Careers in Psychology
Explore our comprehensive guide on psychology careers to discover diverse job opportunities, education pathways, and detailed registration requirements. Learn the steps to embark on a fulfilling psychology career that best suits you.
Psychology career options
Select your desired career in psychology option to learn about the role and see the study and qualification requirements.
A Registered Behavioural Psychologist specialises in understanding and changing behaviours to improve individuals' quality of life. Using evidence-based methods, they assess and implement strategies to address behavioural issues and support people with a wide variety of needs, including individuals with developmental disabilities and a range of psychological disorders.
To become a Registered Behavioural Psychologist, you will need to complete 6 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology (3 years).
Step 2
Complete a Master of Applied Psychology (Behaviour Analysis) – MAppPsy(BA) (2 years).
Step 3
Complete a Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Behaviour Analysis) - PGDipPracPsych(BA) (1 Year).
A Registered Community Psychologist focuses on enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through collaborative and preventive approaches. They work on understanding social issues, promoting mental health, and empowering communities to create positive change.
To become a Registered Community Psychologist, you will need to complete 6 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology. (3 years)
Step 2
Complete a Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) – MAppPsy(Comm) (2 years)
Step 3
Complete a Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Community Psychology) - PGDipPracPsych(Comm) (1 year)
A Registered Clinical Psychologist is a highly trained mental health professional dedicated to helping individuals improve their emotional and psychological well-being. They use evidence-based practices to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.
To become a Registered Clinical Psychologist, you will need to complete 7 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology. (3 years)
Step 2
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours, Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours OR Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (PGDip) (1 year)
Step 3
Complete a Master of Science (Research) (MSc [Research]), taken concurrently with Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical) - PGDipPsych(Clin) (3 years)
A University Lecturer / Researcher in Psychology is an academic professional dedicated to teaching and advancing knowledge in the field of psychology. They deliver engaging lectures, mentor students, and conduct cutting-edge research to explore various aspects of human behaviour and mental processes.
To become a University Lecturer / Researcher in Psychology, you will need to complete 7-9 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology. (3 years)
Step 2
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours, Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours OR
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology and Master of Science (MSc) (Research)
(1-2 years)
Step 3
Complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (3-4 years)
A High School Teacher in Psychology / Social Sciences educates students on the fundamental principles of human behaviour and social systems. They create engaging lessons that explore psychological theories, social structures, and cultural dynamics, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
To become a High School teacher in Psychology / Social Sciences, you will need to complete 4 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology. (3 years)
Step 2
Complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (1 year)
A Social Science Researcher / Data Analyst in Psychology specialises in examining human behaviour and social phenomena through rigorous research and data analysis. They design and conduct studies, collect and interpret data, and provide insights to advance psychological knowledge and inform policy.
To become a Social Science Researcher / Data Analyst in Psychology, you will need to complete 5 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Psychology, minoring in Data Analytics. (3 years)
Step 2
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours or Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology (1 year)
Step 3
Complete a Master of Science (Research) (MSc (Research)) (1 year)
An Animal Trainer / Behaviourist specialises in understanding and modifying animal behaviour through positive reinforcement and training techniques. They work with a variety of animals to teach commands, improve behaviour, and address issues such as anxiety or aggression.
To become a Animal trainer / Behaviourist, you will need to complete 5 years of study and gain the following qualifications.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology, minoring in Animal Behaviour (3 years).
Step 2
Complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours or Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology (1 year).
Step 3
Complete a Master of Science (Research) (MSc (Research)) (1 year).
Undergraduate Careers in Psychology
If you are unsure of the exact psychology career pathway you want to embark on, but know what your areas of interest are, you can explore the potential careers and job opportunities in psychology and that align with these.
Note: A higher degree might be required for more advanced positions.
Psychology, Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
Are you interested in why people buy things and how marketing works from a psychological perspective? A mix of psychology and marketing could be a good choice for you!
Careers
Marketing officer/ analyst / researcher Advertising specialist /executive
Study
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology, with a minor or second major in Marketing.
Kaupapa Māori Psychology
Are you interested in Kaupapa Māori and indigenous psychologies? A Psychology major with a Kaupapa Māori Psychology minor could be the right choice for you; you might also consider a second major in Te Reo Māori.
Careers
Māori mental health leader / Cultural advisor / Indigenous wellbeing researcher
Study
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Psychology, minoring in Kaupapa Māori Psychology; second major in Te Reo Māori.
Psychology, Research and Data Analysis
Are you good at maths and enjoy the challenge of making sense of complicated data? Are you fascinated with how people work? A psychology and data analysis mix could be a great fit for you!
Careers
Research design and data analysis consultant / Behavioural data specialist
Study
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology, with a minor or second major in Statistics, Computer Science, or Data Analytics.
Psychology and Animal Behaviour
Do you love animals? Would you like a job that involves training animals? (e.g. service dogs, zoo animals, companion animals) Studying psychology and animal behaviour would be a good option for you!
Careers
Animal trainer (e.g. service dogs, companion animals) / Animal care officer (e.g. zoo keeper, animal shelter officer)
Study
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Animal Behaviour, or a second major in Ecology and Biodiversity.
Other Psychology Career options
A Psychology degree sets you up for a wide range of interesting careers and job opportunities in psychology where an understanding of human behaviour is critical. Recent graduates are now working as:
- Clinical, Behavioural and Community Psychologists (Private Practice)
- Community Development Officer (Meningitis Trust)
- Neuropsychological Assessor (ACC)
- Disabilities Instructor (Wintec)
- Research Manager Behavioural Sciences (Opus International)
- Youth Co-ordinator (Māori Youth and Suicide Intervention Programme)
- Research Analyst (NZDF)
- Strategic Policy Advisor (NZ government)
- Head of Cybersecurity
- Brand Awareness Manager
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Psychology subjects
Explore the psychology subjects on offer to find your interests.
Psychology study options
Explore the qualifications in psychology offered at the University of Waikato.