Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology
PGDipChFamPsyc
Duration
27 months full-time
Entry times
November (Summer)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
27 months full-time
Entry times
November (Summer)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
The limited entry Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology is designed for students who wish to become registered child and family psychologists with the New Zealand Psychologists' Board.
It involves a programme of academic study and professional development, which consists of practicums and internships. The Child and Family Psychology programme is based within the renowned School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora at UC, and students can get applied experience in the Pukemanu-Dovedale Centre which offers free counselling for families in the Ōtautahi Christchurch region.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas require a relevant bachelor's degree. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to ensure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates wishing to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology must have either:
- a bachelor's degree with a major in Psychology; or
- a bachelor's degree with a major in Education, and at least 135 points in Psychology, with at least 45 points at 200-level and 60 points at 300-level or above; or
- any relevant bachelor's degree and a Graduate Diploma in Arts or a Graduate Diploma in Science in Psychology; or
- a bachelor's degree with a major in Education or Teaching and a minor in Psychology, provided that the candidate is also enrolled in an approved Master of Education
They must also either be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MSc) in Child and Family Psychology, or a PhD, or equivalent study approved by the Director, School of Health Sciences.
The PGDipChFamPsyc can be started after Part I of the MA or MSc in Child and Family Psychology (or an approved Master of Education) is completed. This programme can then be started alongside the second year of the master’s, or in a subsequent year.
Candidates must also have completed the following courses:
- PSYC 206 Research Design and Statistics or an equivalent research methods paper
- CFPY 601 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
- CFPY 602 Child Development: Research Contexts and Applications
- CFPY 603 Introduction to Interventions
- COUN 671 Conselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
- HLTH 472 Introduction to Psychometric Theory and Administration
- and an approved research methods course or equivalent, as approved by the Director, School of Health Sciences.
Limited entry
This is a limited-entry qualification and a special application is required for this programme – see 'How to apply' below.
Candidates also need to be approved by the Dean of Education and Health Sciences.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Entry is limited to a maximum of 12 places – applications close on 1 October each year. For more application details and the application form for this limited entry programme, please see the Child and Family Psychology webpage.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology involves a programme of academic study and professional development which consists of Summer School, the Practicum Year, and the Internship Year. The Internship Year begins once the academic component and Practicum Year is completed.
The Diploma incorporates five courses equivalent to 1.625 EFTS (195 points) and supervised full-time practical work in one or more institutions approved by the Director, School of Health Sciences. Such practical work will normally be the equivalent of one year. Under some circumstances, with the approval of the Director, School of Health Sciences, the practical work may be completed over two or more years.
A candidate will normally complete the Diploma within 27 months full-time, with usually 1 year made up of practical work. Students are able to complete the PGDipChFamPsyc part-time within 4 years.
The Diploma is made up of five courses:
- CFPY 501 Models of Practice in Child and Family Psychology
- CFPY 502 Professional Skills and Practicum
- CFPY 503 Advanced Academic Development
- CFPY 504 Advanced Professional Practice in Child and Family Psychology
- CFPY 505 Structuring and Examining Professional Practice
After completing CFPY 501 and CFPY 502, students will then complete supervised full-time practical work in one or more insitutions.
For the up-to-date course list, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology.
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.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 195 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $13,973 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 195 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $59,475 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology.
For study planning help contact the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz