Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology graduates have an understanding of learning and development and skills that enable them to support learners at all ages and stages.
Educational Psychology students develop analytical, research, and communication skills as well as knowledge of human learning and development. Those with a clinical educational psychology qualification have an advanced knowledge of assessment intervention, ethics, and professional identity. Their specialist knowledge allows them to work in complex learning environments, including schools or for iwi and social services.
Roles and career pathways
Educational Psychology graduates may work in a wide range of roles such as training and development advisers, educational resource developers, career consultants, human resource advisers, recruitment consultants (especially in education), and as policy analysts and researchers.
In non-profit organisations graduates could be learning advisers, youth support coordinators, community service managers, or advocates. Graduates with undergraduate degrees or seeking a first role may work initially in administration or coordination, or junior adviser or analyst roles, before progressing to more senior roles. In the community services sector, care assistant and recreation officer roles with any age and stage can also be a first step.
Students can undertake a research-based Master of Educational Psychology programme and the practice-based Postgraduate Diploma that leads to registration as an educational psychologist. They need to complete the Master's before applying to study the limited-entry Diploma programme. The programme includes supervised practice as an intern psychologist and allows graduates to become a registered psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Educational Psychology graduates with an undergraduate qualification may go on to complete a further teaching qualification at postgraduate level in early childhood or primary teaching. See Teaching.
Where Educational Psychology graduates work
Educational Psychology graduates may work for government or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community service providers, recruitment agencies, management consultancies, or educational resource developers.
Recent graduates have worked in organisations such as:
- Wellington City Council Community and Culture team
- Ministry of Education
- Vibe Youth Engagement Service
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Build relevant skills and experience
Education-related internships, part-time work, and volunteering all help to increase career options for graduates. Programmes such as Wellington Plus, Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) and the WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for students from all disciplines develop leadership skills, employability, or practical workplace experience. The Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Sector internship programme supports Pasifika students to explore policy career pathways within the public sector, and there are other government internship programmes available in a range of ministries.
If you are looking at undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate Teaching or Educational Psychology qualification, such programmes are looking for self-awareness, a passion for learning, appreciation of cultural difference, integrity, and aptitude for working with others. There are many ways these skills can be developed in the workplace. Working as a teacher aide, a childcare or school holiday programme assistant, or in community work or youth work are good ways to gain experience working directly with people, particularly children, young people, and their families
Make career connections
Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) offers free student membership to students studying psychology at a postgraduate level, which includes access to a range of resources and events. Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington Young Professionals and the Victoria Students' Psychology Association offer various events and opportunities for networking. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.