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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Designed for graduates of the MBehAnalysis - Master of Behaviour Analysis, the PGDipAppPsych programme will prepare you for professional practice in the application of this sub-discipline of psychology.

The programme is flexible and draws on the interests and expertise of Psychology academic staff, which means you’ll be working with up-to-date theory and practice. You’ll complete a supervised practicum that will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Programme Structure

Students must complete 120 points in one year of full-time study. Part-time study is available at the discretion of the School of Psychology.

The courses that make up this programme align with international standards for competence in behaviour-analytic practitioners and the New Zealand Psychologists Board. 

The practicum component of this degree involves up to 1500 hours of supervised experience in an applied setting.

This programme structure is subject to final regulatory approval.  

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology can look forward to meeting the requirements to become a registered psychologist and practising in New Zealand. If your area of interest is applied behaviour analysis, you can become registered with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Psychologists with this qualification who already have a Masters research thesis could enrol in a PhD degree.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Registered psychologist
  • Registered Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) practitioner
  • Potential for international registration with BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters .

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2025 Semester One03 March 202530 June 2025
2026 Semester One15 October 202502 March 202629 June 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

Applications open 1 September

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Psychology from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

b passed PSYCH 741, 749, 750, 751, 754, 759, or equivalent courses

and

c demonstrated in accordance with approved selection criteria determined by the Faculty of Science the qualities necessary for a person seeking a qualification as a registered psychologist. This will normally require an interview, submission of academic transcripts and appropriate letters of reference.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

3 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

4 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology Schedule.

6 The programme for each student requires the approval of Academic Head.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Distinction

8 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

9 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

10 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of Academic Head.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 60 points for all Practicum, and
  • One of the following:
  • 30 points for all Portfolio in ABA - 1 Semester, or
  • 30 points for all Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters, and
  • 15 points for all Professional Psychology Practice, and
  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 2 Semesters, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Practicum

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Portfolio in ABA - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Professional Psychology Practice

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map