Programme overview
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Are you curious about how people think, feel and behave, and how to live well together? Do you wonder about what drives behaviour for humans and other species?
The Bachelor of Psychology will guide you through a fascinating journey of learning about all things 'people'. Our curriculum is structured to help you develop key academic, clinical, and cultural skills; gain knowledge; and build the foundation for clinical training, people-intensive work roles, or research opportunities.
The programme incorporates perspectives from industry and professional partners across different psychology fields. There may be guest sessions and assessments addressing real-world scenarios.
Programme structure
The Bachelor of Psychology takes three years to complete if you're studying full-time. Most students will take eight courses each year, each worth 15 points.
While the degree will is strongly focused in Psychology, you will have the flexibility to explore other subject areas through electives and General Education.
Overall programme structure:
- At least 12 Psychology courses (180 points)
- Up to nine elective courses (135 points) from a list designed to complement your study in Psychology in subject areas such as Education, Gender Studies, Māori Studies and Population Health. Students may also take up to three courses from outside the Psychology schedule (45 points)
- One Statistics course (15 points)
- Two General Education courses (30 points)
You can explore the full programme structure in the Curriculum Catalogue.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
2026 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.
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QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required165
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required170
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QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Minimum grade requirements
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
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Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 2.5
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Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.5
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Guaranteed grade, subject and other requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
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QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required26QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required170QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
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QualificationGCE A Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredBCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.5
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Psychology cost per year?
2026 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,616.40 – $10,158*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2027
- 8 December 2026
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 28 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 19 July |
| Ends – 15 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
The programme is a pathway to clinical training and/or a career in research. It is also a foundation for many other career paths, for example, in law, teaching, marketing, early childhood education, population health, non-profit organisations, small business, and human resources.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland:
- (09) 923 5025
- Outside Auckland:
- 0800 61 62 63
- International:
- +64 9 373 7513