Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Qualify to be a clinical psychologist through practical study and research in psychology.

Warning

To apply for this programme, you will need to:

• live in New Zealand
• have, or be eligible to obtain, a work visa
• have approval from the Clinical Psychology programme director.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Help people make positive change

The PGDipClinPsyc will give you the practical skills and knowledge you need to register and practise as a clinical psychologist. Learn to understand, assess and treat a range of psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and prepare for a career helping to improve mental health.

Gain expertise in the scientific methods of clinical practice and learn to combine compassion and respect for others with excellence in practice.

This full-time, three-year professional course of study is a clinical training programme that is completed alongside a Master's or PhD research thesis. You’ll graduate with a PGDipClinPsyc and a Master’s or PhD degree.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Explore pathways in psychology

Entry into the programme is limited to approximately 18 students each year. To apply, you'll need:

• a first-class Honours degree in psychology (or be close to completing one), or
• an A- average in Part 1 of a specialist MSc degree in Psychology.

You can focus on whichever subjects you are interested in for your Honours year or Part 1 Master’s.

Read the application form carefully and make sure you are familiar with the key selection criteria. You'll need to demonstrate your commitment to biculturalism. For example, you could complete a basic Te Reo Māori language and culture course, or attend a Treaty of Waitangi workshop.

In terms of extra-curricular activities (work or volunteering), concentrate on the field of support work that you’re interested in, as this will give you an idea of what it is like to work in this area.

Final acceptance is conditional on a police check.

Application process

Applications will be shortlisted. If you are shortlisted, you'll be invited to an interview panel at the School of Psychological Sciences. If you are successful, you will be granted provisional entry to the first year of the programme.

Because places are so limited in the PGDipClinPsyc, you should consider enrolling in other study options alongside your PGDipClinPsyc application, so that you meet enrolment deadlines for alternative programmes.

If you're accepted into the clinical programme after you’ve already enrolled in another programme, your enrolment will be moved to the clinical programme. Find out how to apply

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Future careers

With a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, you are able to register and work as a clinical psychologist. You could work within health, corrections, or a range of community settings.

If you have combined your clinical training with a PhD, you could go on to a career in academia.

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Browse postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Join our community

Build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

Join the Victoria Students’ Psychology Society. Come along to the annual quiz night, talks by guest speakers, movie nights, and other social events aimed at bringing students and staff together.

The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Learn about how and what you'll study for the Clinical Psychology programme.

What and how you’ll study

The clinical psychology training programme takes a minimum of three years to complete. The PGDipClinPsyc can only be completed full-time and on campus.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll complete compulsory clinical courses that cover topics in adult, child, and adolescent clinical psychology. You can begin your Master of Science (MSc) or PhD thesis at the same time.

Year 2

Your second year includes a 60-point practicum. You’ll attend taught workshops and work with clients in our clinic.

At the same time, you’ll complete your Master’s thesis or work on your PhD.

If you choose to do a PhD, you’ll take leave from the programme to complete your thesis and then rejoin it to complete Years 2 and 3.

If you are completing an MSc, you can choose a focus on general Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience. Discuss these options with the programme directors before you enrol.

Year 3

In the final year of the PGDipClinPsyc, you’ll complete an advanced practicum (internship), and one core course. You’ll spend 1,500 hours—or four days a week—in a supervised clinical placement for your internship, and attend classes one day a week in the first trimester. Your course will cover advanced psychological interventions for adults, children, and family systems.

You will sit a final exam at the end of Year 3.