Understand how brains work to improve mental health
In Brain Sciences and Mental Health, you’ll learn how the brain regulates our behaviour, thinking, and emotions.
Learn about the biology and chemistry of the brain and learn how it affects our health and wellbeing. You’ll gain skills in health and behavioural analysis and get an introduction to neuropsychology and cognitive psychology.
The Brain Sciences and Mental Health major is multidisciplinary, meaning you’ll take specially designed Psychology courses alongside others from Chemistry, Biology, and Health. If you enjoy science subjects, you’ll be well suited to Brain Sciences and Mental Health.
Choose your study path
Brain Sciences and Mental Health is a supplementary major, which means you can only study it as part of a double major.
It can also work well alongside a Biology major.
Focus on Psychology
Brain Sciences and Mental Health pairs particularly well with Psychological Science as part of a Psychology degree.
You could also include Brain Sciences and Mental Health in the Bachelor of Health, alongside a Health Psychology major.
Focus on another science subject
Brain Sciences and Mental Health works well as a second major in the Bachelor of Science alongside a Biology major or a Chemistry major.
Brain Sciences and Mental Health as a minor subject
You can also include Brain Sciences and Mental Health as a minor subject in most of our Bachelor's degrees.
Study options
Find out how you can study Brain Sciences and Mental Health at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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 careers
Brain Sciences and Mental Health is a great option if you are looking at careers in the public health sector. You could work as a:
- laboratory and research assistant
- mental health and disability support worker
- clinical or health data manager
- policy analyst for public and mental health.
With further study you could go on to a research career in areas like psychology, neuroscience and health, and biomedical sciences.
More career information
Find out more about careers related to brain science and mental health.
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 first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don't receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Brain Sciences and Mental Health
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don't receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Brain Sciences and Mental Health
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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.
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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".
Postgraduate study
Brain Sciences and Mental Health along with a Psychological Science major gives you a solid foundation for postgraduate study in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.
If you get good grades in your Psychology degree, you might also be able to apply to the clinical Psychology programme.
If you have studied Brain Sciences and Mental Health alongside a science subject, you may be able to go on to a Bachelor of Science with Honours and then a Masters degree.
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.
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.
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.