Advance your studies in health psychology
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology is two-trimester postgraduate qualification that builds on your undergraduate study in a Psychology discipline.
Study core courses in Health Psychology, developing an in-depth understanding of the intersections between the biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of health and wellbeing.
Alongside the core courses, you’ll also choose additional courses from Health Psychology and other related areas that interest you.
Who can study for this qualification
You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma in a Psychology discipline to apply.
What you'll learn
Your study will cover Health Psychology fundamentals and research. You'll also take your choice of courses from specialist areas, including:
- Architecture and Built Environments
- Criminology
- Educational Psychology
- Health
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Psychology.
How you'll study
You'll complete between six and eight courses for the PGDipHlthPsyc. How many courses you complete depends on which electives you choose.
You'll study three core courses worth a total of 60 points, which cover:
- research methods
- health and wellbeing in context
- illness, diesease, and support.
You'll then study 60 points of elective courses from your choice of specialisation areas.
Duration and workload
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology will take you two trimesters of full-time study.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours each week.
Our Postgraduate Health Psychology qualifications
We offer three Postgraduate Health Psychology qualifications. These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
The Master of Health Psychology provides the most comprehensive study as it includes coursework and a research thesis
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology has in-depth through coursework, but no research dissertation.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Psychology includes less coursework than the Diploma.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
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 PGDipHlthPsyc shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor of Health in Health Psychology or equivalent, with an average grade of at least a B; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipHlthPsyc
2. The course of study for the PGDipHlthPsyc shall consist of courses worth at least 120 points selected from the MHlthPsyc schedule, including Health Psychology: Health and Wellbeing in Context (HPSY 501), Health Psychology: Illness, Disease and Support (HPSY 502) and 504, and 60 further points from the MHlthPsyc schedule and other approved 400- and 500-level courses in related subjects.
Note: In 2026 students may select from the same approved courses as noted in the MHlthPsyc.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGDipHlthPsyc shall normally complete the diploma within three years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in (a) in special cases.
Future careers
You’ll gain skills that you can use in various parts of the health sector, including:
- health promotion
- health psychology
- health policy.
If you go on to complete the Master’s in Health Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology Practice, you can register as a psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Psychology
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The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
Scholarships for international students
We're 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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Psychology
-
The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
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.
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.