Psychology assistant postgraduate programme

AUT is pleased to announce that the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) has approved the Psychology Assistant scope, which was confirmed on 20 August 2025.

This approval included a name change to Psychology Assistant, with further information about the scope of practice and competencies forthcoming. This approval means that AUT will continue to develop a new postgraduate diploma that will allow someone to practice within this scope.

Current information

The NZPB has confirmed that in order for a person to be registered in the Psychology Assistant scope, they must have an undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed the new postgraduate diploma.

For further information about the outcome of the consultation process and decision making around the scopes of practice, refer to the NZPB media release.

Anticipated programme start date

Subject to CUAP approval, enrolments will open to domestic students only, with the first intake likely in Semester 2, 2026.

Entry requirements

• Professional requirements: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, consistent with the entry criteria defined by the New Zealand Psychologists Board
• AUT requirements: In addition, applicants must meet AUT’s specific entry requirements for this programme. These will include completion of designated prerequisite courses, and may also include additional academic and/or selection criteria to be confirmed

Next steps

Following NZPB approval, the next step is approval of the proposed postgraduate diploma by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).

Key steps in the CUAP process:

• Programme documentation is developed, informed by consultation with sector partners and stakeholders
• The proposed programme will undergo internal AUT review and approval through faculty and university committees to ensure academic and organisational requirements are met
• Through the CUAP process, the proposal is considered by all New Zealand universities and feedback is incorporated as required
• Once CUAP approval has been granted and TEC funding approval confirmed, AUT will be able to enrol students in the new programme.

In addition to the CUAP process, the programme will also seek accreditation with New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Development oversight

The CUAP proposal for the programme and the ongoing stakeholder input and consultation will involve a number of community partners. This includes but is not limited to:

• A steering group including input from people who are tāngata whenua, Pasifika, have lived experience of distress, or are tāngata whaikaha, clinicians, academics and students
• A student advisory group
• Psychology assistant working group consisting of academic clinicians
• Clinical advisory group of community partners from the mental health and addictions space

Further information

AUT welcomes expressions of interest via email registration for updates about the Psychology Assistant scope and the new postgraduate diploma. All currently available information is provided on this web page; there is no additional detail or documentation beyond what is published here.

To register your interest and receive further updates, please submit your contact details through the enquiry form below.