Postgraduate Psychology –
Build on the knowledge and skills you gained in your Bachelor's degree and improve your career prospects with advanced study in Psychology.
Take your understanding of human behaviour to the next level with postgraduate study at the School of Psychology.
Tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals—choose from a wide range of courses in Psychology covering cognitive, behavioural, social, developmental, cross-cultural, clinical, forensic, personality, and neuroscientific topics and approaches.
Study in world-class facilities including specialised psychology laboratories and learn from lecturers with international reputations as leaders in the field. Our Psychology school is ranked among the top 150 in the world in the 2023 QS World Rankings. We have been in the top 150 for several years, demonstrating a consistent record of excellence.
Available qualifications
The support from both fellow students and staff has exceeded my expectations. The programme has been challenging, but it has helped me to grow by urging me to consider how informed my opinions are, and to constantly challenge my assumptions and beliefs.
Full storyAnna Ruben
MSc in Cross-cultural Psychology student
Develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis, Statistics and communication while expanding your knowledge of—and contributing to—the science behind human behaviour.
Postgraduate Psychology students can study general Psychology or choose to specialise in Forensic Psychology, Cross-cultural Psychology or Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.
If you are also doing the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, you can complete the MSc before or while doing the Diploma.
Globally ranked
The Psychology programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Research topics and labs
Be part of an enthusiastic and motivated postgraduate community. Dedicated supervisors and a strong culture of research within the School will guide and support you through your research.
There will also be opportunities for research through the Clinical Psychology Centre and the Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research.
I’ve collaborated with a number of researchers. As a student researcher for the Resilience National Science Challenge, I worked with scientists from GNS, the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, and other universities around New Zealand.
Full storyAmanda Wallis
PhD student in Psychology
Careers
During your postgraduate study you’ll develop advanced research skills—and after graduating you'll join a community of talented alumni who are now working in many fields including academia, industry, government, education, public health and mental health.
If you're planning on working as a practising clinical psychologist, you'll need to carry on your studies with the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology.
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 as part of a thriving academic environment.
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 also give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Live and study in New Zealand's diverse, creative and compact capital city. Take advantage of the University's links with local schools, the Institute of Environmental and Science Research (ESR), the New Zealand Police, Capital & Coast District Health Board, the Department of Corrections, Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, and senior psychologists in private practice and in the public sector.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Tutoring and research assistant roles
Postgraduate students in the School of Psychology can apply to tutor undergraduate courses. Check for tutoring vacancies.
If you are interested in working as a Research Assistant in a laboratory at the School of Psychology you should contact the academic in charge of that laboratory.