A rewarding career that improves lives
Work towards a career helping people build healthy lifestyles, manage stress, and enhance their social and physical wellbeing.
Develop an advanced understanding of the interactions between the biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of health and wellbeing.
You’ll build on your research skills and knowledge so that you can understand and critique evidence and implement evidence-based programmes and interventions. If you want to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of Māori, Pasifika, and diverse communities, this is an ideal area of study to pursue.
Choose your study path
If you have an undergraduate degree in a Psychology discipline, you can apply to study towards a Master of Health Psychology. The Master of Health Psychology is part of a staircased family of qualifications, meaning you could start with a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Psychology and build towards the Master’s degree.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology
- Master of Health Psychology
Become a registered psychologist
After you complete your Master in Health Psychology, you may be able to apply to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology Practice. This is the qualification you need to become a registered psychologist, enabling you to practice as a health psychologist.
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 Health Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Your postgraduate study in Health Psychology will give you the skillset for diverse roles in the health sector, including in health promotion, health psychology, and health policy.
After completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology Practice, you’ll be able to 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.
Health New Zealand Scholarships
You may be eligible to apply for grants or scholarships from Health New Zealand to support your studies. In particular, Health New Zealand offer scholarships to support Māori and Pacific students who are studying in a variety of health-related areas.
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
Ally Gibson
Deputy Head of School
Octavia Calder-Dawe
Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology
Terry Fleming
Associate Professor
Gloria Fraser
Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology
Katie Graham
Lecturer in Health Psychology
Chloe Parton
Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology
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.