Kia ora, and welcome to the Department of Psychology at the University of Waikato (Te Whare Waananga o Waikato).
We are a department of approximately 22 academic staff, with about 450 full-time equivalent students taking courses in psychology from undergraduate through to doctoral studies. In 2002 there were 30 enrolled PhD students in the Department.
The Department provides a broad undergraduate curriculum in psychology, as well as studies in particular areas within the discipline at the higher levels, such as third year undergraduate, Honours (4th year), and Masters (5th year). First and second year undergraduate papers cover the breadth of psychology including: behavioural psychology and learning, cognitive psychology, culture, ethnicity and psychology, perception and attention, physiological psychology, social psychology for the social sciences, and research methods. (see later on this page [here] and The Undergraduate Handbook for more information).

Specialisation can take place at third year and in graduate study. At third year there are papers in: abnormal psychology, applied cognitive psychology, animal behaviour, applied behaviour analysis, community psychology in Aotearoa/New Zealand, cross-cultural studies, language, power and social behaviour, psychology and women, psychology and Maori development, psychological measurement, organisational psychology, the experimental and conceptual analysis of behaviour, and violence in New Zealand. Undergraduate students taking Psychology at The University of Waikato take a BSocSc, or they may double-major in psychology and another subject, taking a BSc or a BA degree. The Undergraduate Handbook gives Applicationon these. Students wishing for Applicationon enrolling in psychology should contact the Department at psychology@waikato.ac.nz or at the address given [here], and may enrol on-line [here]
At graduate level we offer a BSocSc(Hons) and a MSocSc degree in psychology along with specialised programmes in clinical psychology, community psychology, organisational psychology.
In 2003 our graduate papers include: abnormal psychology, animal behaviour and welfare, applied behaviour analysis, behaviour and perceptual development (available on the WEB), child psychopathology, cognitive/behaviour therapy, community psychology, consulting and organisational change, criminal conduct, evaluation research, experimental analysis of behaviour, human factors, human performance research, kaupapa Maori and psychology, personnel selection, training and development, psychology of disability, psychological applications of the Treaty of Waitangi, psychological assessment, organisational psychology, research methods, violence in family and society, and vision and the brain. Students who did not major in psychology in their first degree may prepare for graduate study by taking a graduate diploma in psychology. The Graduate Handbook contains Applicationon the papers available and on entry to graduate study. Students wishing to enrol in a graduate degree should contact the Department.
The Department also offers two higher research degrees the MPhil and PhD. Students interested in research degrees should contact the chair of department (Assoc Prof T. Mary Foster) or a staff member involved in researching in the student's area of interest to discuss supervision (see staff profiles [here] for more information on staff research interests).
The University of Waikato is situated in the heart of the Waikato region, in which Maori -- the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand -- represent over a quarter of the regional population. Our department has a strong commitment to biculturalism and the blending of traditional psychological approaches, principles and research with the culture, values, needs and aspirations of Maori.
Research conducted within our department covers a range of areas (see here). Masters and doctoral students conduct their theses and dissertations within the research areas of our academic staff. Research facilities in the department include computer laboratories (see here), a technical workshop (Rob Bakker), the clinical research laboratory, the behaviour and perception laboratory, the social research laboratory, the animal behaviour and welfare laboratory, the road safety driving simulation laboratory, and the Maori Psychology Research Unit.  The department also has a software engineer (Andrew Malcolm) and a computer systems administrator (Allan Eaddy). 
If you are interested in our teaching or research programmes, we would be pleased to discuss these further with you. More specific details about these areas are contained within this site. We look forward to hearing from you.

WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The Department welcomes international students to our programmes. Whether you are interested in studying Psychology for a semester, a year or for the entire duration of the degree, we have much to offer you. Studying in New Zealand will also provide you with the opportunity to discover a beautiful country with a rich and unique culture. This website will provide you with more information about the Psychology Programmes we offer. . If you want to come for a shorter duration, you may consider taking a couple of Psychology Papers. Alternatively, you may consider doing the fourth year of your University studies with us, culminating in a BSocSc(Hons) degree. This web site also contains information for international students wishing to study here. Please contact our International Centre for information on cross-crediting, living and learning at The University of Waikato.
Click here to apply to enrol on-line, and here to request more information on any of our programmes.

 Contact us
Postal Address:
Department of Psychology
The University of Waikato
Gate 1 Knighton Road
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton
New Zealand
e-mail: psychology@waikato.ac.nz

  Postal Address:

  Department of Psychology

  The University of Waikato
  Gate 1 Knighton Road
  Private Bag 3105
  Hamilton
  New Zealand