Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Assistance
Turn your psychology training into meaningful practice as a psychology assistant with the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Assistance.
Ready to take your psychology degree into practice? The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Assistance prepares you for a new applied role supporting psychological care in mental health and addiction services.
This programme is designed for psychology graduates who want to work with people, not just theories. As a psychology assistant, you’ll work under the supervision of registered psychologists in health and community settings, supporting psychological assessment and care as part of multidisciplinary teams –putting your psychology training to work where it matters most.
Subject to CUAP approval
This programme brochure will be available soon.
Minimum entry requirements
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, or equivalent, with a B grade average or higher in courses at level 7 or above
- May be required to attend a selection interview
- Must be capable of meeting the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA 2003) and Children’s Act (CA 2014) requirements, including police clearance
- Admission is subject to the approval of the dean or other nominee
International student entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with no band less than 7.0
Learn how to support psychological care as a psychology assistant, working safely and ethically within multidisciplinary teams. Teaching is delivered through a blend of online learning and block courses.
First, you’ll build a strong foundation in psychological theory, assessment and intervention, grounded in trauma‑informed and culturally responsive practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Then you’ll apply what you’ve learnt by completing 600 hours of supervised practicum where you’ll support psychological care in health and community settings and grow your confidence as a future psychology professional.
Semester 1 courses
- PSYC808 Therapeutic Theories and Skills (15 points)
- PSYC820 Introduction to Psychological Assessment (15 points)
- PSYC822 Introduction to Psychological Interventions (15 points)
- PSYC823 Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- PSYC898 Psychology Assistant Practicum (60 points)
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.
Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a psychology assistant with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Psychology assistants work as part of multidisciplinary teams, supporting assessment and delivery of psychological care under the supervision of a registered psychologist.
You could work in:
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Non‑government organisations (NGOs)
- Community, health, education, justice and social service settings
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.
