Psychology
You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.
- 2 Years / Onsite
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jun, Oct
Overview
Psychology at Auckland Royal Academy provides a scientific foundation for understanding human thought, emotion, behaviour, and social life. The programme covers biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods, equipping graduates with both the theoretical knowledge and the empirical skills needed for careers in health, education, business, and research across New Zealand's diverse communities.
Research is central to the Psychology programme from the first year. Students design and conduct experiments, analyse data using statistical software, and write research reports to professional standards, developing the empirical rigour that defines excellent psychological practice. Community placements, mental health literacy workshops, and engagement with New Zealand's psychology profession provide context for understanding how psychological science translates into real-world benefit.
Career Opportunities
Psychology graduates from Auckland Royal Academy pursue postgraduate training for registration as psychologists, work in mental health services, education, human resources, marketing research, user experience, and public health. The scientific and interpersonal skills developed in the programme are valued across sectors, and many graduates make significant contributions to improving health, wellbeing, and organisational effectiveness in New Zealand communities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Apply scientific methods to psychological research — including experimental design, observational methods, and psychometric assessment — demonstrating proficiency in statistical analysis and the critical interpretation of research evidence.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge across the major subfields of psychology — including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology — and apply this knowledge to explain human behaviour in diverse New Zealand cultural contexts.
Engage with ethical principles governing psychological research and practice, including informed consent, cultural competency, and the Treaty of Waitangi obligations that shape psychological services for Māori and Pacific communities in New Zealand.
Programme
| Semester 1 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | 4 | PSYC 101 |
| Research Methods | 4 | PSYC 110 |
| Statistics for Psychology | 3 | STAT 101 |
| Semester 2 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Psychology | 4 | PSYC 210 |
| Social Psychology | 4 | PSYC 220 |
| Biological Psychology | 4 | PSYC 201 |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Psychology | 4 | PSYC 301 |
| Abnormal Psychology | 4 | PSYC 310 |
| Personality Theory | 3 | PSYC 320 |
| Semester 4 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological Assessment | 4 | PSYC 401 |
| Counselling Methods | 4 | PSYC 410 |
| Psychology Research Capstone | 4 | PSYC 490 |
| Total for the entire period of study | 12 |
Contact us
3/60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.