psychology

Master of Applied Psychology

Masters Degree MAppPsy
psychology

Studying for your Master of Applied Psychology degree at the University of Waikato allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of one of two key areas of applied psychology.

Applications for 2025 entry are now closed.

Applications for 2026 entry open in August 2025.

240 points, 1-2 years

Hamilton

Trimester A (March)

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. You'll develop a detailed understanding of the underlying ideas relating to your chosen area, as well as learn about the fundamental principles and guiding values connected to your specialist field.

During your Master of Applied Psychology degree studies, you'll be given opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience. This will be through getting involved in work placements and projects, where you'll be connected with a range of organisations and community groups.

The type of workplaces you'll be placed in depends on the specialist area you've chosen. You could have a placement in an educational environment such as a school, university or special education venue. You may do a project at a research institution or in a private practice. Perhaps you'll work with business and industry, 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.

240 points, 1-2 years

Hamilton

Trimester A (March)

Degree information

Subjects Entry Requirements Fees and scholarships
psychology careers

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) – 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.

The Behaviour Analysis courses available for this degree are verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). The MAppPsy(BA) provides a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis), which can lead to registration as a psychologist in New Zealand and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®, an internationally recognized certification.

Master of Applied Psychology Degree (Community Psychology) – MAppPsy(Comm)

Community Psychology is available as a specialist graduate subject. The University of Waikato 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 – 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.

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International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Psychology and Social Sciences

School of Psychology, The University of Waikato, First Floor, K Block, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton