Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)

Postgraduate DiplomaPGDipPsych(Clin)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology is a specialist qualification leading to professional registration as a psychologist.

Applications for 2025 entry are now closed.

Applications for 2026 entry open in August 2025.

140 points, 3 years (part-time)

Hamilton

School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Why study the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)?

Clinical psychology is a discipline characterised as an applied science, with a firm empirical foundation, and an emphasis on objective data to support assessment and treatment of persons who are experiencing psychological problems in their life.

Training in clinical psychology is based on the “Boulder model” where the emphasis is on the use of research-based knowledge to develop practical competencies. An integration of science and practice is emphasised so that research informs practice, practical understanding and issues guide meaningful research, and individualised and unique clinical work is strengthened by scientific method.

Clinical psychologists base their assessment and treatment on the evidence generated through research. Assessment and treatment with clients raises new questions which helps design research. For these reasons, clinical psychologists need to be trained in both practice and research as well as the integration of the two.

140 points, 3 years (part-time)

Hamilton

School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Trimester A (March)

Degree information

Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology close on 15 September of the year preceding entry.  Please apply early as applicants will go through a selection process.  Complete applications will be considered by the selection committee in October.  Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in November.
Please check your eligibility for entry before submitting an application.  An initial assessment of applications will commence in August, and a link to the selection form is shared with applicants mid-August.
Entry into the programme is competitive and places are limited.
The main criteria for selection are based on:
Academic record: We need to see evidence that you can perform very well in academic tasks such as critical reading of the literature and written communication, and have a solid background in the concepts and methods of psychology.  Postgraduate grades must be at least a B+ average.
Letters of recommendation:  Two letters are required.  Please choose people who can comment on your academic skills and record, and your suitability and capacity to relate to others.  Letters of recommendation must be sent directly by your referees to the programme.  Requirements for the Letter of recommendation are outlined in the selection form stage of your application.  We do not contact referees on your behalf.  It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive Letters of recommendation before the deadline.
Suitability for training: Consideration is given to demeanour, self-awareness, relevant experience, maturity, capacity for critical thinking, motivation to complete a three-year programme, and fitness for registration.
Personal essay: A one-page essay outlining your reasons for considering clinical psychology as a career, include a brief overview of your major interests within psychology and what you might hope to accomplish in your training.
Reflections on cultural responsiveness: Short answer questions which include personal reflections about working with people from a different cultural context to yourself, your cultural background and experiences, the relevance of Te Tiriti in clinical practice.
Work experience: Paid or unpaid relevant work experience.
Estimated fees
$9,685 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Scholarships
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Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.

Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology close on 15 September of the year preceding entry. Please apply early as applicants will go through a selection process. Complete applications will be considered by the selection committee in October. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in November.

Please check your eligibility for entry before submitting an application. An initial assessment of applications will commence in August, and a link to the selection form is shared with applicants mid-August.

Entry into the programme is competitive and places are limited.

The main criteria for selection are based on:

Academic record: We need to see evidence that you can perform very well in academic tasks such as critical reading of the literature and written communication, and have a solid background in the concepts and methods of psychology. Postgraduate grades must be at least a B+ average.
Letters of recommendation: Two letters are required. Please choose people who can comment on your academic skills and record, and your suitability and capacity to relate to others. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly by your referees to the programme. Requirements for the Letter of recommendation are outlined in the selection form stage of your application. We do not contact referees on your behalf. It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive Letters of recommendation before the deadline.
Suitability for training: Consideration is given to demeanour, self-awareness, relevant experience, maturity, capacity for critical thinking, motivation to complete a three-year programme, and fitness for registration.
Personal essay: A one-page essay outlining your reasons for considering clinical psychology as a career, include a brief overview of your major interests within psychology and what you might hope to accomplish in your training.
Reflections on cultural responsiveness: Short answer questions which include personal reflections about working with people from a different cultural context to yourself, your cultural background and experiences, the relevance of Te Tiriti in clinical practice.
Work experience: Paid or unpaid relevant work experience.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipPsych(Clin)) is a three-year programme. The first two years of the programme are often taken concurrently with the Master of Science (Research) (MSc. Research), but may also be coordinated with work toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); the Masters/PhD must be completed before beginning the final (internship) year of the programme.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology is comprised of academic coursework and supervised clinical practice. There is a gradual transition from an emphasis on didactic teaching and observation in the first year, to mainly supervised clinical experience (internships) in the third year. In all years, substantial independent work is required, such as accessing and reading journal articles and writing clinical reports and case studies.

Applicants interested in concurrent enrolment in a PhD should contact the convenor of the programme to discuss a programme of study.

Read our comprehensive handbook on Clinical Psychology to learn more.

Clinical Psychology Handbook (PDF)

The Study of Psychology

Psychology is one of the most important and critical topics in modern society. Learn more about studying the subject of psychology at the University of Waikato.

I chose the University of Waikato not once but four times throughout my career journey. I am proud to see how my career has progressed. Now a resident and certified psychologist, I support individuals with special needs, such as ASD and ADHD.
Xiaosha Meng
Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology
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What I really like about Waikato is that it is a small programme, so it’s fairly intimate. You get to know the other year-level students really well
Nicola Brennan-Tupara
Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Social Sciences, Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)
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