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

In the first semester all students study the same four courses (HEAL504, HEAL505, HEAL506 and HEAL507) to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students. You can study these four courses at the North Campus, South Campus or online.

Instead of the course HEAL507 Health and Environment you can also study MAOH501 Hauora Māori and Environment, but do note that this is an on-campus course at the North or South Campus, and you’ll have to attend your classes in person.

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

Semester 2 courses

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

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.

Elective courses you could choose

Year 1

Semester 1 courses (starting in July)

  • HEAL504 Lifespan Development and Communication (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)

You can study the courses HEAL504, HEAL505, HEAL506 and HEAL507 at the North Campus, South Campus or online. Instead of the course HEAL507 Health and Environment you can also study MAOH501 Hauora Māori and Environment, but do note that this is an on-campus course at the City Campus and you’ll have to attend your classes in person.

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)

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)

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

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    • 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.

    AUT's associate psychologist postgraduate programme

    Psycology-A4.jpg

    Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

    Psychology Careers

    Key features
    • 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
    See yourself as
    • 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.

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