Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology (international students)

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Pursue a rewarding career

Available as a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or 240-point Master's, this programme will provide you with a unique skillset. You’ll develop an advanced understanding of the interactions between the biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of 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 to pursue.

You can look forward to a career helping people build healthy lifestyles, manage stress, and realise their potential to create social and physical wellbeing with mana and cultural integrity.

Programmes

Take a holistic approach to improving wellbeing

During your studies you’ll take a holistic approach to exploring people’s health and wellbeing, looking at behaviour from a biological, psychological, spiritual, cultural, and social perspective.

You’ll gain an understanding of diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll develop the required skills—as well as an awareness of boundaries and ethics—for working effectively and safely with people and groups to improve their health and wellbeing.

You’ll also build on your research skills and knowledge so that you can understand and critique evidence and implement programmes and interventions.

Be part of decision-making and strategy for a healthier future

Graduates of the Master of Health Psychology can choose to take their skillset to diverse roles in the health sector, including in health promotion, health psychology, and health policy roles.

The pathway to becoming a registered psychologist

The Master of Health Psychology can be a further stepping stone in your studies towards becoming a registered psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. This can be achieved by attaining a B+ grade average in the Master of Health Psychology, followed by successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology Practice.

Contribute much-needed research

Looking deeper into core topics may spark a career in doctoral study and academic research. Topics you could explore include:

health promotion
lifestyles and behaviours linked to wellbeing
experiences of illness and disease
managing long term conditions
relationships with health professionals
professional psychology practice.

Following this path, you’ll contribute to much-needed research designed to reduce disparities in health outcomes and care.

Duration 4 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Weekly classes

Starts 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
Type Coursework, weekly classes, and community engagement
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 240 points (6–7 courses)
Entry An average grade of at least B in one of the following: Bachelor of Health in Health Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Health (Health Psychology specialisation), or Graduate Diploma in Psychology. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Courses and requirements

Duration 2 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Weekly classes

Starts 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
Type Coursework, weekly classes, and community engagement
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 120 points (5–6 courses)
Entry A Bachelor of Health in Health Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Health (Health Psychology specialisation), or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Courses and requirements

Duration 1 trimester
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Weekly classes

Starts 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
Type Coursework
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 60 points (2–4 courses)
Entry A Bachelor of Health in Health Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Health (Health Psychology specialisation), or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.