University

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice – PGDipPsychPrac

This course is available

Online, On-Campus

Level of Study

Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice (PGDipPsychPrac) is a professional qualification that prepares you to work as a registered psychologist. It is an internship that enables you to meet the competency requirements to be eligible for registration to practise under the Psychologist Scope of Practice under the Health Practitioners Competencies Assurance Act (2003).

Academic and applied training

The Diploma comprises 2 courses of formal academic work and 2 courses of supervised practice. It includes supervised training in the application of psychological theory and research to contemporary settings. Your training will be academically rigorous and will reflect the highest standards of ethical, safe, and culturally-competent practice.

During your internship, you will perform the duties and role of a professional psychologist, but under close supervision. You will gain the skills and learn the responsibilities required to practise psychology independently once you are eligible to register in the Psychologist Scope of Practice.

Study that suits you

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice is taught via brief periods of intensive study ('block courses'), combined with distance learning, which allows you to have your internships wherever suits you within New Zealand (international internships are not permitted).

Block courses are held each semester on one of Massey's 3 campuses (Auckland, Manawatū, or Wellington).

You will benefit from Massey’s established expertise in distance education. During your internship, you'll be supervised by a registered psychologist in your place of work. They will work with your Massey supervisor to support you to develop the competencies required for registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. You will be required to complete 1500 hours of supervised practice in 1 calendar year.

The Diploma can also be completed in almost any field of psychological practice. This broadens your opportunities to practise psychology in New Zealand society.

Internationally recognised and market-leading in New Zealand

More psychology researchers and registered psychologists graduate from Massey than any other university in New Zealand. We are connected to a wide range of community and statutory organisations. We produce unique and applied psychology research and training that is recognised nationally and internationally. This expertise enhances the reputation of your degree and ensures your knowledge is relevant to today’s society.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

Applications for study in 2027 open on 16 March 2026, and close on 15 June 2026.

Admission requirements

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. There are extra requirements you must meet. Please contact us and we will email you the “Information for Interested Students, Supervisors, and Agencies” PDF, which explains the multi-step application process.

Email: academicadvice@massey.ac.nz

To apply for Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (or equivalent), and:

either have been awarded or qualified for a Master’s degree in Psychology which must include a thesis of at least 90 credits. Additionally, candidates must have successfully completed at least 90 credits of approved postgraduate courses. A minimum B+ grade average is required over the thesis and the course work;
or have been awarded or qualified for a Doctoral degree specialising in Psychology which is approved as meeting Psychologists Board requirements, with a minimum B+ average across all relevant courses.

As part of the application process, you must meet the requirements as being a fit and proper person to be registered; and be accepted into the qualification by a selection process.

By the time study commences, you must also have:

secured internship employment (paid or unpaid) in a workplace where activities require engagement in psychologically-based practice; and
have arranged for approved supervision in the field from a New Zealand registered psychologist who works in the agency that is hosting the internship; and
be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board in the Intern Psychologist Scope of Practice.

You will need to secure an internship and supervision before your studies begin, so start thinking about options as soon as you decide to apply – especially if you do not already have agency connections.

You will need to provide the following documents:

Proposed Internship Checklist*, completed and with prior PGDipPsychPrac approval
Proposed Field Supervisor Checklist*, completed and with prior PGDipPsychPrac approval
Preliminary (in principle) agreement form with internship agency* for 1500 hours of supervised practice
Preliminary (in principle) agreement form for supervision* with appropriately registered psychologist
PGDipPsychPrac online Application Form
Chosen referees identified in your online application form
Confirmation from your referees that they have submitted their references before the deadline
Enrolled online to begin the university application process
Verified Academic Transcripts including the title and abstract of master’s or doctoral thesis
Current Curriculum Vitae
Scanned colour copies of passport and driver’s license
Completed Supplementary Application Questions*, which include (among other things) 4 essays totalling up to 2250 words, and answer specific questions about the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the PGDipPsychPrac
Optional: Supporting statements from whānau/family
If applicable: Demonstration of English language competence – equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 7.5 with no band lower than 7.0
If applicable: Copy of your applications to the appropriate overseas authorities for records of your criminal convictions history and the resulting Police Clearance Certificate if you have resided overseas during the past 5 years
If applicable: NZQA assessment of overseas master’s qualification
If applicable: Proof of vaccinations may be required by internship agencies. Each agency specifies the vaccinations that are required of their employees. Please enquire early as the schedule for vaccinations and boosters required may span many months and must be completed (at the cost of the student) before the internship begins. If the vaccinations are not completed in time, you may not be able to begin the internship or the PGDipPsychPrac.

*These documents and guidelines for completing them are available in the “Information for Interested Students, Supervisors, and Agencies”) PDF. Please contact us for a copy:

Email: academicadvice@massey.ac.nz

If you have completed your research degree, it is important that you can verify that the qualification for your master’s or doctoral degree has been finalised. Please check with the university where you completed your qualification that the degree has been conferred bef...

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