Master of Psychotherapy
Psychology
A course by
AUT
A two-year full-time (or part-time) master's degree preparing students for professional practice as psychotherapists, eligible for registration and membership with leading psychotherapy boards in New Zealand.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
North Campus, Auckland
It will take a total of 2 years


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Prepare for professional psychotherapy practice
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to practice as psychotherapists, eligible for interim registration with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Apply relational and clinical skills
Students will be able to demonstrate reflexivity, relational abilities, and advanced clinical assessment and formulation skills.

Conduct and apply psychotherapy research
Ability to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research in the context of psychotherapy practice.
What You're Signing Up For
The Master of Psychotherapy at AUT is designed for students wishing to become psychotherapists, offering robust training in psychotherapy theory, clinical skills, research, and ethical practice. The programme features both general psychotherapy and a child and adolescent specialisation. Graduates meet requirements for interim registration with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand and associations relevant to their chosen focus. Coursework integrates academic study, research, and supervised clinical placements, culminating in a research dissertation.
Course Content
- Reflexivity and Relational Skills
- Relational Theory and Ethical Practice
- Clinical Assessment and Formulation
- Theorising Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy Practice (including IA, IB, IIA, IIB)
- Te Hau o te Ora, Hauora Māori Development
- Research Design & Methods / Research for Psychotherapy / Māori Health Research Practice / Pacific Health Research and Design
- Research Project/Dissertation
- Specialist courses for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy: Enhanced Observational Skills, Child Psychotherapy Theory II, Assessment and Formulation of Children and Adolescents, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Practice, Working with Adolescents, Advanced Parent Infant Observation
What you need to know first
Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies or equivalent with a B grade average or higher
References and a police check are required
Evidence of personal suitability (may require interview)
Additional requirements for Child and Adolescent specialisation: must be capable of meeting the Children's Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Mental Health
Psychotherapy
Counselling
Healthcare
Health and Social Services

Future employment opportunities might be
Registered Psychotherapist
Psychotherapy roles in health and community organisations
Academic or clinical research positions


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Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
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