Understand offensive behaviour and its effects on victims
Build on your undergraduate Psychology study to apply psychological theory to a range of criminal justice issues. Learn how to produce psychological evidence for legal and criminal justice purposes.
Explore how forensic psychology relates to policy and practice in areas like adult corrections, family violence prevention and youth offending. Learn about risk assessment and understand public attitudes towards individuals who have offended.
You’ll work in our research labs alongside staff who are international leaders in their fields. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at criminal justice agencies and community organisations that provide services for offenders or victims of crime.
Industry connections
Industry connections
Take advantage the School of Psychology’s many industry connections and partnerships. As a Forensic Psychology student, you can complete an internship working alongside professionals in the field. This could be at:
Choose your study path
You can study Forensic Psychology through the Master of Science by coursework and thesis. This is a research-focused qualification, with coursework in Part 1 leading to a research thesis in Part 2.
In special circumstances—if you have an Honours degree with the right focus, for example—you may be able to go directly to Part 2. Alternatively, if you complete only Part 1 and don’t do the thesis, you may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
Contact the Forensic Psychology team for more information.
Train to be a psychologist
If you’d like to work as a psychologist in a criminal justice setting, you’ll need a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipClinPsyc) as well as your Master’s degree. You can complete your Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology before doing the PGDipClinPsyc, or you can do both at the same time.
Find out more about studying Clinical Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington.
Further research with PhD study
An MSc in Forensic Psychology also gives you a pathway to advanced research for a PhD.
Entry is limited
Entry to all postgraduate Psychology programmes is limited. Check the entry requirements and find out about the application process on the qualification pages, or talk to the programme director to discuss your options.
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 Forensic Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
As a Forensic Psychology Master’s graduate, you’ll be highly employable. You could could find work as a:
- research or policy analyst
- rehabilitation programme facilitator
- probation officer.
As a Forensic Psychology student, you can complete an internship working alongside professionals in the field. This could be at:
- the Department of Corrections
- Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand
- New Zealand Police.
If you train as a psychologist, you might find work in one of Health New Zealand’s regional mental health services or with the Department of Corrections psychological services.
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.
Current research areas
Find out about current research programmes.
Academic staff research areas
Simon Davies
Lecturer in Forensic Psychology
Hedwig Eisenbarth
Associate Professor
Clare-Ann Fortune
Deputy Head of School
Tony Ward
Professor
Julia Yesberg
Senior 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.