Postgraduate Forensic Psychology –
Expand on your degree and take your skills and knowledge to the next level with advanced study in forensic psychology.
Study towards New Zealand’s only postgraduate programme in Forensic Psychology. Our programme will help you develop a sound understanding of offending behaviour and its effects on victims. It will also give you the skills you need to produce and apply psychological theory and evidence to a variety of legal and criminal justice issues.
Work in modern research labs alongside staff who are international leaders in their fields. Conduct fieldwork at forensic agencies and voluntary organisations that provide services for offenders or victims of crime. Explore how forensic psychology relates to policy and practice in areas such as adult corrections, family violence prevention, youth offending, and child eyewitness interviewing.
You’ll graduate with transferable skills and knowledge that will be useful in many roles and careers. You might work as a research or policy analyst, psychologist, rehabilitation programme facilitator, or probation officer
If you have an interest in psychology and criminal justice, then this is an excellent choice for you.
Available qualifications
My supervisors are experts in their field and know how to bring together research evidence and clinical practice. They also understand the importance of including culture in our work with clients.
Full storyManuri Ranasinghe
MSc in Forensic Psychology and PGDip in Clinical Psychology student
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
The PGDipClinPsyc is a full-time, three-year professional course of study that gives you the practical skills and knowledge you need to register and practise as a clinical psychologist. You can complete the Master’s programme in Forensic Psychology before doing the PGDipClinPsyc, or you can do both at the same time.
Research topics and labs
Join leaders in forensic psychology—the School of Psychology was ranked in the world’s top 150 in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by subject.
You’ll get active peer and staff support through the vibrant forensic postgraduate community. Research placements give you the chance to work on a range of topics with different staff before choosing the focus of your thesis.
Thesis students get a workspace in one of the shared forensic offices, and staff and students meet at a monthly forensic group session. This all serves to promote collaboration and provide support throughout your studies
This Master’s study furthered my career in multiple ways. It equipped me with expertise to work at the Department of Corrections, and it gave me the chance to develop professionally and refine my critical thinking skills.
Full storySebastian Collins-Smyth, Master of Science in Forensic Psychology graduate
Adviser at the New Zealand Department of Corrections
Careers
This programme is known for its high employment rate. You might be employed as a research or policy analyst, as a rehabilitation programme facilitator, or as a probation officer. Previous graduates have found employment in a range of settings, including the Department of Corrections, district health boards, New Zealand Police, and the Ministry of Social Development.
You can also continue with PhD study in forensic psychology. If you go on to complete training as a psychologist or clinical psychologist, you might find work in district health board mental health services or with the Department of Corrections psychological services.
2.47 million
The number of incidents of crime experienced by New Zealand adults in the last 12 months (New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey, 2022).
Community
Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. You’ll attend events like the School seminar series and the annual postgraduate student conference. You’ll engage with the wider community, through internships and visits to marae and prisons. And there are also opportunities to work as a research assistant in our labs.
You’re encouraged to join the Victoria Students’ Psychology Society, which runs an annual quiz night, talks by guest speakers, movie nights, and other social events that help to bring students and staff together.
The Postgraduate Students’ Association can also give you information on studying at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.