Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology

The Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology is designed to meet the requirements for registration as a psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance (HPCA) Act.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification: 120 points
• The expected duration of full-time study: 1 year

Locations

• The study location where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• The Faculty or School under which this qualification can be studied: School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Start Dates

• The trimester in which this qualification can be started: Trimester A (March)

Degree Information

Subjects

• Behaviour Analysis
• Community Psychology
• Psychology

Entry Requirements

• Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology open in July of the year preceding entry and close on September 15.
• To be considered, applicants must have completed the Master of Applied Psychology (or equivalent) in the relevant specialisation.
• For confirmed enrolment, successful applicants are required to have work (paid or unpaid) in an organisation that provides them with the opportunity to practice significantly in the relevant specialisation.
• Entry into the programme is competitive and places are limited.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees for domestic students: $10,266 per year
• Domestic tuition fees are indicative only and may change.
• There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment.
• Scholarships are available; visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Graduate Outcomes

• Graduates of the PGDipPracPsych will have:
  • The ability to collect, present, interpret, and evaluate research data.
  • A capacity to synthesise and integrate information.
  • Experience in community development and evaluation.
  • Experience in monitoring and reviewing community psychology techniques.
  • The ability to analyse, overview, and scope social and health problems.
  • The ability to evaluate research and interventions to develop community and address social issues.
  • The ability to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analyses.
  • The ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied.
  • The ability to conceptualise, design, and implement a project.
  • The ability to work and negotiate effectively in a team.
  • The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information in a range of contexts.
  • Competence in written, verbal, and visual communication.
  • The skills of a self-reflective, responsive, and critical practitioner of Community Psychology.
  • The skills of self-directed learning.
  • High standards of ethical awareness.
  • An understanding of ethnicity, social justice, and equity issues.
  • An awareness of personal values and respect for the values of other people.
  • Experience in team problem-solving and a capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Sensitivity to professional and personal ethics.
  • A capacity for self-evaluation and assessment of one’s own work.
  • The willingness and ability to learn and continue learning.
  • A capacity for sound professional judgement and independence of judgment.
  • An appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limits of knowledge.
  • The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
  • The confidence to make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts.
  • The learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further education.
  • Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving practical and academic problems.
  • The confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.
  • An understanding of ethical issues related to professional practice and academic research.

Psychology Career Options

Explore our comprehensive guide on psychology careers to discover diverse job roles, necessary education pathways, and detailed registration requirements.

Studying Psychology

Psychology is one of the most important and critical topics in modern society. Learn more about studying psychology.

Postgraduate Psychology Degrees

Learn more about other postgraduate psychology degree pathways.

Master of Applied Psychology

Specialise in behaviour analysis or community psychology and get hands-on experience.

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Combine empirical research with practical application for the assessment of psychological issues.

Master of Arts in Psychology

A Master of Arts Degree in Psychology will prepare you for a variety of psychology-relevant careers. This 180-point Master of Arts in Psychology can be completed in 12-18 months.

Regulations

Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (PGDipPracPsych)

Graduate Testimonials

• Leny Thomas, Master of Applied Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology: "The School of Psychology, led at the time by Emeritus Professor Mary Foster, gave me a really great foundation and framework to build a career in psychology on."
• Xiaosha Meng, Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology: "I chose the University of Waikato not once but four times throughout my career journey. I am proud to see how my career has progressed. Now a resident and certified psychologist, I support individuals with special needs, such as ASD and ADHD."