Tabbed menu for the main content

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.

Find out more

Contact us for more details about the Master of Health Psychology, key dates, and information about what to expect from this qualification.

MHlthPsyc Master of Health Psychology

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$11,613per year
  • Schedule Weekly classes
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 7 Jul 2025 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework, weekly classes, and community engagement
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • 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.

PGDipHlthPsyc Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$11,613for the full programme
  • Schedule Weekly classes
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 7 Jul 2025 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework, weekly classes, and community engagement
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • 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.

PGCertHlthPsyc Postgraduate Certificate in Health Psychology

  • Duration trimester
  • Fees NZ$5,823for the full programme
  • Schedule Weekly classes
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 7 Jul 2025 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • 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.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University to help fund your studies.