed at least 45 credits of approved education courses including at least 30 credits at 200-level or higher, and
• have completed at least 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, learning, or community learning experience in a relevant field, and
• meet all requirements as set by the New Zealand Psychologists Board for registration as an Intern Educational Psychologist, and
• meet the requirements as set by the New Zealand Psychologists Board, in terms of good character and fitness to be registered
• have access to a suitable psychology practice context and professional supervision for the duration of the qualification.

You will need to provide the following documents:

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• a copy of your current curriculum vitae (including education and employment for at least the last 5 years)
• personal statement/cover letter
• a completed New Zealand Police Request and Consent form, along with 2 pieces of verified identification (1 of which must be photographic)
• a copy of a police report from every country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years – please do not supply originals
• contact details of 2 referees.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Important dates

Application closing date

Applications for study in 2026 close on 18 August 2025.

Selection interviews

Selection interviews will be held via Zoom: 8-9 September 2025.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology

The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology is awarded without specialisation.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (the internship) is an integrated qualification, so you will normally be enrolled concurrently in all four courses.

Most students complete the qualification in 1 year (full-time study). In exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the Academic Board or their delegate, the supervised practical work may be completed part-time over 2 academic years.

Courses and specialisations

Courses and specialisations

• Applied contemporary practice in educational psychology: 30 credits
  • Casework involving early childhood, children, and adolescents and their caregivers/teachers/whānau is undertaken during the year under supervision of registered psychologists. Analysis of the casework is presented to be assessed throughout the course. The folio of casework includes projects that centre on working with individuals, groups, and systems. The casework undertaken will be decided according to the individual and professional development needs of the student.
• Evidence-based practice in educational psychology: 30 credits
  • Evidence-based practice and application to formal and informal learning contexts. Developing a professional practice portfolio with reference to the Core Competencies of the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board.
• Competencies for Educational Psychologists: 30 credits
  • Advanced study and supervised professional practice in educational and developmental psychology with a focus on competencies and critical professional reflection.
• Professional Leadership in Educational Psychology: 30 credits
  • Professional Leadership and application of discipline knowledge, scholarship, and research in supervised professional practice in educational and developmental psychology

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

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

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Careers and job opportunities

The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology is your pathway to becoming an educational psychologist. Successful completion of this internship will deem you eligible for registration as an educational psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

There is a demand for educational psychologists in New Zealand. If you enjoy people, love learning, and are creative, this is an exciting profession. It leads to a vast range of professional opportunities in the areas of learning, assessment, leadership, and management in educational and workplace settings.

Accreditations and rankings

• Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for education in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
• Massey is ranked in the world's top 350 universities for psychology by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).