Master of Applied Psychology
Studying for your Master of Applied Psychology degree at the 51萝莉 allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of one of two key areas of applied psychology.
Applications for 2026 entry open in July 2025.
Applications for 2026 entry close at 11.59 pm on 15 September.
Why study the Master of Applied Psychology?
When studying a Master of Applied Psychology Degree, you'll choose your specialist area in behaviour analysis or community psychology. The programme develops a detailed understanding of the underlying ideas relating to the chosen specialisation, as well the fundamental principles and guiding values connected to your specialist field.
The Master of Applied Psychology degree studies include opportunities for relevant hands-on experience through work placements and projects, connecting students with various organisations and community groups.
Placement locations also vary based on the chosen specialist area. You could have a placement in an educational environment such as a school, university or special education venue. Projects can take place at research institutions or private practices. Other possibilities could include working with businesses and industry partners, or in the health sector. You may have a placement in a governmental agency, or if it fits in with your specialist area, a zoo.
Degree information
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Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse MAppPsy subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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Entry Requirements Applying for the MAppPsy is a 2-step process and early application in MyWaikato is encouraged in August to allow time for the school selection forms to be sent out and completed by the September 15 deadline.
Entry into the Master of Applied Psychology is competitive.
Year 1 admission
To be considered for admission into Year 1 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with at least a B+ grade average across the Psychology major. Note that if admitted to Year 1, progression to the Year 2 masters thesis is subject to attaining at least a B+ grade average across Year 1 papers.
Community Psychology:
Year 1 Applications
Please apply via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Behaviour Analysis:
Year 1 Applications
Please apply early via MyWaikato. No internal school selection form required.
Year 2 admission
To be considered for admission into Year 2 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least a B+ grade average, including the compulsory papers for the respective specialisation.
Community Psychology:
Year 2 鈥� new to qualification
Please apply early via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Behaviour Analysis:
Year 2 鈥� new to qualification
Please apply early via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the 51萝莉 Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$9,306 - $10,266 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
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.
Estimated fees
$45,920
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
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.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates of the MAppPsy will:- The philosophy, theory and methods of community psychology
- A working knowledge of complexities and issues associated with community development and consultation
- Planning, developing, managing and developing community programmes
- The theoretical and practical dimensions of psychology practice through and application of theoretical and methodological principles to social issues
- Institutional contexts for psychology practice including an understanding of government and policy environments associated with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurances Act, professional codes of conduct, and the Treaty of Waitangi
- The professional, ethical and legal framework of practicing in Behavioural Psychology and Community Psychology in New Zealand, including the New Zealand Code of Ethics, Human Rights Act, the Vulnerable Children Act, the Health Practitioners鈥� Competence Assurance Act and relevant employment-related legislation.
- Recognition of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its implications for psychology practice: protocols and relationships with iwi; M膩ori values and Treaty issues; and the increasing multi-cultural dynamics of contemporary New Zealand society
- Knowledge of research and evaluation methods, including different forms of data collection, community assessment, design and ethical considerations; and experience with some of these
- Knowledge of consultative techniques and conflict resolution strategies
- One or more specialist domains of knowledge.
- the ability to collect, present, interpret and evaluate research data with particular regard to participative, observational, interview, survey, etc. procedures
- a capacity to synthesise and integrate information
- experience in community development and evaluation
- experience in monitoring and reviewing community psychology techniques
- the ability to analyse, overview and scope social and health problems
- the ability to evaluate research and interventions to develop community and address social issues and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new initiatives
- the ability to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analyses in a variety of forms, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles in an employment context
- the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems
- the ability to work and negotiate effectively in a team, and to produce work collaboratively
- the ability to locate, evaluate and use information in a range of contexts, in both print and electronic form
- competence in written, verbal and visual communication
- the skills of a self-reflective, responsive and critical practitioner of Community Psychology
- the skills of self-directed learning
- high standards of ethical awareness.
- an understanding of ethnicity, social justice and equity issues
- an awareness of personal values and respect for the values of other people
- experience in team problem solving and a capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams
- sensitivity to professional and personal ethics
- a capacity for self-evaluation and assessment of one鈥檚 own work, and the ability to modify and change in the light of such evaluation
- the willingness and ability to learn and continue learning, and to appreciate that learning is continuous throughout life
- a capacity for sound professional judgement and independence of judgment
- an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
- the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility
- the confidence to make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts
- the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further education
- self-direction and originality in tackling and solving practical and academic problems
- the confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks
- an understanding of ethical issues related to professional practice and academic research.
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
Applying for the MAppPsy is a 2-step process and early application in MyWaikato is encouraged in August to allow time for the school selection forms to be sent out and completed by the September 15 deadline.
Entry into the Master of Applied Psychology is competitive.
Year 1 admission
To be considered for admission into Year 1 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree with at least a B+ grade average across the Psychology major. Note that if admitted to Year 1, progression to the Year 2 masters thesis is subject to attaining at least a B+ grade average across Year 1 papers.
Community Psychology:
Year 1 Applications
Please apply via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Behaviour Analysis:
Year 1 Applications
Please apply early via MyWaikato. No internal school selection form required.
Year 2 admission
To be considered for admission into Year 2 of the MAppPsy programme, applicants must have an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (or equivalent) with at least a B+ grade average, including the compulsory papers for the respective specialisation.
