University of Canterbury Psychology

Qualifications

Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive, and social processes in humans and other animals. It is a rapidly developing field touching on all aspects of human life. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology are rapidly enhancing our understanding of how the brain works, while increasingly complex theories are being developed to understand both normal and abnormal development and the behaviour of individuals and groups. Major advances are being made in understanding and treating psycho-pathologies such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addictions.



Psychology students are trained to:

  • think independently and critically about psychological issues
  • become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings, and major theories of psychology
  • learn how to distinguish genuine findings from implausible and suspect claims
  • understand modern scientific research in psychology.

Why study Psychology at UC?

  • UC is ranked in the top 250 universities in the world for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).
  • UC offers a balanced and comprehensive set of courses, excellent opportunities to undertake work in experimental psychology, and has nationally and internationally recognised postgraduate applied programmes in Applied Psychology, Child and Family Psychology, and Clinical Psychology (leading to professional registration as a psychologist).
  • UC has more than 25 specialist academic staff offering a diverse range of research and teaching options. With a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students, we seek to foster close working relationships between staff and students. Undergraduate students from 100-level courses onwards can become involved in research projects and may make significant contributions to the discipline.
  • Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing provides students with modern computer-based laboratories; excellent digital recording and editing equipment; an extensive library of psychological tests; and laboratories for human performance, human robot interaction, animal behaviour and neuroscience, perception and cognition, and social, developmental, and applied psychology.
  • UC has a Psychology Clinic where clinical students receive training, and has working relationships with Te Poari Hauora o Waitaha | Canterbury District Health Board, and Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections, offering opportunities for research and clinical internships

Recommended preparation

Psychology is presented and taught as a science, but students from both arts and science backgrounds find the study of Psychology an interesting and worthwhile challenge.

Being able to write clearly and lucidly is a key skill for psychologists. Increasingly, Psychology has come to incorporate findings from neuroscience, making some background knowledge in biology very useful. Students use statistical methods in analysing and treating research data, meaning a background in statistics is helpful. Competence in mathematics at Year 11 and basic computer skills are assumed.

Courses

UC offers a major and a minor in Psychology within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, and a major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences.

You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.

Psychology major

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science



To complete a major in Psychology within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
  • PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental

200-level

  • PSYC 206 Research Design and Statistics
  • Three 200-level PSYC courses

300-level

  • 75 points of 300-level PSYC courses

Bachelor of Health Sciences

To complete a major in Psychology within the Bachelor of Health Sciences, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
  • PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental

200-level

  • PSYC 206 Research Design and Statistics
  • Three 200-level PSYC courses

300-level

  • PSYC 339 Health Psychology and Behaviour Change
  • PSYC 344 Research Methods
  • 15 points of 300-level PSYC courses

Preparation for postgraduate Psychology studies

To be eligible to enter postgraduate programmes in Psychology, students must have passed certain 300-level courses:

  • PSYC 344 is required for postgraduate study in Psychology or Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 336 is required for the Master of Science in Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 335 is required for the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Psychology minor

For the Psychology minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level PSYC courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above

Career opportunities

Psychologists have a unique mix of skills. As well as a basic knowledge about people, as individuals and in groups, they are required to have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to analyse and understand quantitative data, and a critical and objective way of approaching problems.

Psychology graduates hold research and policy analyst positions in government departments and other large public sector organisations, as well as positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including many private sector businesses. Many graduates are employed in public relations; teaching and training; district health boards; the New Zealand Defence Forces; Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections; and in social service agencies such as employment services, social welfare, counselling services, and health promotion.

Further specialist opportunities open up for those who have completed postgraduate training in Applied Psychology, Child and Family Psychology, and Clinical Psychology (leading to professional registration as a psychologist). Clinical psychologists work with individuals and their families where there are difficulties in adjustment and coping.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Psychology.

Contact us

Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing

Phone +64 3 369 4333
Email [email protected]

Location
See the School’s website for up-to-date location details.



Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand