Use psychology to help learners succeed
Educational Psychology is a challenging and rewarding field, where you'll learn how best to help children and young people succeed in life—academically, socially and emotionally.
Look at how children learn and grow, using the ideas of behavioural, social and developmental psychology. Find out how different ways of teaching can help different students, and develop your knowledge of a range of educational theories.
Prepare to work in agencies that need people with specialised expertise in educational psychology.
Who can study for this qualification
The MEdPsych will suit you if you want to:
- take postgraduate courses relevant to your past study
- gain advanced research skills in educational psychology topics
- prepare for the PGDipEPP to become an educational psychologist.
What you'll learn
You'll learn about topics such as:
- applied behaviour analysis for educators
- psychological aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders
- learning and motivation
- child and adolescent mental health
- supporting positive behaviour for learning and wellbeing.
How you'll study
The Master of Educational Psychology is a two-year degree programme requiring a total of 240 points. There is one compulsory course: EPSY 530—Seminar in Educational Psychology Research.
PGDipEPP pathway
There's a recommended sequence of courses within the MEdPsych for students planning to continue to the PGDipEPP. If you're interested in applying for the PGDipEPP, you should complete EPSY 530 and five other recommended courses—totalling 150 points altogether. You'll also need to include 90 points of optional courses from the MEdPsych schedule.
Full-time and part-time study options
The MEdPsych takes two years of full-time study.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.
Part-time study for domestic students
If you are a domestic student studying part time, you must complete the MEdPsych within four years. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MEdPsych degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology, Psychological Science or Educational Psychology, with an average grade of B or above for all coursework in the final year of their undergraduate programme; and
(ii) been accepted by the Associate Dean (Students) as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b)Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the associate dean for a candidate who has a bachelor’s degree and extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MEdPsyc
2. (a) The course of study for the MEdPsych shall comprise Seminar in Educational Psychology Research (EPSY 530) and a further 225 points from the schedule.
(b) Candidates shall be required to have achieved a grade of B+ or above in Research Methods in Educational Psychology (EPSY 502) prior to enrolling in Thesis (EPSY 595) or 596.
(c) With the approval of the associate dean, candidates who have completed a postgraduate certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree with honours in educational psychology at a New Zealand university may be awarded credit transfer of up to 120 points towards the MEdPsych. Candidates with an equivalent international qualification may be eligible for similar credit transfer, subject to the approval of the associate dean.
(d) A candidate who has completed 120 points including Seminar in Educational Psychology Research (EPSY 530) and does not proceed further may elect to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology.
3. A candidate shall complete the degree within four years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Future careers
MEdPsych graduates might go on to:
- gain qualifications as a teacher
- study for a PhD
- work in educational or health agencies.
Workplaces might include:
- early intervention services
- mental health services
- NGOs that work with families.
You can also go on to further study with the PGDipEPP to become a registered educational psychologist.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Educational Psychology
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Educational Psychology
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Advance your expertise with PhD study
If you do well in your Master's research, you can apply to do a PhD. You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.
The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study.
Academic staff research areas
Chris Bowden
Director, Educational Psychology
Vanessa Green
Professor of Education
Flaviu Hodis
Associate Professor
Jonathan Moore
Lecturer in Educational Psychology
Jeff Sigafoos
Professor
Jessica Tupou
Senior Lecturer in EduPsych
Hannah Waddington
Associate Professor
Kate Witt
Lecturer in Educational Psychology
Burt Hatch
Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.