Focus on bicultural and indigenous psychology
Be part of the only postgraduate Cross-Cultural Psychology programme in Australasia, and one of only two available in English in the world. Our programme gives you the opportunity to focus on bicultural and indigenous psychology, and culture and wellbeing—as it applies here in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Learn the importance of understanding human behaviour from both culture-specific and culture-general perspectives. In our globalised world, cross-cultural understanding is a valuable skill in almost any job.
Become a skilful researcher, working and learning with internationally connected lecturers who are active researchers and experts in their field. You’ll learn to use research methods and theoretical approaches that apply to Cross-Cultural Psychology. Graduate well prepared to work in research and policy analysis roles, or to continue your study at PhD level.
Choose your study path
Build on your undergraduate degree
If you have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related subject, you can apply to study for the Master of Science in Cross—Cultural Psychology. This two-year coursework and thesis programme gives you thorough training in research methods as well as hands-on experience and community placements.
There is an option to complete a one-year thesis-only Master’s for students in some circumstances, such as if you have completed a Psychology Honours year, and meet requirements.
Who can apply for the Master’s degrees
You’ll need a B average in your undergraduate degree. If your degree is in a related area, such as Anthropology, talk to the Programme Director about your options. Sometimes you will need to complete one or more extra courses before you can apply.
You will also need to talk to potential supervisors and get agreement to a proposed thesis project. This is part of the application process—make sure you find someone with expertise and capacity before you apply.
Other ways to study postgraduate Cross-Cultural Psychology
There are also options within the Psychology Honours programme to focus on Cross-Cultural Psychology. Talk to the Programme Director if you’re interested in this.
You can also complete a one-trimester Postgraduate Certificate in Science with Cross-cultural Psychology as your focus. This is a great option if you have limited time available and want to explore a new area and boost your career opportunities.
PhD study
If you have an Honours degree or Master’s, you may be able to continue on to a PhD.
Find out about the PhD programme at the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Cross-Cultural Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
You’ll graduate ready to work with culturally diverse communities either in New Zealand or internationally. Your skills and knowledge will open doors to research and analysis roles in:
- government departments
- private think tanks
- NGOs
- voluntary organisations
- international development agencies or the United Nations.
You may also choose to continue on to do doctoral research here in New Zealand or overseas.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Psychology.
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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Applicants must be full-time post graduate student studying at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is open to students from any course of study which focuses on social justice but students studying Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law and Restorative Justice are encouraged to apply. Students holding a full three-year PhD scholarship are not eligible to apply.
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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 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. 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".
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.
Academic staff research areas
Joseph Bulbulia
Professor of Psychology
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Paul Jose
Professor of Psychology
Tia Neha
Senior Lecturer in Maori and Indigenous Psychology
Rita McNamara
Senior Lecturer in Cross Cultural Psychology
Mele Taumoepeau
Associate Professor
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.