Community Psychology:
Year 2 鈥� new to qualification
Please apply early via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Behaviour Analysis:
Year 2 鈥� new to qualification
Please apply early via MyWaikato 鈥� internal school selection forms close September 15 in the year prior to entry.
Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the 51萝莉 Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.
Estimated fees
$9,306 - $10,266 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
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
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.
Estimated fees
$45,920
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 17 October 2025.
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.
- The philosophy, theory and methods of community psychology
- A working knowledge of complexities and issues associated with community development and consultation
- Planning, developing, managing and developing community programmes
- The theoretical and practical dimensions of psychology practice through and application of theoretical and methodological principles to social issues
- Institutional contexts for psychology practice including an understanding of government and policy environments associated with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurances Act, professional codes of conduct, and the Treaty of Waitangi
- The professional, ethical and legal framework of practicing in Behavioural Psychology and Community Psychology in New Zealand, including the New Zealand Code of Ethics, Human Rights Act, the Vulnerable Children Act, the Health Practitioners鈥� Competence Assurance Act and relevant employment-related legislation.
- Recognition of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its implications for psychology practice: protocols and relationships with iwi; M膩ori values and Treaty issues; and the increasing multi-cultural dynamics of contemporary New Zealand society
- Knowledge of research and evaluation methods, including different forms of data collection, community assessment, design and ethical considerations; and experience with some of these
- Knowledge of consultative techniques and conflict resolution strategies
- One or more specialist domains of knowledge.
- the ability to collect, present, interpret and evaluate research data with particular regard to participative, observational, interview, survey, etc. procedures
- a capacity to synthesise and integrate information
- experience in community development and evaluation
- experience in monitoring and reviewing community psychology techniques
- the ability to analyse, overview and scope social and health problems
- the ability to evaluate research and interventions to develop community and address social issues and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new initiatives
- the ability to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analyses in a variety of forms, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles in an employment context
- the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems
- the ability to work and negotiate effectively in a team, and to produce work collaboratively
- the ability to locate, evaluate and use information in a range of contexts, in both print and electronic form
- competence in written, verbal and visual communication
- the skills of a self-reflective, responsive and critical practitioner of Community Psychology
- the skills of self-directed learning
- high standards of ethical awareness.
- an understanding of ethnicity, social justice and equity issues
- an awareness of personal values and respect for the values of other people
- experience in team problem solving and a capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams
- sensitivity to professional and personal ethics
- a capacity for self-evaluation and assessment of one鈥檚 own work, and the ability to modify and change in the light of such evaluation
- the willingness and ability to learn and continue learning, and to appreciate that learning is continuous throughout life
- a capacity for sound professional judgement and independence of judgment
- an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
- the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility
- the confidence to make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts
- the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further education
- self-direction and originality in tackling and solving practical and academic problems
- the confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks
- an understanding of ethical issues related to professional practice and academic research.
Graduate study options
Psychology Career options
Explore our comprehensive guide on psychology careers to discover diverse job roles, necessary education pathways, and detailed registration requirements. Learn the steps to embark on a fulfilling psychology career and find the path that best suits you.
Master of Applied Psychology Degree (Behaviour Analysis) 鈥� MAppPsy(BA)
Knowledge, skills, certification, and pathways beyond the MAppPsy.
The Master of Applied Psychology in Behaviour Analysis provides students with:
- a sound understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with Behaviour Analysis, and of the applications of these concepts and principles
- a knowledge of the research skills required for behaviour analysis, including the ability to read, interpret and appraise published behavioural research critically, and the ability to conduct fundamental and, where appropriate, applied research in behaviour analysis
- an understanding of functional analyses of problem behaviour and of how to develop an appropriate programme for behaviour change in their area of specialty
- analytic and library research skills, and skills in presenting proposals and reports in both written and oral format.
Master of Applied Psychology Degree (Community Psychology) 鈥� MAppPsy(Comm)
Community Psychology is available as a specialist graduate subject. The 51萝莉 is the only institution in New Zealand to offer this professional practice programme that has been accredited by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Community Psychology is an applied degree, suitable for students wishing to work with community groups. The Master of Applied Psychology degree offers a flexible, step-wise progression through the academic and professional qualifications with the potential to lead to registration as a psychologist.
Building on learning obtained in undergraduate degrees, the goals of the MAppPsy(Comm) are to provide graduates with a quality learning experience for transitioning from academic knowledge to professional practice.
Graduates will have the opportunity to become familiar with how community psychology relates to working in a range of contexts and with a range of groups. Through this programme you will develop and enhance your oral and written communication skills as well as your research skills, through: proposals, reports and evaluation.
Waikato MAppPsy(Comm) students learn from experts in the field of Community Psychology. Our team includes University academics along with teaching support from registered psychologists. The programme is supported by professionals (from the Institute of Community Psychology 鈥� IcomPA) and alumni (Programme Associates) who contribute from time to time as guest lecturers or examiners.
After completing your MAppPsy(Comm) you can go on to do supervised practice in order to register as a Psychologist. Community Psychologists work in health, education, social development, justice sectors as well as private practice. Community Psychologists are knowledgeable about issues relevant to disability, iwi, environmental and social services agencies, as providers and funders, as well as policy makers. All of these skills makes Community Psychology graduates highly employable.