Psychology - Master of Health Science

Further your career with the Psychology specialisation in the Master of Health Science. Focus on counselling psychology and research an area of your interest through your research project or thesis.

The Master of Health Science is an opportunity for psychology professionals to advance their scholarly and professional knowledge in an area of their interest. You study in an interprofessional and collegial learning environment, and develop research skills.


This is part of the Master of Health Science.

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This focus is a pathway towards registration as a counselling psychologist in New Zealand. Counselling psychologists acknowledge the importance of medical, psychosocial and cultural perspectives in understanding and explaining the formation of mental illness and problem behaviour, and the treatment and caring regimes to sensitively address illness and concerns.

Select 15 points from the following courses

And 60 points from

And 45 points from

And 60 points from

And complete

*Supervised Practicum is offered as a seven-week block course (5 days per week)
**If your focus is counselling psychology then we recommend you select the following elective course(s) within the Master of Health Science in Psychology specialisation: PSYC809, PSYC810, PSYC811 and PSYC997.

FAQs counselling psychology

Practice as a health professional in New Zealand is governed by legislation and a number of ‘Responsible Authorities’ (such as the NZ Psychologist Board, Physiotherapy Board and the Nursing Council who register practitioners). Overseas qualified health professionals who wish to practise in New Zealand should communicate directly with the relevant Responsible Authority. Qualifications recognised for professional registration at AUT are undergraduate; study at postgraduate level is not considered equivalent recognition for NZ Board certification.

Further study to become a counselling psychologist

Other postgraduate psychology study options

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Key features
  • Focus on counselling psychology
  • Prepares you for further study in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
  • Explore a topic of your interest through your research project or thesis

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.