Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology

Overview

The limited entry Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology is a professional qualification designed for students who wish to become registered psychologists with Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa | New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Students engage in a programme of academic study and professional development, including practicums and internships in community settings. The programme is closely aligned with the Pukemanu Centre, our on-site training clinic which providers psychology services for children and families in the Ōtautahi Christchurch region. All students have a placement in the Pukemanu Centre in the first year of the programme, before undertaking external placements and an internship in subsequent years. 

The Child and Family Psychology programme is based within the renowned Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health at UC.

Entry requirements

Those wanting to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology must have either:

• a bachelor's degree in Psychology, or
• any bachelor's degree, plus a Graduate Diploma in Arts or a Graduate Diploma in Science in Psychology.

You also need to have previously completed either a Postgraduate Diploma in Science or Part I of the Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology (or equivalent).

You must also either be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a 120-point thesis in Child and Family Psychology as part of a Master of Arts or a Master of Science, or a PhD in equivalent study approved by Amo Matua, Te Kaupeka Oranga | Executive Dean of Health.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

This is a limited entry programme (10 people are selected per year). Students must make a special application and selection as the programme is competitive. Selection is based on academic record, relevant experience in social service work, recommendation from referees and personal suitability demonstrated during the interview process. Applications close on the 1st of October. 

See the 'How to Apply' tab for further information.

Vaccines required

This qualification requires students to undertake placements in the community, including in schools/kura, early childhood centres, or health/medical facilities.

For this qualification, you will be required to be vaccinated in line with the NZ Government regulations, and supply evidence of your vaccination status if requested.

How do I plan my diploma?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology is made up of 270 points, and involves a programme of academic study, clinical placements during the first two professional years, and a final Internship Year.

You will normally complete the Diploma within 3 years full-time. You are also able to complete the PGDipChFamPsyc part-time within 5 years.

The Diploma will be awarded after you have also completed your subsequent study in either a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or PhD.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology below

Subjects and courses

The Diploma is made up of the following courses:

Year 1

• CFPY611 Theory and Practice in Child and Family Psychology
• CFPY612 Year 1 Practicum and Skills Training

Year 2

• CFPY621 Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology
• CFPY622 Year 2 Practicum and Skills Training

If studying full-time, your final Internship Year is made up of the following:

• CFPY631 Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part A
• CFPY632 Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part B
• CFPY633 Supervised Internship - Full-time

If studying part-time, your Internship year is split across the remaining years with the following:

• CFPY631 Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part A
• CFPY634 Supervised Internship - Part-time, Part A

• CFPY632 Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology: Part B
• CFPY635 Supervised Internship - Part-time, Part B

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Useful information

• Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
• For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
• Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
• Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.

Tuition fees for domestic students

Tuition fees for international students