University
University of OtagoThis course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2023
Campus
University of Otago
The MA by thesis
The thesis option normally requires at least one year of full-time study and entails completion of a thesis. The thesis is a major piece of supervised research of up to 40,000 words on a topic of current interest.
The primary aim of the MA by thesis programme is to develop in a candidate skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement an extended piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership.
Why study Psychology?
The Department of Psychology at Otago has a highly-regarded teaching programme and is internationally renowned for the strength of its research.
The research conducted in the Department of Psychology addresses problems in areas as diverse as sleep disorders, industrial relations, phobias, drug rehabilitation, aircraft safety, hyperactivity in children, how nonhuman animals think, as well as how the brain works.
Learn about human behaviour
Start a challenging career
Develop research skills in the social and behavioural sciences
Improve career flexibility with Psychology in your degree
Psychology is a very popular course. In it, you will learn:
how the brain stores memories and processes information
why drugs, head injuries and hormones influence behaviour
how parents’ behaviour influences their children’s development
how our abilities change from childhood to old age
how emotions affect our reasoning
how prejudice and stereotypes arise
what underlies disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia
Careers opportunities
In addition to specialising in Psychology, a degree in Psychology is useful for a wide range of other disciplines as well. Students take Psychology as part of degrees in Law, Marketing, Neuroscience, English, Physical Education, Management, Applied Science, Philosophy, Education, or Health Sciences.
There are many careers in Psychology in New Zealand and overseas, including positions as scientists in universities, government agencies, organisations, and industry. Otago graduates are studying pilot error in aviation, learning deficits in children, the causes of rugby injuries, the biological basis of memory, and the effectiveness of alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
Otago also offers training in Clinical Psychology for those wanting to work in health-related services. Clinical Psychologists work in hospitals, private practice, and in the Department of Corrections. Many of our Clinical Psychology graduates work for a time overseas – particularly in the UK or Australia.
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Applicants seeking admission to a programme of study comprising of papers and a thesis (240 points combined) must either
English language requirements
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