- 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
- 150
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
You will gain sound knowledge of the social and psychological aspects of health problems and the application of suitable psychological interventions in health settings.
A related goal is to provide a route to registered psychologist status for students holding a Masters of Health Psychology.
Programme structure
- 150 point programme.
- Enter with a postgraduate degree (Master of Health Psychology or its equivalent).
- If you are accepted into this programme you must successfully complete the pre-internship course (HLTHPSYC 746A/B, 30 points), usually alongside your Master of Health Psychology thesis. HLTHPSYC 746A/B requires you to undertake 300+ hours of clinical placements in approved health care settings and additional workshops and training over a twelve-month period.
- In the second year of the programme you will undertake a core course in professional practice in Health Psychology (30 points) and a Practicum of supervised applied work of 1500 hours in a health setting (90 points).
- The minimum duration for this programme is two years.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 30 points
-
- Code:
- HLTHPSYC 746A/B
- Name:
- Pre-internship Placement
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- HLTHPSYC 742A/B
- Name:
- Professional Practice in Health Psychology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- HLTHPSYC 745A/B
- Name:
- Practicum in Health Psychology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 90 pts
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
Entry is limited to eight students per year.
You must have completed a masters degree in health psychology at a recognised university (or similar institution).
You must have a clinical endorsement which requires relevant clinical experience in approved health care settings. This requirement is usually undertaken during the masters programme.
If you have not completed all of the requirements for a masters degree in health psychology (or similar), but have completed 120 points (one year full-time equivalent study) towards that degree you may, with the approval of the programme director, still enrol for this postgraduate diploma. You must complete the requirements for the masters degree within 12 months of commencing the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology. If you do not, enrolment for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology will be suspended until you have completed your masters degree.
When applying you will be asked to supply a 500-word statement describing your motivation and also be asked to arrange two letters of recommendation from academic staff members, employers, or associates who are able to evaluate your academic aptitude and potential to work as psychologist.
If you are offered a place on the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology, it will be conditional on satisfactory compliance with the Vulnerable Children Act (VCA) and Police Vetting Clearance. You will also be required to undertake health screening.
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- 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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,386.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
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.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
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 November 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
This diploma gives specific training in clinical health psychology and provides a route to Registered Psychologist status for students completing a Master of Science or Master of Health Psychology. 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
- Health psychologist
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.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513