The pathway to become a registered psychologist
As a health psychologist, you’ll work with individuals, groups, and whānau to support health outcomes. You’ll put your knowledge of the intersections between physical health, mental health, and wellbeing into practice—helping to improve lives.
Take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, examining how biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural aspects interact in relation to health.
The Postgraduate Diploma of Health Psychology Practice is the qualification you need to register and practice as a health psychologist. You’ll graduate with the practical skills and knowledge to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities.
Who can study for this qualification
Places in the Postgraduate Diploma of Health Psychology Practice (PGDipHlthPsycPrac) are very limited.
To apply, you’ll need a Master of Health Psychology degree with at least a B+ average, or equivalent. Equivalency can look different for different people (e.g., some have a Masters in Psychology including Health Psychology papers; others have a Masters in Psychology and work experience which has provided a background in relevant models and approaches).
If you are unsure whether you meet prerequisites, we recommend you submit an application to the programme for consideration.
After applications close, we shortlist applicants. We select students for the programme based on their application documents (personal statement, CV, and academic record), references, and an interview.
How you'll study
The programme is full time, and runs for 13 months—January to January.
You’ll complete a supervised internship of 1500 hours where you’ll be working with clients. Alongside your internship, you’ll take two professional practice courses which are a mix of online seminars and blocks of in-person workshops.
The courses have separate assessments including clinical interviews, case reports, presentations, and in-class examinations.
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 PGDipHlthPsycPrac shall have:
(i) completed a Master of Health Psychology, which includes HPSY 503, with an average grade of at least B+;
(ii) eligibility for registration as an intern psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board;
(iii) 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), on the recommendation of the programme director, for a candidate who is otherwise suitably qualified.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipHlthPsycPrac
2. The course of study for the PGDipHlthPsycPrac shall consist of courses worth at least 150 points, comprising Professional Issues in Health Psychology Practice 1 (HPSY 510), Professional Issues in Health Psychology Practice 2 (HPSY 511) and 512.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least two trimesters and shall complete the degree within two years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
4. The Dean may, on the recommendation of the programme director, cancel the enrolment of a candidate whose progress is unsatisfactory or who becomes ineligible to continue as a registered intern psychologist.
5. Courses from the PGDipHlthPsycPrac regulations are excepted from the aegrotat pass provisions in the Assessment Handbook. In the event that a candidate is prevented from completing such a course by one of the circumstances specified in the relevant section of the Assessment Handbook, the programme director may grant the candidate an extension to complete the course.
Future careers
As a registered health psychologist, you might work in health service settings like hospitals, primary healthcare organisations, or community organisations.
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.