Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists are involved in professional practice, research, teaching and supervision, programme development and evaluation, consultation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities.

Our clinical training is based on the Scientist Practitioner Model and our philosophy emphasises the value of research. We also recognise that existing research knowledge must be adapted to the particular needs of any client, as well as to the distinctiveness of the Aotearoa/New Zealand context. Our teaching reflects the commitment of the clinical staff at the School of Psychology, and the University, to tangata whenua in terms of the Treaty of Waitangi. It is expected that, when conducting assessments, formulations and treatment interventions, students consider these and other cultural, social and economic origins of, and solutions to, mental health problems.

We train students to work with mental health problems and recognise that models and practices have to be adapted to meet the needs of different population groups.

We welcome research proposals in topics relating to our key research specialisations:

• Adult mental health
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Clinical neuropsychology
  
• Family psychology including divorce and stepfamilies
• Forensic psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Trauma

Clinical psychology is one of the largest specialty areas within psychology that could lead to work in human service fields, including the District Health Boards, the Department of Corrections Psychological Services, private practice and other social welfare and counselling agencies.

Find out more about career pathways in the field of clinical psychology. 

All applicants should apply under the BScHonours in Preparatory Clinical Psychology to be able to access the relevant questionnaire.

If an applicant already has a postgraduate degree and is offered a place, their degree will be assessed and if equivalent, the applicant will be enrolled into the applicable bridging programme instead of a new honours degree.

If an applicant is blocked from applying for the BScHonours in Preparatory Clinical Psychology, they can apply under a Certificate of Proficiency and enter PSYCH 708A into their intended courses. They will be contacted to complete the relevant documents. (Please DO NOT apply for a CoP under any other university code.)

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