Psychology Major - Bachelor of Health Science
Study the Psychology major in the Bachelor of Health Science degree and gain a broad understanding of psychological research and theory, and related ethical and legal issues.
Psychology is a broad and exciting discipline that covers a range of approaches to studying and understanding behaviour. Explore how people interact with the environment and each other, and how personal, biological, social and environmental factors influence behaviour. You develop research and critical thinking skills, and learn to integrate and present information from diverse perspectives.
AUT psychology graduates are sought after because of their understanding of scientific research, and key interpersonal and interviewing skills.
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This is part of the Bachelor of Health Science.
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Gain a broad understanding of psychological theory and research, and related ethical and legal issues.
You can start your studies either in late Feb/early March or in July.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
- HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
- HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
- HEAL514 Understanding the Human Body Systems for Health Practice (15 points)
In the first semester all students study the same four courses to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students.
Semester 2 courses
- PSYC501 Introduction to Psychology A (15 points)
- PSYC502 Introduction to Psychology B (15 points)
- PSYC503 Introductory Research Methods (15 points)
- PSYC602 Social Psychology (15 points)
Year 2
You deepen your understanding of psychology and become familiar with more advanced topics related to psychology.
Semester 1 courses
- PSYC603 Psychological Assessment (15 points)
- PSYC604 Personality (15 points)
- PSYC605 Brain and Behaviour (15 points)
- Plus an elective course at level 5 or above approved by the programme leader
Semester 2 courses
- HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
- PSYC601 Abnormal Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC681 Cognitive Psychology (15 points)
- Plus one elective course at level 6 or above approved by the programme leader
Year 3
You learn to think ethically and critically in the context of professional psychology practice. You should choose psychology courses relevant to your future career prospects. You develop advanced research skills and learn to apply these in the field of your choice.
Semester 1 courses
- HLAW701 Health Law and Policy (15 points)
- Plus choose:
- Two psychology level 7 optional courses
- One elective course at level 7 approved by the programme leader
Semester 2 courses
- Choose:
- Two psychology level 7 optional courses
- Two elective courses at level 5 or above approved by the programme leader
Psychology level 7 optional courses
Semester 1 courses
- PSYC701 Experimental and Applied Behaviour Analysis (15 points)
- PSYC704 Biopsychology (15 points)
- PSYC705 Positive Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC707 Approaches to Psychological Intervention (15 points)
- PSYC783 Advanced Psychological Inquiry (15 points)
- PSYC784 Developmental Psychology (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- HEAL709 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC706 Health Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC715 Psychological Challenges in Childhood & Adolescence (15 points)
- PSYC780 Emotions and Human Nature (15 points)
- PSYC781 Applied Issues in Cultural and Social Psychology (15 points)
Elective courses
An elective can be taken from almost any subject area at AUT and counts towards your qualification, but not towards your major.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses (starting in July)
- HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
- HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
- PSYC501 Introduction to Psychology A (15 points)
- PSYC502 Introduction to Psychology B (15 points)
Semester 2 courses (starting in February)
- HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
- HEAL514 Understanding the Human Body Systems for Health Practice (15 points)
- PSYC604 Personality (15 points)
- PSYC605 Brain and Behaviour (15 points)
Year 2
You deepen your understanding of psychology and become familiar with more advanced topics related to psychology.
Semester 1 courses (starting in July)
- PSYC503 Introductory Research Methods (15 points)
- PSYC602 Social Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC601 Abnormal Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC681 Cognitive Psychology (15 points)
Semester 2 courses (starting in February)
- HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
- PSYC603 Psychological Assessment (15 points)
- One elective course at level 5 or above approved by the programme leader
- One elective course at level 6 or above approved by the programme leader
Year 3
You learn to think ethically and critically in the context of professional psychology practice. You should choose psychology courses relevant to your future career prospects. You develop advanced research skills and learn to apply these in the field of your choice.
Semester 1 courses (starting in July)
- Choose:
- Two elective courses at level 5 or above approved by the programme leader
- Two psychology level 7 optional courses
Semester 2 courses (starting in February)
- HLAW701 Health Law and Policy (15 points)
- Plus choose:
- One elective course at level 7 approved by the programme leader
- Two psychology level 7 optional courses
Psychology level 7 optional courses
Semester 1 courses (starting in July)
- HEAL709 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC706 Health Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC715 Psychological Challenges in Childhood & Adolescence (15 points)
- PSYC780 Emotions and Human Nature (15 points)
- PSYC781 Applied Issues in Cultural and Social Psychology (15 points)
Semester 2 courses (starting in February)
- PSYC701 Experimental and Applied Behaviour Analysis (15 points)
- PSYC704 Biopsychology (15 points)
- PSYC705 Positive Psychology (15 points)
- PSYC707 Approaches to Psychological Intervention (15 points)
- PSYC783 Advanced Psychological Inquiry (15 points)
- PSYC784 Developmental Psychology (15 points)
Elective courses
An elective can be taken from almost any subject area at AUT and counts towards your qualification, but not towards your major.
Elective courses you could choose
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
- Government, health and social services roles
- Customer service
- Human resources
- Management development programmes.
- Marketing
- Policy analysis and development
- Psychologist*
- Social research
*Registration as a professional psychologist requires postgraduate study. AUT offers a pathway to registration as a counselling psychologist.
Become an associate psychologist: new programme under development
The recently announced associate psychologist postgraduate programme will enable graduates from an undergraduate psychology degree to continue their studies and complete a one-year postgraduate diploma to become an associate psychologist, helping more New Zealanders access mental health and addiction support.
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Broaden your options
You can combine the Psychology major with a Bachelor of Business:
Other undergraduate study options
Other psychology study options
Other health science degrees
- Case Management
- Counselling
- Health Management
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Oral Health
- Paramedicine
- Perioperative Practice
- Public and Environmental Health
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- No major (tailor the degree to your interests and career goals)
Postgraduate study options
- Can open up a wide range of career options
- Combine this major with the Public and Environmental Health major, a minor or a Bachelor of Business
- Offered at the North Campus
- Part-time study options available
- Two intakes a year: start in Feb or July
- Interested in human behaviour
- Interested in research
- Able to relate to a range of people
- Patient, adaptable and observant
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.