Program Overview

Master of Arts in Psychology

The Master of Arts in Psychology is a postgraduate degree that prepares students for a variety of psychology-relevant careers. This program does not require a thesis or dissertation.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points required to gain this qualification is 180.
• The expected duration of this program is 1.5 years when studied full-time.

Locations

• This qualification is offered in Hamilton.

Area of Study

• This qualification is offered under the School of Psychological and Social Sciences.

Start Dates

• This qualification can be started in Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July).

Why Study the Master of Arts in Psychology?

Pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of Waikato provides students with a deeper understanding of psychology and specialist knowledge that appeals to potential employers. This program equips students to conduct and communicate psychological research effectively, preparing them for diverse careers. Combining psychology studies with courses from other disciplines enhances students' ability to work in a variety of interesting, psychology-relevant industries.

Career Opportunities

• Behavioural Technician
• Probation Officer
• Project Manager
• Marketing Advisor
• Human Resource Advisor
• Psychological Data Analyst
• Public Policy Advisor
• Researcher / Research Technician
• Programme Evaluator
• Consultant

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

The MA is worth a total of 180 points. At least 60 points must be from Psychology courses, including at least 45 from List A.

Core Courses

• ALPSS500 Academic & Professional Research & Writing (30 points)
  • This course enhances students' skills and confidence to transition from study to work, focusing on 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020).
• PSYCH539 Graduate Research Methods in Psychology (15 points)
  • This paper broadens students' knowledge and skills base in research methods in Psychology, assisting them in understanding, critiquing, and conducting research.

Advanced Study

• One course from List A
  • List A includes:
    • PSYCH538 Applications of Behaviour Analysis
    • PSYCH545 Special Topic: The WTF seminar: Facts, Fiction, Fake news
    • PSYCH555 Environmental Psychology
    • PSYCH560 Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues
    • PSYCH579 Applying Psychology to Work

Electives: Psychology and Beyond

• One course from List A, B, or C
  • List A includes:
    • PSYCH538 Applications of Behaviour Analysis
    • PSYCH545 Special Topic: The WTF seminar: Facts, Fiction, Fake news
    • PSYCH555 Environmental Psychology
    • PSYCH560 Applied Behaviour Analysis: Theory and Issues
    • PSYCH579 Applying Psychology to Work
  • List B includes Psychology Electives:
    • PSYCH511 Evaluation Research Design
    • PSYCH561 Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles
    • PSYCH575 Kaupapa Māori Psychology
    • PSYCH577 Single Subject Research Design
  • List C includes electives from other disciplines that can be taken as long as the prerequisite requirements are met:
    • ANTHY515 Ethnographic Research Methods
    • BUSAN543 Applied Business Analytics
    • ENSLA500 Postgraduate Writing and Communication
    • EXMBM521 Strategic Management and Decision Making
    • EXMBM532 Managing Innovation and Value Creation
    • INMGT517 Current Issues in International Management
    • MNMGT562 Contemporary and Future Issues, in Context
    • POLSC501 Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice
    • POLSC537 Environmental Politics and Public Policy
    • POPST500 Official Social Statistics
    • POPST501 Population Health and Equity
    • POPST507 Family and Whānau Demography
    • POPST509 Research Methods for Population Analysis

Entry Requirements

• To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Psychology, students must have completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with a B grade average or better across the third-year papers.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic tuition fees are indicative only and may change.
• Scholarships are available, and students can visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

More Postgraduate Psychology Qualifications

• Master of Science (Research)
• Master of Applied Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology

Psychology Career Options

A comprehensive guide on psychology careers is available, detailing diverse job roles, necessary education pathways, and registration requirements. This guide helps students discover the steps to embark on a fulfilling psychology career and find the path that best suits them.