1 of 15

TE WĀHANGA PŪTAIAO �WELLINGTON FACULTY OF SCIENCE

2 of 15

Study in the Science capital of New Zealand

Step outside the classroom with hands-on laboratories, field trips, and summer scholarships

Wellington is the science capital of New Zealand, with the highest concentration of science organisations in the country. If you want to learn about cutting-edge research in state-of-the-art facilities, there’s no better place to study science than Wellington.

We provide an inspiring learning environment with excellent teaching staff who have unparalleled industry knowledge and passion for their subjects. Step outside the classroom with hands-on laboratories, field trips, and summer scholarships where you can work with researchers and external organisations such as GNS Science, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, or Te Papa on all kinds of exciting projects. We have students researching everything from cancer treatments to kauri dieback.

Plus, we have three resident tuatara on campus! (Spike is pictured here)

3 of 15

*Subject to regulatory approval.

TOHU PAETAHI MĀTAI HINENGARO

BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGY*

4 of 15

*Subject to regulatory approval.

Aotearoa’s only Bachelor of Psychology

A named degree reflects the status of psychology as a hub science
Delve more deeply into Psychology, embed your learning in a broader context
Compulsory major aligns with international accredited Psychology programmes
Mātauranga Māori is woven through courses
School of Psychology in top 150 in the world

Wellington’s School of Psychology is among the top 150 globally (2023 QS World University Rankings). Our staff are leading researchers of both fundamental and applied psychological science, so you’ll be taught by people at the top of their game—leading voices in mental health, crime prevention and rehabilitation, cultural psychology, and brain sciences.

A named degree reflects (1) the history and tradition of psychology, (2) its current status as a hub science, at the interface between many areas in the sciences, arts and humanities, and (3) despite differences in how psychology is taught in different countries and institutions, the increasing need to recognise the importance of equipping psychology students with a consistent range of competencies and skills.

At the core of the Bachelor of Psychology is the required Psychological Science major, which is composed of 12 courses covering a broad range of key topics in psychology. The Psychological Science major is aligned with Australian and UK standards for a Psychology major, giving you options for pathways both internationally and domestically. Alongside the required Psychological Science major, you can also select a second complementary major, which lets you tailor the degree to suit your passions and career goals – we’ll provide more information on the complementary majors later in the presentation.

Mātauranga Māori is woven through the core of the degree, ensuring you’ll graduate understanding the fundamentals of te reo and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are also offering a major in Māori Psychology, which is the first in Aotearoa.

The degree provides a clear pathway into different specialty areas of Psychology, so if, for example, you’re interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, this degree will set you on the right path (note you’ll also need postgrad qualifications).

If you’re interested in taking Psychology alongside arts or science papers, the Psychological Science major, and the eight complementary majors, will also be available as part of the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Arts.

5 of 15

Psychological Science major

(compulsory)

BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLGY

Optional complementary major

Psychology & other elective subjects

OR

As part of the Bachelor of Psychology you’ll have several options for structuring your degree – combine the compulsory major with one of the optional majors listed here, take a major from another degree, or complete a selection of electives from Psychology and other areas. Talk to our student advisers about your options.

Brain Sciences and Mental Health: This major focuses on the role of the brain and central nervous system in supporting psychological health and well-being. It combines specialised psychology courses with those from chemistry, biology, and health. If you’re interested in working in public health – including as a lab or research assistant, mental health or disability worker, or a public or mental health policy analyst, this major will be an excellent first step on your career path.

Cognitive Science: This major combines specialised psychology courses with those from computer science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and linguistics. Cognitive scientists are employed in user experience, interaction design, data science, artificial intelligence, and other design applications.

Criminal Justice and Psychology: This major explores psychological aspects of offending behaviour and how people interact with the criminal justice system. Your courses will also investigate the socio-cultural, political and economic factors that shape behaviour and justice outcomes.

Educational Psychology: This major focuses on child and adolescent development, and problems that present in educational and child and youth settings more generally.

Health Psychology: This major focuses on the ways that the mind and the body are linked. Health Psychology aims to understand how we think and behave and how these factors interact with the physical systems of our body. You’ll study theories of health behaviour, including health-enhancing activities such as exercise, risky behaviour like smoking, and rehabilitation. More importantly, you’ll learn how to develop strategies to influence others to change.

Māori Psychology: This major focuses on the psychological well-being of the Māori community and considers Māori perspectives on a range of psychological issues. If you’re interested in working with Māori or in relevant policy positions, this is the major for you. Elements of Māori will also be embedded in the core Psychological Science major.

Mental Health: Principles and Applications: This major focuses on individual psychological problems, and examines them and their and treatment. It looks at the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to psychological problems, and how behavioural treatments can be used to address them. If you’re interested in pursuing work with individuals, for example as a clinical psychologist, this major will provide an excellent foundation for postgraduate professional psychology training.

Work and Organisational Psychology: This major examines human behaviour within an organisational or workplace setting. It combines psychological perspectives with those from management, human resources, and employment relations. If you are interested in working in human resources, this is the major for you.

6 of 15

BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLGY: MAJORS

Educational Psychology

Brain Sciences & Mental Health

Health Psychology

Cognitive Science

Criminal Justice & Psychology

Māori Psychology (first in Aotearoa)

Mental Health: Principles & Applications

Work & Organisational Psychology

Psychological Science