Use science to understand people and improve lives

Study Psychology to combine your interest in science and people, and learn how to help people improve their lives. Psychology explores why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, and how biology and environment shape who we are.

Learn from internationally recognised teachers in world-class facilities—including specialised labs with eye-tracking, brain stimulation, and virtual reality technology. You’ll also gain real-world experience through workplace-integrated learning and industry connections.

A Bachelor of Psychology can lead to many different careers. You might work directly with people, focus on research and analysis, or use psychology to improve communities and society as a whole.

What you’ll learn

Throughout your studies in Psychology, you’ll gain transferable skills in maths, critical thinking, cultural awareness, ethical research, and written and oral communication.

You’ll explore topics like:

  • biological bases of behaviour
  • culture in psychology
  • mental health and wellbeing
  • social psychology
  • lifespan development
  • neuropsychology
  • cognition and personality.

Bicultural focus

Kaupapa and mātauranga Māori are woven through the core courses in the Bachelor of Psychology. Boost your cultural awareness, social responsibility, and competence in the context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We offer a dedicated Māori Psychology major within the degree—the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. This major bridges the gap between Western and Māori understandings of mental health and wellness.

Year breakdown

Year 1

You’ll explore career paths available to Psychology graduates and see what knowledge and skills you need to pursue those careers.

Years 2 and 3

You’ll learn a range of Psychology research methods. You’ll develop work-ready skills, such as being able to write reports and work cooperatively in groups. 

Build your degree

Psychological Science is the required major for the Bachelor of Psychology. You can add to your major with one of eight complementary Psychology majors, or choose courses from other fields you are interested in.

Complementary majors

The complementary majors in the BPsyc let you dive into an area of Psychology you’re interested in and get the best start for your career aspirations. The majors are interdisciplinary, meaning you’ll take courses from other relevant fields as well as specially developed Psychology courses.

If you’re interested in postgraduate study to become a registered psychologist, the optional majors offer clear pathways to help you achieve your goals. See which of the complementary majors might be right for you.

Stay updated

Fill in the form so we can keep you up to date with everything related to the Bachelor of Psychology. 

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.

Future Student advisersTītoko—Student Success
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How our degrees work

Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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At a glance

Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime

Domestic fees

$8,668.00
per year (2026 estimate)
Plus an estimated NZ$1,285 Student Services Fee per year.

Estimated international fees

See fees in your local currency:
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Find out more

Important dates

2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Apply to study
Taught by
Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences
We provide this information to help you plan your degree. Your actual costs and length of study may be different, depending on the courses you choose. We confirm your final costs at the time you enrol.
Need help planning your study? Talk to us

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for domestic students

  • Requirements for students who completed secondary school 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:

A New Zealand university entrance qualification or equivalent.

Degree requirements

Excerpt from the regulations for the BPsyc

View all the regulations for this qualification

For this degree, you’ll need to complete at least 360 points, including:

  • at least 240 points from the BPsyc schedule
  • at least 210 points above 100 level
  • at least 75 points at 300 level

You'll also need to complete the requirements of the compulsory Psychological Science major and (optionally) a second, complementary major.

For the Psychological Science major, you need to complete the following courses:

At 100 level:

At 200 level:

At 300 level:

Majors in the BPsyc

Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.

Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.

Major subjects and requirements

Explore your major options below.

BPsyc subjects

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Second major subjects

You can choose to add an optional second major from within the BPsyc or from another degree. Explore your options for a second major below.

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Select an optional minor subject

Add another dimension to your degree by choosing an optional minor. Most major BPsyc subjects are available as minors.

Some subjects are only available as minors. While most minors require 60 points at 200- and 300-level, there are a few minors with specific requirements.

Minor subjects and requirements

Start planning your study

Use the tiles to find out how you could include the selected minor in your degree. Not all major and minor combinations are available, so talk to us before you lock down your plan of study.

BPsyc minor subjects

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Flexible study paths

As an alternative to the complementary majors, you have the option of choosing a second major from another undergraduate degree.

Flexibility in our undergraduate degrees

Future careers

A degree in Psychology will help you in any job that requires an understanding of people. You’ll graduate with valuable skills in assessing, explaining, and even changing human behaviour. These skills are relevant in all areas where humans live, work, and interact.

You’ll be well prepared for jobs in:

  • the health sector
  • government
  • the justice system
  • human resources
  • education.

With further study, you could go on to a career in research or begin your registration process with the New Zealand Psychologists Board—the final step in becoming a registered psychologist.

More career information

Find out more about careers in Psychology.

The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

Tahatū

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have first-year and school-leaver 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.

First-year and school-leaver scholarships

Scholarships for Psychology

  • C3 Scholarship
    Worth: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

  • Averil Brent Scholarship in Science
    Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Victoria Students' Psychology Society (VSPS) Scholarship
    Worth: $500 Closing: 31 August, 2027

    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".

Search all scholarships

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.

Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

First-year and school-leaver scholarships

Scholarships for Psychology

  • Averil Brent Scholarship in Science
    Worth: $3,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Victoria Students' Psychology Society (VSPS) Scholarship
    Worth: $500 Closing: 31 August, 2027

    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".

Search for scholarships

Postgraduate study

Depending on your grades and the courses you’ve included in your degree, you could go on to an Honours year in Psychology or be accepted into one of our specialist Master’s pogrammes.

You might also be able to apply for a professional postgraduate training programme in psychology, education, or health.

The BPsyc also offers clear pathways into postgraduate research in Psychology—for example, through a Master of Science or a PhD.

Why Wellington

Wellington is the science capital of New Zealand. Here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for networking, internships, research placements, and future employment.

Wellington also offers unique access to the workings of government. Take advantage of research and education opportunities through the University's links with:

  • local schools
  • Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children
  • Department of Corrections
  • New Zealand Police
  • Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand.
Postgraduate study options
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Accommodation

Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:

  • catered halls of residence
  • self-catered apartments or flats
  • self-catered studios.

We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.

Explore University accommodation
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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.

And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.

Financing your studyTalk to a student finance adviser
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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.

Find out how to apply for a visa from Immigration New Zealand
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Wellington Global Exchange

If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.

Wellington Global Exchange
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Study Abroad and Exchange Programme

If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū

Learn more