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You can study Psychology at undergraduate level as part of a Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts, or you can choose one of the postgraduate Psychology options offered at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

We are the only university in the country offering a specialised Bachelor of Psychology. In this unique degree, you study a required major and you have the option of adding a complementary major in a specialised area—this means you can tailor the degree to suit your interests and career goals.

What you’ll learn

Understanding how we influence and change behaviour can help us to address pressing issues such as equity, criminal justice, and challenges to wellbeing.

From the random to the perplexing, Psychology gives you a window onto some of society’s most fascinating and important questions.

  • How does criminal behaviour develop and what can be done to help people involved?
  • What impact does where you’re born have on your personality and values?
  • Why do we fall in, and out of, love?
  • How can we encourage people to make positive changes for the benefit of society and the environment?
Enter the fascinating world of the human mind. If you’re interested in people’s behaviour and enjoy both science and arts subjects, then Psychology is a good choice for you.

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Study with the best

You’ll learn from teachers with international reputations and study in world-class facilities. These include specialised laboratories for animal behaviour and cognitive neuroscience, as well as for social, developmental, cross-cultural, forensic, and clinical psychology. You’ll have access to eye-tracking equipment, a brain stimulation lab, electroencephalography (EEG) technology, a psychophysiological recording suite, and a virtual reality laboratory.

You’ll study at a Psychology school ranked among the top 150 in the world in the 2023 QS World Rankings. We’ve been in the top 150 for several years, demonstrating a consistent record of excellence.

Choose from the broadest range of psychology programmes in the country, including New Zealand’s only Bachelor of Psychology, the only major in Māori Psychology, and the only postgraduate programmes in Cross-Cultural Psychology and Forensic Psychology.

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.

Capital connections

Take advantage of research and education opportunities through the University's links with local schools, Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, the Department of Corrections, the New Zealand Police, and Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand.

After you graduate

A degree in Psychology will help you in any job that requires an understanding of people.

You’ll graduate with valuable skills in assessing, explaining, and even changing human behaviour. These skills are relevant in all areas where humans live, work, and interact—across the business, education, forensic science, government, healthcare, law, media, and technology sectors.

If you choose to complete postgraduate studies, you might work in counselling, social services, human resources, corrections, or education. Or you may take up a role as researcher or policy analyst in a government organisation.

Live and study in the beautiful and lively capital city. Great beaches, bush walks and mountain biking are all minutes from the city centre, or enjoy Wellington's famous nightlife with its abundance of theatres, bars and restaurants.

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My studies have absolutely exceeded my expectations. I really enjoy the range of topics in classes and the different avenues of psychology that you can specialise in. The teaching staff are fantastic.

Max Abbott

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Science Communication student

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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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