Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Psychology

• Flexible study options, including part-time and full-time pathways to fit around work and personal commitments.
• Coursework grounded in contemporary educational psychology, covering learning development, behaviour, assessment, and intervention.
• Critical engagement with current research from Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts.
• Applied learning opportunities that connect psychological theory to real educational challenges.
• A strong bicultural and culturally sustaining foundation, informed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Practical skills in assessment and data-informed decision-making to support diverse learners.
• Professional and ethical development to guide practice in complex educational settings.
• Preparation for a range of future pathways, including roles in education and wellbeing services or further postgraduate study.

To apply to the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Psychology, you will need to have previously completed either:

• a bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field, with a B grade average
• any bachelor’s degree plus a professional teaching qualification.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate English language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC.

If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practice your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Psychology or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Choose any 60 points from Educational Psychology courses within the subject themes and course bundles detailed below.

You can choose from short 5-point courses or comprehensive 30-point offerings. Our flexible, learner-focused pathways let you tailor your studies to suit your goals and circumstances.

Each 5-point offering course gives you the flexibility to study at your own pace—whether you choose to take one course at a time or several together. Selected courses are also available as PLD - visit our Teacher Quality Hub for more information.

If you prefer a more structured learning experience, you may also enrol in a 30-point package, completing all courses within a theme as a cohesive block.

All courses are delivered fully online and include prerecorded lectures, self-directed learning activities, online discussions, and a variety of assessments. This approach supports deep, applied learning while allowing you to engage with the material on your schedule and stay connected with lecturers and fellow learners.

Subject themes

The Social Psychology of Learning and Teaching

• EPSY401 The Social Psychology of Learning and Teaching (30 points)

Or

• EPSY411 The Psychology of Learning Environments (5 points)
• EPSY421 Student Motivation: Theory, Research, and Practice (5 points)
• EPSY431 Group Processes and Peer Influence in Learning Environments (5 points)
• EPSY441 The Psychology of Teaching: Beliefs, Behaviour, and Influence (5 points)
• EPSY451 Psychological Perspectives on Schooling and Student Outcomes (5 points)
• EPSY461 Designing Social-Psychological Interventions for Positive School and Classroom Climates (5 points)

Cognitive Science and Educational Design

• EPSY402 Cognitive Science and Educational Design (30 points)

Or

• EPSY412 Cognitive Architecture and Learning in Education (5 points)
• EPSY422 The Learning Sciences and Effective Instruction (5 points)
• EPSY432 Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning (5 points)
• EPSY442 The Psychology of Feedback and Learning Transfer (5 points)
• EPSY452 Critical Perspectives on Cognitive Science in Education (5 points)
• EPSY462 Translating Cognitive Science into Educational Design (5 points)

Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation in Education: Bridging Research and Practice

• EPSY603 Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation in Education: Bridging Research and Practice (30 points)

Or

• EPSY613 Assessment Literacy in Education (5 points)
• EPSY623 Classroom Investigation for Evidence-Informed Practice (5 points)
• EPSY633 Designing for Learning: Constructing and Critiquing Educational Assessments (5 points)
• EPSY643 Reading the Evidence: Interpreting Data in Educational Contexts (5 points)
• EPSY653 Evaluating with Purpose: Programme and Policy Evaluation in Education (5 points)
• EPSY663 Assessment in a Complex World: Ethics, Culture, and the Politics of Evidence in Education (5 points)

Educational Psychology for Unique Learning Needs and Support

• EPSY604 Educational Psychology for Unique Learning Needs and Support (30 points)

Or

• EPSY614 Psychological Foundations of Learner Diversity and Inclusion (5 points)
• EPSY624 Psychological Assessment and Identification in Education (5 points)
• EPSY634 Understanding Neurodivergence and Diverse Learning Profiles (5 points)
• EPSY644 Student Emotion, Regulation, and Trauma-Related Experiences (5 points)
• EPSY654 Understanding Challenging Behaviour and Designing Support Strategies (5 points)
• EPSY664 Working Together: Collaboration, Ethics, and Consultation in Education (5 points)

UC also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology. It includes the same elective course options as the Certificate, requiring an additional 60 points from the list.

You may be able to transfer your completed courses from the Certificate to the Diploma, with approval.

UC also offers further postgraduate studies through the Master of Education or Master of Education (Thesis), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education or Psychology.

Graduates of the PGCertEdPsyc are equipped to identify real-world educational challenges, supporting improved learning, wellbeing, and inclusion across a wide range of settings in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. The programme develops emerging capabilities in assessment, data-informed decision-making, intervention planning, and culturally responsive practice—skills valued in educational systems globally.

This qualification can enhance your professional practice within schools, early childhood settings, tertiary institutions, community organisations, and education agencies. It also provides a foundation for those contributing to educational research, policy development, and programmes focused on learner support and equity.

The PGCertEdPsyc can support progression into leadership or specialist roles related to teaching, pastoral care, learning support, and educational improvement, both within New Zealand and in international educational contexts. It also serves as a valuable pathway for further postgraduate study in education, psychology, or related fields, including the PGDipEdPsyc and Master of Education.

Please direct any questions about this qualification to Associate Professor Valerie Sotardi at valerie.sotardi@canterbury.ac.nz