Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
Grafton
Points
240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

Programme overview

This two-year postgraduate programme provides a strong background in the theoretical, methodological and practical applications of health psychology.

The programme will equip you with a sound knowledge base and high-quality research skills needed to design and carry out effective health psychology research and interventions in healthcare settings.

You will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programmes and be able to use sophisticated methodological approaches in the health area.

Programme structure

  • Two years full-time or four years part-time

240-point research masters programme

  • Four core courses cover patient behaviour, assessment issues in health psychology, and intervention methods (60 points).
  • Choose from a selection of advanced level courses listed in Health Psychology, Population Health, Psychiatry, Psychology, or Exercise Sciences as approved by the Programme Coordinator (60 points).
  • Thesis (120 points).

Further information about content and applying for the Master of Health Psychology is available on the Health Psychology postgraduate programmes page.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 714
    Name:
    Health Psychology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 715
    Name:
    Research Methods in Health Psychology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 719
    Name:
    Health Psychology Assessment
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 720
    Name:
    Health Psychology Interventions
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    HLTHPSYC 796A/B
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    120 pts

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Research 240 points

You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in your final year of study.

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Research 240 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in arts or science with a major in psychology at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a GPE of 5.0 in your final year of study.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Health Psychology cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,018.80*
International students
NZ$52,585*

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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

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

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

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

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

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.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
1 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The MHealthPsych prepares students for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology, which provides specific training in clinical health psychology and a route to Registered Health Psychologist status. Other opportunities include research and health promotion careers within hospital, private or university environments. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Clinical Health Psychologist
  • Community Health Psychologist
  • Occupational Health Psychologist

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

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

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513