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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Designed for graduates of the Master of Behaviour Analysis, the PGDipAppPsych programme will prepare you for professional practice in the application of this sub-discipline of psychology.

The programme is flexible and draws on the interests and expertise of Psychology academic staff, which means you’ll be working with up-to-date theory and practice. You’ll complete a supervised practicum that will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Programme Structure

Students must complete 120 points in one year of full-time study. Part-time study is available at the discretion of the School of Psychology.

The practicum component of this degree involves up to 1500 hours of supervised experience in an applied setting.

This programme structure is subject to final regulatory approval.  

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates of the PGDipApPsych will meet the requirements for becoming a registered psychologist, allowing them to practise in New Zealand. If your area of interest is applied behaviour analysis, you can become registered with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Psychologists with this qualification who have already completed a masters research thesis could enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Registered psychologist
  • Registered Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) practitioner
  • Potential for international registration with BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)

Further Study Options

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Masters degree in psychology, or equivalent prior study

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Taught 120 points

You must have completed a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Psychology with a GPA of 5.0, and passed PSYCH 741, 749, 750, 751, 754, and 759 or equivalent courses.

You may also need to complete an interview, submit your academic transcripts, and provide letters of reference.  

You must consult with members of academic staff in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) regarding the supervision of a proposed practicum, and the 700-level courses you intend to study before you apply.

You must complete the supplementary application form available on the School of Psychology’s website .

You should include the written approval of your proposed supervisors when you submit your application.

*In some cases, Psychology academic staff may require you to have passed particular courses in your masters degree. Therefore, if you haven’t yet completed your masters degree in Psychology, we advise you to plan carefully to ensure you include these required courses. If you are unsure which courses you should include, please consult with members of academic staff. Further information can be found here.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Other Pathways to Study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One15 October 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2027 Semester One01 March 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

Applications open 1 September

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Psychology from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

b passed PSYCH 741, 749, 750, 751, 754, 759, or equivalent courses

and

c demonstrated in accordance with approved selection criteria determined by the Faculty of Science the qualities necessary for a person seeking a qualification as a registered psychologist. This will normally require an interview, submission of academic transcripts and appropriate letters of reference.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

3 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

4 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology Schedule.

6 The programme for each student requires the approval of Academic Head.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Distinction

8 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

9 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

10 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of Academic Head.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 60 points for all Practicum, and
  • One of the following:
  • 30 points for all Portfolio in ABA - 1 Semester, or
  • 30 points for all Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters, and
  • 15 points for all Professional Psychology Practice, and
  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 2 Semesters, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Practicum

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Portfolio in ABA - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Professional Psychology Practice

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

PSYCH 651B and PSYCH 728B are scheduled to finish in mid-February of the following year.

Degree Plan for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology

Year 1
Semester One
PSYCH 651A
Practicum
Practicum
30 Points
PSYCH 728A
Portfolio in ABA
Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters
15 Points
PSYCH 730
Professional Psychology Practice in New Zealand
Professional Psychology Practice
15 Points
ACADINT A01
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
PSYCH 651B
Practicum
Practicum
30 Points
PSYCH 728B
Portfolio in ABA
Portfolio in ABA - 2 Semesters
15 Points

PSYCH 757 Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis

15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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