Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)

Summary

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) will give you an understanding of the science of human behaviour and what happens in people's minds to influence their behaviour. This includes how people think, remember and feel; what drives motivation and how personality is defined.

Successful completion of this degree may enable you to enter graduate and postgraduate training in psychology. A postgraduate qualification is the minimum level of qualification needed for you to enter the psychology profession.

Career opportunities

This qualification will prepare you for a broad variety of careers in the public and private sectors such as health, business and research.

What you will learn

• the fields and sub-fields within psychology and how and why these relate to specific careers
• paths and employment areas within Aotearoa New Zealand
• how to apply and evaluate scientific research methodologies and analysis used in psychology
• how to identify and demonstrate ethical behaviour in research and professional practice
• Aotearoa New Zealand’s uniquely bicultural context based on the Treaty partnership with Maori, as tangata whenua, and know when and why Treaty principles should be applied
• how to understand and apply the practice of psychology within an Aotearoa New Zealand context
• the importance of respecting cultural diversity and how to apply this knowledge in interactions with people
• how to explain and evaluate behaviour from multiple perspectives in a variety of settings
• how to develop and evaluate insight into yours and other people’s behaviour and mental processes
• how to use psychological principles to work effectively as part of a team and independently
• how to use logical and innovative thinking to produce evidence-based solutions
• how to communicate clearly and effectively across a variety of formats and contexts
• how to find and critically evaluate information.

Study pathways

We also offer psychology diplomas that you can achieve on your way towards a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology).

You can study this programme part-time if you’re an international student living in New Zealand or overseas. If you’re living in New Zealand you will need to be in paid employment with a valid work permit.