Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies
Interested in a career in psychotherapy? The Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies is your first step. It can prepare you for further study in the Master of Psychotherapy.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies is designed for health professionals and volunteers, as well as individuals interested in becoming a psychotherapist and focused on a detailed understanding of human experience and behaviour. It’s the first stage of AUT’s integrated psychotherapy programme that leads to qualification as a beginning psychotherapist.
Graduates who go on to complete the Master of Psychotherapy can apply for provisional membership of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists and under an interim scope of practice with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists website
Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand website
Start date: 2019
- Download Health Sciences programme brochure [PDF, 5.1 MB]
Minimum entry requirements
- A bachelor’s degree OR
- Relevant professional qualification or experience approved by the Dean (or representative) to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- Interview may be required
The recommended background for the graduate diploma includes:
- Having engaged in at least six months of your own personal psychotherapy
- Evidence of people-helping experience (eg counselling or similar)
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent.
Explore the theory and foundation skills of psychotherapy, and develop an understanding of human experience and human behaviour.
There’s an emphasis on self-awareness and experiential learning, so you learn to understand your own processes of interaction and develop effective communication skills.
Complete the following papers
- MENH602 Mental Health and Psychopathology
- PSYT701 Psychosocial Life Review
- PSYT702 Social and Cultural Analysis
- PSYT706 Psychotherapy Practice Skills
- PSYT707 Relational Psychotherapy
- PSYT712 Reflexivity and Relational Skills
There is also a requirement that you engage in your own personal psychotherapy during the course of study.
25 Feb 2019
- The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.
- The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.