The science of behaviour and the brain.
Psychology is the science of behaviour and the brain, exploring the complex way humans and other animals interact with the world and each other.
Psychology examines the behavioural, perceptual, mental and emotional processes taking place in our brains. Psychologists also address applied topics as diverse as aircraft safety, eye-witness testimony, industrial relations, intellectual disabilities, hyperactivity in children, and other clinical issues.
Why study Psychology?
The Department of Psychology at Otago has a highly-regarded teaching programme and is internationally renowned for the strength of its research.
The research conducted in the Department of Psychology addresses problems in areas as diverse as sleep disorders, industrial relations, phobias, drug rehabilitation, aircraft safety, hyperactivity in children, how nonhuman animals think, as well as how the brain works.
- Learn about human behaviour
- Start a challenging career
- Develop research skills in the social and behavioural sciences
- Improve career flexibility with Psychology in your degree
Psychology is a very popular course. In it, you will learn:
- how the brain stores memories and processes information
- why drugs, head injuries and hormones influence behaviour
- how parents’ behaviour influences their children’s development
- how our abilities change from childhoodto old age
- how emotions affect our reasoning
- how prejudice and stereotypes arise
- what underlies disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia
Background required
Any University of Otago student can take first year papers in Psychology. Secondary school English, Biology and Statistics are useful butnot essential.
Careers opportunities
In addition to specialising in Psychology, a degree in Psychology is useful for a wide range of other disciplines as well. Students take Psychology as part of degrees in Law, Marketing, Neuroscience, English, Physical Education, Management, Applied Science, Philosophy, Education, or Health Sciences.
There are many careers in Psychology in New Zealand and overseas, including positions as scientists in universities, government agencies, organisations, and industry. Otago graduates are studying pilot error in aviation, learning deficits in children, the causes of rugby injuries, the biological basis of memory, and the effectiveness of alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
Otago also offers training in Clinical Psychology for those wanting to work in health-related services. Clinical Psychologists work in hospitals, private practice, and in the Department of Corrections. Many of our Clinical Psychology graduates work for a time overseas – particularly in the UK or Australia.
What does first-year Psychology involve?
There are two first-year papers, PSYC 111 (First Semester) and PSYC 112 (Second Semester). These papers have lecture and laboratory components and cover a wide range of topics such as:
Biopsychology – How do sleep, hormone levels, and drugs affect our behaviour?
Development – Why do our abilities and behaviours change with age?
Perception – What do our senses tell our brains?
Social psychology – How do people affect one another?
Abnormal psychology – When do we decide that behaviour is ‘abnormal’, and what causes such problems?
Neuropsychology – How do our brains work?
Learning – How do our experiences influence our behaviour?
Cognition – How do we remember things, solve problems, and use language?
Applied psychology – Can we improve pilot selection or enhance workplace safety?
If I major in Psychology what other subjects might I consider?
That depends on your interests and strengths. Here are a few examples, but there are many other possibilities.
Student A takes Biology and Chemistry because she enjoys science.
Student B takes Management and Marketing because he plans to work in industry or an organisation.
Student C takes Mathematics and Computer Science because he is fascinated by artificial intelligence.
Student D is interested in issues of social change. She adds Politics and Philosophy to her degree.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipClPs)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Psychology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | PSYC 111 Brain and Behaviour PSYC 112 Human Thought and Behaviour Either STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics is recommended | 18 18 |
| 200-level | PSYC 210 Principles of Psychological Research PSYC 211 Brain and Cognition PSYC 212 Social and Applied Psychology | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four of: Students intending to advance to postgraduate study should also take PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods | 72 |
| Plus | 198 further points which may include STAT 110 or STAT 115; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in Psychology
| Papers |
|---|
|
Or, for students granted provisional admission to PGDipClPs
|
Prerequisites: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Psychology
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Psychology is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in Psychology
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Psychology or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Psychology must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Psychology prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Psychology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | PSYC 111 Brain and Behaviour PSYC 112 Human Thought and Behaviour Either STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics is recommended | 18 18 |
| 200-level | PSYC 210 Principles of Psychological Research PSYC 211 Brain and Cognition PSYC 212 Social and Applied Psychology | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four of: Students intending to advance to postgraduate study should also take PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods | 72 |
| Plus | 198 further points which may include STAT 110 or STAT 115; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Psychology
| Papers |
|---|
|
Or, for students granted provisional admission to PGDipClPs
|
Prerequisites: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Psychology
| Papers |
|---|
Or
|
Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Minor subject requirements
Psychology as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level |
PSYC 111 Brain and Behaviour PSYC 112 Human Thought and Behaviour |
18 18 |
| 200-level |
PSYC 210 Principles of Psychological Research PSYC 211 Brain and Cognition PSYC 212 Social and Applied Psychology |
18 18 18 |
| 300-level |
One of PSYC 313, PSYC 315, PSYC 317, PSYC 318, PSYC 319, PSYC 321, PSYC 324, PSYC 325, PSYC 326, PSYC 327, PSYC 328, PSYC 329, PSYC 330 |
18 |
| Total | 108 |
Papers
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a selection of on-campus papers will be made available via distance and online learning for eligible students.
Find out which papers are available and how to apply on our COVID-19 website
Key information for students
Contact us
Department of Psychology
William James Building
275 Leith Walk
Dunedin 9016
Tel +64 3 479 7644
Email psychology@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/psychology
