Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology [PGDipClinPsyc]

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Learn to understand, assess and treat a range of psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The PGDipClinPsyc will give you the practical skills and knowledge you need to register and practise as a clinical psychologist.

Gain expertise in the scientific methods within clinical practice and learn to combine compassion and respect for others with excellence in practice.

This full-time, three-year professional course of study is a clinical training programme that is completed alongside a Master's or PhD research thesis. You'll graduate with a PGDipClinPsyc and a Master’s or PhD degree, and may be able to work as a clinical psychologist within health, corrections, or a range of community settings. Combining clinical and PhD research training may also lead to a career in academia.

Get the Postgraduate Science Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science Postgraduate Handbook.

Explore pathways in psychology

You can complete the PGDipClinPsyc alongside the specialist Master's programme in Forensic Psychology or Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience. In the first year of the clinical programme, you will start your Master's thesis. You'll need to discuss these options with both programme directors first.

I find myself continually challenged and can see with each passing week my knowledge and confidence growing.

Fin Langton Burnell

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology student

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Selected entry

Entry into the programme is limited to approximately 16 students each year and final acceptance is conditional on a police check. You'll need a first-class Honours degree in psychology (or be close to completing one) or an A- average in part 1 of a specialist MSc degree in Psychology (for example, forensic psychology), and to undergo a selection process before being granted provisional entry. We do not favour any particular subject choice at fourth year level. Students are free to choose what interests them most.

To give yourself the best opportunity to be accepted into the programme, you should carefully read the application form so that you can answer the questions to the best of your ability and make yourself familiar with the key selection criteria. You'll need to demonstrate your commitment to biculturalism by, for example, having undertaken a basic Te Reo Māori language and culture course, or attending a Treaty of Waitangi workshop. In terms of extra-curricular activities (work or volunteering), you should concentrate on what you're interested in—within the area of support work—which will give you an idea of what it is like to work in this field.

Enrolment

Applications will be shortlisted. If you are shortlisted, you'll be invited to an interview panel at the School of Psychology.

Because of the limited places available in the PGDipClinPsyc, you should consider enrolling in other study options to make sure you meet enrolment deadlines. If you're accepted into the programme, your enrolment will be changed to be that of the clinical programme.

Find out how to apply

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

You’re encouraged to join the Victoria Students’ Psychology Society—come along to the annual quiz night, talks by guest speakers, movie nights, and other social events aimed at bringing students and staff together.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.