This qualification provides a comprehensive introduction to the psychology discipline, including psychology as a science, involving the application of research, analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills.

This qualification is intended for people who can benefit professionally or personally from a working knowledge of psychology and human behaviour.

Graduates will benefit industry sectors involving interactions with people, where employees need knowledge of human behaviour to function effectively in an organisational workplace and with clients.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Use psychological principles when interacting with people, for the benefit of the group and individuals, in a professional environment.
- Evaluate social, educational and workplace situations to determine how to best approach future actions and interventions, taking into account behavioural, social, and cultural factors, including those unique bicultural factors relevant to Aotearoa New Zealand contexts.
- Differentiate the fields and sub-fields within psychology and relate these to specific career paths and employment areas within Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Apply scientific analysis to individual, social and group interactions to identify interconnecting factors that may underlie complex situations.

Graduates may continue their studies with the New Zealand Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology (Level 6) [Ref: 3517], the New Zealand Diploma in Organisational Psychology (Level 6) [Ref: 3516], or higher level study in a range of disciplines such as psychology, social work, counselling, justice, human resources, or other related areas.