The PGDipPAl is designed to prepare graduates for registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board in the Psychology Assistant scope of practice.
The University of Otago has applied for programme accreditation from the Psychologists Board, with the goal of offering the PGDipPAI from early 2027.
Study the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment and Intervention (PGDipPAI)
Grow as a reflective practitioner through guided practice and evidence-based learning
Your learning experience is shaped by Otago’s strength in psychological education and its commitment to growing a skilled mental health and addictions workforce. You’ll deepen your understanding of psychological science through focused academic study that links directly to the practical skills required in professional practice.
Guided by experienced supervisors, you will apply your learning in real health and community contexts where cultural safety and ethical practice are central. You’ll engage with individuals and whānau (family) across diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns, gaining insight into meaningful, person-centred care.
This supportive and collaborative training environment helps you develop professional confidence and a clear sense of purpose as you prepare for supervised practice as a Psychology Assistant.
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment and Intervention
Admission to the Programme
- Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), on the advice of the Professional Psychology Admissions Committee (“the Committee”) whose terms of reference shall be established by the Division of Sciences and approved by the Senate.
- Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic record, personal suitability and professional attributes. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to meet requirements for registration as prescribed in the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2023, which shall include satisfying any police vetting and safety checking processes as prescribed by the Children’s Act 2014.
- An applicant for admission to the programme shall have:
- completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree or equivalent majoring in psychology; and
- passed with an average grade of at least B+ the appropriate 300-level papers.
Structure of the Programme
- The programme of study shall consist of papers, to the value of 120 points, as specified in the schedule.
- With approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), papers to the value of 30 points in a relevant or related subject offered by another university or tertiary institution may be credited to the diploma.
- A candidate may be exempted from some of the prescribed papers on the basis of previous study.
Terms
- A candidate must obtain terms before being permitted to sit the final examination for PSYC450.
- To obtain terms:
- a candidate must achieve grades of at least B in all required programme papers (except PSYC450); and
- the Committee must be satisfied that:
- the candidate meets standards of professional and ethical conduct expected of those seeking registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board; and
- the candidate’s practicum professional and cultural supervisors have recommended the candidate is ready for final examination.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate shall normally take the programme in one year of full-time study. With approval from the Committee, a part-time candidate may take the programme over more than one year. Any paper in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.Exclusion from the programme
Any student who, during the course of their studies, is:- subject to criminal charges;
- subject to disciplinary proceedings of the University or of a professional body;
- found to have an issue that compromises or is likely to compromise their meeting the New Zealand Psychologists Board requirements for registration as a Psychology Assistant; or
- found to have failed to declare a matter covered by (a)–(c),
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances, approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification can register with the New Zealand Psychologists Board as Psychology Assistant.
Your training prepares you to work with individuals and whānau experiencing varied challenges, from mood and anxiety difficulties to substance misuse and stress-related concerns.
- A Psychology Assistant working in: Primary health or Hauora Māori services, pacific health organisations, community mental health services, youth wellbeing or family support settings
