Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology – PGDipEdDevPsych

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (the internship) you will:

• have a B+ average or above over a completed Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology or over a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology (or equivalent), and
• have passed at least 60 credits of approved psychology courses including at least 45 credits at 200-level or higher, and
• have passed at least 45 credits of approved education courses including at least 30 credits at 200-level or higher, and
• have completed at least 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, learning or community learning experience in a relevant field, and
• meet all requirements as set by the New Zealand Psychologists Board for registration as an Intern Educational Psychologist, and
• meet the requirements as set by the New Zealand Psychologists Board, in terms of good character and fitness to be registered
• have access to a suitable psychology practice context and professional supervision for the duration of the qualification.

You will need to provide the following documents:

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• a copy of your current curriculum vitae (including education and employment for at least the last 5 years)
• personal statement/cover letter
• a completed New Zealand Police Request and Consent form, along with 2 pieces of verified identification (1 of which must be photographic)
• a copy of a police report from every country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years – please do not supply originals
• contact details of 2 referees.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey's English language competency requirements.

Important dates

Zoom information session

We will explain the internship and selection process during a Zoom information session. Massey staff and a Ministry of Education representative will also answer questions.

• Thursday 23 July 2026: 12:30-1:30pm
• https://massey.zoom.us/j/86923328723

Application closing date

Applications for study in 2027 close on 17 August 2026.

Selection interviews

Selection interviews for 2027 will be held via Zoom: 7-9 September 2026.

About the selection process

Entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (the internship) is determined by a selection committee. The purpose of the selection is to determine academic background and experience of applicants to undertake professional training in educational psychology.

Criteria for selection for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (the internship) are as follows:

• Met all the entry requirements for the PGDipEdDevPsych qualification.
• Professional background and related experience. You will have relevant background experience in education and may hold an appropriate professional qualification.
• Availability of supervision and professional support. While the intention is to make the qualification widely available throughout New Zealand, selection will be dependent upon the availability of supervision and appropriate settings for work experience.

Health and disability

If you have any short or long-term disabilities including a learning disability or health issue that may affect your study, please upload a summary in your application. If you disclose any disability, health or personal information as part of your application, this will be assessed during the selection process and is confidential to the university staff processing your application.

Curriculum vitae

Please provide a full CV including details of your education and professional qualifications, employment history with dates and descriptions of roles and responsibilities, membership of associations/organisations and a list of professional publications and research reports. Please ensure this includes evidence of sufficient background experience.

Personal statement/cover letter

This statement should articulate what you can bring to the role of an educational psychologist including your personal philosophy/philosophies about education and learning and development in the context of Aotearoa.

‘Fit and proper person’

Successful completion of this qualification and your internship leads to membership of the New Zealand Psychologists Board. To become a member, you must meet the New Zealand Psychologists Board’s criteria for membership. You must maintain your registration with the New Zealand Psychologist Board in terms of being ‘a fit and proper person’ to be registered. 

If there are any circumstances in your past personal or professional life that you disclose as a part of your application, these will be assessed during the selection process and are confidential to the university staff assessing your application.

Referees

We require 2 people who can act as referees for you and who are able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the qualification. A referee should be someone who has known you for 1 year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, ie, kaumātua, minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.

Interview

All interviews will take place via Zoom. You are welcome to have whānau or support people with you if you choose. If you are offered an interview you will be sent a Zoom link to access for your interview.

Safety checks and disclosure of criminal convictions

You will be required to undergo a number of safety checks. These include police vetting (including confirmation of identity) and further checks required under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, Vulnerable Children Regulations 2015 and the Children’s Action Plan. You will be required to permit the Institute of Education to ask the New Zealand Police to disclose any information held on the police record system.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

• Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

*This course is not available to international students.