Key information
- Duration: Full-time (36 months / 3-4 years), Part-time (72 months / up to 6 years)
Overview
Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology are rapidly enhancing our understanding of how the brain works, while increasingly complex theories are being developed to understand behavioural development of individuals and groups.
Major advances are being made in understanding and treating psycho-pathologies such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addictions.
Psychology students at University of Canterbury are trained to:
- think independently and critically about psychological issues
- become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings, and major theories of psychology
- learn how to distinguish genuine findings from implausible and suspect claims
- understand modern scientific research in psychology.
Career opportunities
Psychologists have a unique mix of skills. As well as a basic knowledge about people, as individuals and in groups, they are required to have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to analyse and understand quantitative data, and a critical and objective way of approaching problems. Psychology graduates hold research and policy analyst positions in government departments and other large public sector organisations, as well as positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including many private sector businesses. Many graduates are employed in public relations; teaching and training; district health boards; the New Zealand Defence Forces; Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections; and in social service agencies such as employment services, social welfare, counselling services, and health promotion. Further specialist opportunities open up for those who have completed postgraduate training in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Child and Family Psychology, and Clinical Psychology (leading to professional registration as a psychologist). Clinical psychologists work with individuals and their families where there are difficulties in adjustment and coping.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Computational Neuroscience: Exploring Brain-Environment Interaction with EEG
- Neurobiology of Higher Cognition
- Cognitive Psychology
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Case Conceptualisation and Intervention
- Frontiers of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other Requirements
Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 7,092 AUD/year (≈ 8,570 NZD/year)
- Domestic: 7,092 AUD/year (≈ 8,570 NZD/year)
Additional Details: The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points
Living Costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,076-1,655 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship - Grant: 25000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship - Grant: Various benefits - Deadline: Anytime - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship - Grant: 7000 EUR - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Doctoral Scholarship - Grant: 32000 AUD - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Brownlie Scholarship - Grant: 5000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Master's Scholarship - Grant: 14000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities - Grant: 14000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Grant: Various benefits - Deadline: 07 Oct 2026 - U.S. government
- ServiceScape Scholarship - Grant: 1000 USD - Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - ServiceScape
- ACES Scholarships - Grant: 3500 USD - Deadline: 15 Nov 2026 - ACES Education Fund
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - Grant: Various benefits - Deadline: Not specified - OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - Grant: 1000 USD - Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 - IvyPanda
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship - Grant: 1000 USD - Deadline: 01 Mar 2027 - Voice Talent Online
- Women Scholarship for International Students - Grant: 5000 USD - Deadline: 28 Aug 2026 - educations.com
- The PhD Prep Fellowship - Grant: 10000 USD - Deadline: 01 Sep 2026 - Admit Lab
- Dream Chaser Scholarship - Grant: 1000 USD - Deadline: 13 Jan 2027 - Salvado Law
- Scholarship for students with disabilities - Grant: 3000 USD - Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - Anonymous Hope Fund
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria - Grant: Various benefits - Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - Leopold Figl Foundation
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - Grant: 1500 USD - Deadline: Not specified - IELTS from 6 to 9
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - Grant: 12000 USD - Deadline: 11 Jan 2027 - The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
- “The Hope For Healing” Scholarship - Grant: 5000 USD - Deadline: Not specified - FHE Health
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
