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SCIENCE

Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology (Online)

GradDipAppPsych

Learn the principles, concepts and skills required for postgraduate study in psychology.

Entry Requirements

Any degree in any subject

or

The equivalent practical, professional, or scholarly experience.

Duration

1.5 years (part-time)

Next Start Dates

2025

  • Term 1:
    3 March (Applications close 17 February)
  • Term 3:
    7 July (Applications close 23 June)

Full Programme Fees

$7,819.20* (estimate)

International fees

 

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology (GradDipAppPsych) is an intensive part-time programme that will provide you with a foundational knowledge of psychology to either advance your current career or lead towards postgraduate study. This programme will extend the knowledge and expertise you gained from your previous studies and professional experience, and build on this by teaching you the principles, concepts and skills required for postgraduate study in psychology. The GradDipAppPsych is highly relevant to those who work in applied professions including education, human resources, allied health, counselling, and caregiving, as well as those who wish to retrain or change career. If you want to gain skills related to applied psychological research and practice in your current occupation or progress to postgraduate study in psychology, this programme is for you.
 
Please note that this programme requires about 25 hours of study per week.

Who, What, Why

Dr Michael Hautus is a Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, and the Director of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology Programme.
  
Michael’s interests fall in the domain of empirical quantitative research, which includes assessment of sensory systems, and modelling sensory judgments and the cognitive processes involved. His publications also span the areas of memory, pain, auditory neuroscience, mathematical modelling, and the science of decision-making. 
 

Watch our video to see why this programme could be ideal for you.
 
 

The GradDipAppPsych is for those who want to develop foundational skills and knowledge in applied psychology. During this programme, you will learn about a variety of topics in applied psychology and how each relates to, and benefits from, relevant core areas of psychological knowledge, including brain and behaviour, sensory and cognitive psychology, lifespan development, learning and communication, social and cultural psychology, models of health and disability, as well as organisational and educational psychology, with an emphasis on the New Zealand context.

The GradDipAppPsych consists of 4 courses that total 120 points. Each course runs for 12 weeks, allowing you to study one course at a time and complete the programme in under 1.5 years (4 Term Sessions).

 

Course Code

Course

Description

Points

PSYCH 211 Psychology for Society Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and why and how we know it, including ethics, research outcomes, and particular methods. Embeds a focus on the cultural context of Aotearoa/New Zealand within which psychological knowledge is applied. Introduces broad content in preparation for more advanced study. 30
PSYCH 323 Changes Across the Lifespan Development is a lifelong process. Classic and modern theories of development provide a foundation for understanding changes and continuities across the lifespan. Students will learn how we develop key social, emotional, and cognitive abilities across infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Developmental psychology will then be applied to understand developmental challenges, atypical development, and the role of social context. 30
PSYCH 324 The Behaving Brain Human brains are enormously complex, and they serve a wide range of human needs, from perception to language to social interactions. Brains are also subject to growth, learning, insult, and ageing. Introduces research and theory on neural and cognitive science, as well as opportunities to apply this knowledge. 30
PSYCH 325 Social Processes Social processes heavily influence how we think, feel, and behave. Students will learn about how social cognition, social influence, attitudes, politics, and identity shape our lived experiences. Explores various topics, which may include prejudice and intergroup relationships, romantic relationships, workplace and organisational dynamics, gendered practices, indigenous psychologies, and the evolution of religion. 30

As a graduate of the GradDipAppPsych, you will be able to:

• Describe and evaluate key theories in a selection of areas in psychology, including cognition, human neuroscience, clinical, gender, lifespan development, health, social, intergroup, communication, learning, organizational, evolution, and behaviour
• Critically evaluate and apply psychological theory to solve real-world or applied problems
• Understand, evaluate, and apply evidence-based methods to answer questions about how people think, feel, behave, learn, and develop
• Interpret and critically analyse data and research reports, as well as the appropriateness of the analytical methods and solutions used
• Design a research study, collecting and analysing data using appropriate research methods
• Reason logically, as well as think critically and analytically
• Understand ethical considerations and evaluate the impact of findings on culture, economy, environment, and society
• Knowledge and demonstrate an appreciation of the historical, political, social, and cultural context of clients, colleagues, and relevant others
• Demonstrate an awareness of the distinctive social and cultural qualities of Aotearoa/New Zealand and the relevance of te Tiriti o Waitangi to practice
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Demonstrate respect for the values of individuals and groups, and an appreciation of human and cultural diversity

*Our Programme Advisors will provide all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, course fees, examinations and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates as per the University Calendar. Courses are paid per Term Session. Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $4.44 per point (online). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology – Enquire Now

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