Understand how the mind and body connect
Explore how our thoughts and behaviours affect health, and how the mind and body interact within social, cultural, and environmental contexts. In Health Psychology you’ll examine the biological, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and spiritual factors that influence health and illness.
You’ll explore local and global perspectives on health and illness, and how culture, behaviour, emotions, identity, relationships, and belonging affect health and wellbeing.
If you want to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of Māori, Pasifika, and diverse communities, this is an ideal area of study.
Choose your study path
You have several options for studying Health Psychology at undergraduate level.
You can choose it as your major or minor in the Bachelor of Health.
You can also study Health Psychology as a supplementary major alongside the main Psychological Science major in the Bachelor of Psychology.
Study options
Find out how you can study Health Psychology 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
If you’re interested in a career in the health sector, Health Psychology could be the major for you. You’ll be equipped to work in roles that involve understanding and engaging with others, such as:
- health promoter
- wellbeing adviser
- case manager
- disability support worker
- youth worker
- coach or trainer.
With further study, you might go on to work in health policy and research, or qualify as a counsellor.
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 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.
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 studing in a variety of health-related areas.
Scholarships for Health Psychology
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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
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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$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.
Other scholarships
We also offer 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 Health Psychology
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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
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The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
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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".
Become a practising health psychologist
Practising health psychologists work with individuals, groups, families and whānau to help improve health outcomes.
To become a health psychologist, you’ll need to first complete the Master of Health Psychology and then the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology Practice. Entry is very limited—if you are thinking about this option, make sure you know what grades, courses, and experience you'll need so you can plan ahead.
Postgraduate study
A Health major is a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology and the Master of 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.
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.