Course Overview

Counselling psychology focuses on health and wellbeing, and collaboration between psychologist and client to achieve desired mental health outcomes. Study the AUT Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology gives you the option to complete a pathway towards registration as a psychologist in New Zealand.

The Master of Health Science in Psychology is usually the prerequisite to the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, which is the last component of tertiary study for eligibility to register with the New Zealand Psychologists' Board.

General Eligibility

Must have completed the following or equivalent:

• Master of Health Science with a specialisation in Psychology; OR

• Relevant master’s degree in psychology and have passed the courses (Psychological Intervention, Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis, Supervised Practicum); OR

• Relevant master’s degree in psychology and courses equivalent to those listed above

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) in Psychology, followed by the Master of Health Science in Psychology, may enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, subject to registration with the NZ Psychologists’ Board as an intern psychologist, and the securement of a suitable internship position (AUT has a number of internship providers, but agencies tend to interview for these positions).

Other requirements

• May be required to meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements and other relevant legislation

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent