Graduates of the PGDipPsycAssist are prepared for safe, competent practice as registered Psychology Assistants. They are able to work effectively within mental health and addiction services, providing psychological assessment, psychoeducation, and interventions within the boundaries of the Psychology Assistant scope of practice as defined by the NZ Psychologists Board. Graduates integrate ethical, legal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and lived experience-informed considerations into psychological practice within their scope. They communicate effectively with individuals, whanau, groups, and interdisciplinary teams, and produce accurate, professional documentation. They use supervision effectively and engage in reflective practice to support their wellbeing and ongoing professional development. The programme equips graduates to work across diverse populations and contribute to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed services.

A range of assessments will be used including: Structured role plays assessing engagement, cultural safety, ethical decision-making, psychological assessment and intervention skills. Written clinical documentation (e.g. case summaries, session notes) to demonstrating accuracy, clarity, and adherence to professional standards. Psychoeducation resources and video demonstrations assessing the ability to communicate psychological concepts safely and accessibly. Portfolio of practice including evidence from placement, recorded work samples, and supervisor feedback demonstrating competence across NZPB domains. Supervisor evaluations (clinical and cultural) and feedback from lived experience reflective practice facilitators. Reflective practice tasks (written or video), demonstrating self-awareness and integration of feedback. Assessment in the professional practice and practicum courses (PSYC493 and PSYC494) is pass/fail (competency-based) to ensure graduates meet the minimum standard for safe practice.

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An approved Bachelor's degree. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in interviews and other selection activities. All successful applicants will be required to meet the Children's Act 2014 safety checking requirements. These include police vetting, identity verification, and reference checks, undertaken in accordance with University policy and sector standards. A student for whom English is a second language must provide evidence of IELTS (Academic) 7.5 with no score less than 7.0 or equivalent. Applicants are required to disclose any criminal convictions; professional misconduct; and physical or mental health conditions that could affect their ability to practice safely. They must also meet any additional placement requirements for health-workforce students, such as immunisation, confidentiality agreements, and conduct expectations.