Further your career with a Psychology specialization in the Master of Health Science at AUT. 

Focus on counselling psychology or rehabilitation psychology, and research an area of your interest through your research project or thesis.

The Master of Health Science is an opportunity for psychology professionals to advance their scholarly and professional knowledge in an area of their interest. 

You study in an interprofessional and collegial learning environment and develop research skills.

What you study:

Option A: Counselling Psychology focus

This focus is a pathway towards registration as a counselling psychologist in New Zealand. 

Counselling psychologists acknowledge the importance of medical, psychosocial and cultural perspectives in understanding and explaining the formation of mental illness and problem behaviour, and the treatment and caring regimes to sensitively address illness and concerns.

• Dissertation (45 points)
• And Research Project (60 points)

Option B: Rehabilitation Psychology focus (Not offered in 2023)

Rehabilitation psychology focuses on applying psychological knowledge and skills when working with individuals experiencing injury or illness in order to maximize health, independence and choice across the lifespan.

• Dissertation (45 points)
• Thesis (90 points)

• Certified copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Certified copy of marriage certificate (If required)
• Official academic transcripts
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)
• CV/Relevant work/research experience (If required)
• A copy of the document(s) in the original language/and official English translation
• Evidence of current professional practice (If required)
• References

An applicant must have completed one of the following with a B (69.50-74.49%) grade average or higher, or equivalent:

1. Bachelor of Health Science
2. Graduate Diploma in Health Science

Staircasing options from the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science are also available.
Alternatively, students can negotiate a research or individual pathway with the Associate Dean Academic.

Other requirements:

1. Provide evidence of having completed an acceptable undergraduate research course or equivalent
2. An applicant may be asked to provide evidence of current professional practice
3. An interview may be required
4. May be required to meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements and other relevant legislation

Psychology Specialization:

• An applicant for the Master of Health Science in Psychology must have the personal qualities that show suitability for this program and may be required to attend selection interviews
• An applicant for the Master of Health Science in Psychology will be required to supply references and satisfy a police vetting process