About us

Find out about the School of Psychology community, why you should study Psychology, and the School's mission and vision.

The School of Psychology is a shared community for research and learning across many areas of psychology including cognitive, behavioural, developmental, social, clinical, forensic, bicultural and cross-cultural psychology.

Our vision is to create a community of scholars, students and partners where everyone can thrive and make transformative contributions to society.

Through pioneering research, transformative education and strong community partnerships, our mission is to equip the future generation of psychological scientists and practitioners with the tools to find real solutions for regional and global challenges.

We achieve this by embracing excellence and passion for knowledge and research and by enacting the values of whanaungatanga, wairuatanga, kaitiakitanga and manakitanga in our daily practice.

Although our school sits within the Wellington Faculty of Science, Psychology can also be taken alongside many other subjects. Our degrees have been restructured recently to be more flexible, meaning that you can complete a major in Psychology along with a major in Law, Science, Commerce, Humanities, or Design in only three years. We are constantly improving our curriculum to offer the best psychology education in Aotearoa.

Most of our undergraduate courses are team-taught, and students are introduced to different topics by academic staff members who are leaders their field. Our researchers are passionate about their work and bring the latest developments to the lecture theatre.

Studying psychology will give you skills that are attractive to any employer—including critical thinking, statistical knowledge, clear communication, and a thorough grounding in the science of human behaviour.

Whether you want to become a clinical psychologist or just have an interest in the subject, you will be taught in—and contribute to—an exciting and stimulating environment.

Mission statement

Through pioneering research, transformative education and strong community partnerships, we equip the future generation of psychological scientists and practitioners with the tools to find real solutions for regional and global challenges. We will achieve this aim by embracing excellence and passion for knowledge and research and by enacting the values of whanaungatanga, wairuatanga, kaitiakitanga and manakitanga in our daily practice.

Vision statement

To create a community of scholars, students and partners where everyone can thrive and make transformative contributions to society.