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Educational Psychology is a challenging and rewarding field, where you'll learn how best to help children and young people succeed in life—academically, socially and emotionally.

Look at how children learn and grow, using the ideas of behavioural, social and developmental psychology. Find out how different ways of teaching can help different students, and develop your knowledge of a range of educational theories.

Support children's success

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Globally ranked

This programme is ranked in the top 200 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.

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My lecturers have been amazing. They are passionate, will go above and beyond for their students, and are heavily invested in their students’ development.

Georgia Davies

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice student

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Learn to create learning environments that help all kinds of children and young people fully develop as learners and individuals.

Becoming an educational psychologist

Educational psychologists work with children and young people and their families and teachers, to help children do well at school and in life—especially in situations where a child is having behavioural or learning difficulties.

To become an educational psychologist, you'll need to complete further postgraduate study that will help you develop the hands-on skills to work with children and their families.

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My PhD will ultimately enable me to contribute to the development of psychoeducation, improve early intervention, and professional practice—such as upskilling educational psychologists and others—and increase public understanding of ADHD.

Barbara Ferguson

Doctor of Philosophy in Education student

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After you graduate

You might work in the public and private sectors as a wellbeing adviser, health promoter, support worker or policy analyst. Other jobs may include being a trainer or facilitator, an advocate or a programme and intervention developer. If you’re interested in the education side of things you could work as a research assistant.

Your background knowledge in child development and education can also help you in your career as an early childhood or primary school teacher, education officer or information specialist.

After further study you could become an educational psychologist for the Ministry of Education or other government department, work in private practice or for a non-governmental organisation or trust.

Wellington is at New Zealand's political and creative heart. There's always something going on in the theatres, galleries and sports grounds. And it's a compact city, so you can walk everywhere—whether you're grabbing a coffee on Cuba Street or doing your weekly vegetable shop at the waterfront market.

Support for students

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.

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Related subject areas

  • Education

  • Psychology

  • Teacher Education