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Overview

Programme Overview

Gain unique abilities, skills and knowledge to be highly competitive in the world of organisational psychology through a combination of research and taught courses. You’ll focus on applying the principles of individual, group and organisational behaviour to the solution of problems at work.

MOrgPsych graduates are well-prepared for work in industry, consulting and government – and for progressing to a PhD.

Programme Structure

This programme offers two streams of postgraduate study in organisational psychology. The first is a taught stream that includes courses in topics relevant to organisational psychology, along with a dissertation research project (45 points). The second is a research stream that includes courses in topics relevant to organisational psychology, along with a thesis research project (90 points). Both streams will provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace. The research stream will also allow students to progress to a PhD.

Please note: This degree is not accredited for registration as a Psychologist, and eligibility into further study in an accredited programme should be discussed with the relevant university.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates of the programme will have knowledge and skills relevant to organisational roles, including knowledge of human behaviour and organisational functioning. They will be able to develop solutions to workplace problems. They will be critical thinkers and strong communicators. Graduates will also have knowledge and skills related to evaluating and planning research projects. They will have high professional and ethical standards.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Human resources adviser/manager
  • Organisational development specialist
  • Occupational health director
  • Director of talent management
  • Director of leadership training
  • Director of employee training
  • Project consultant/Manager
  • Solution consultant

Further Study Options

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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Master of Organisational Psychology

Find out more about the Master of Organisational Psychology programme with Senior Lecturer Dr Lixin Jiang

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 (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma in Arts or Graduate Diploma in Science

Research (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma in Arts or Graduate Diploma in Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Passed PSYCH 306 Research Methods in Psychology or an approved equivalent.

A separate supplementary application must be made to the School of Psychology. Supplementary applications can be submitted from October onwards.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have:

Completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology, Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Science in Psychology, or Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II in Psychology.

OR

Completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree or Graduate Diploma from the University of Auckland in a relevant subject area with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

AND

Passed PSYCH 306 Research Methods in Psychology or an approved equivalent.

Note: A relevant subject may be in business, education or health sciences.

A separate supplementary application must be made to the School of Psychology. Supplementary applications can be submitted from October onwards.


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 One25 November 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.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this programme 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 degree, an applicant must have:

a (i) (a) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma in Arts or Graduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a major in Psychology, or have equivalent prior study

or

(b) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma in Arts or Graduate Diploma in Science, from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a major in Psychology

or

(c) (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Psychology, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded

and

(ii) passed PSYCH 306 or an equivalent course

or

b (i) completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) A relevant major or specialisation may be in business, education or health sciences.

(ii) 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

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule.

7 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in PSYCH 794 or PSYCHOL 793. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Organisational Psychology cannot continue.

8 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.

Research Component

9 a The dissertation or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation or thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Psychology.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 180 points comprising:

  • 180 points for one Specialisation from Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in PSYCH 794A. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Organisational Psychology cannot continue. Enrolment in PSYCH 794A requires completion of an Expression of Interest form, with supervisor approval of the agreed topic. The form is available at: Finding Your Supervisor - The University of Auckland.

Elective courses: BUSINESS 711, GLMI 702 or 710, 705–707, 712, PSYCH 700, 715–717, 731, 758, 768

Degree Plan for the Master of Organisational Psychology - 180 points Research

Year 1
Semester One
Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology
Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule - ORPS-R3MOrgPsych - Master of Organisational Psych specialisation in Organisational Psychology - Research 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Organisational Psychology
Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule - ORPS-R3MOrgPsych - Master of Organisational Psych specialisation in Organisational Psychology - Research 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Thesis in Organisational Psychology - Level 9
Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule - ORPS-R3MOrgPsych - Master of Organisational Psych specialisation in Organisational Psychology - Research 180 - Thesis
30 Points
Occupational Health Psychology
Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule - ORPS-R3MOrgPsych - Master of Organisational Psych specialisation in Organisational Psychology - Research 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Thesis in Organisational Psychology - Level 9
Master of Organisational Psychology Schedule - ORPS-R3MOrgPsych - Master of Organisational Psych specialisation in Organisational Psychology - Research 180 - Thesis
60 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map