Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology

The AUT Online Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology develops your ability to apply psychological science across individual, social and organisational contexts. You’ll explore how people think, feel and behave, and how evidence-based psychological approaches can be used ethically and effectively to support wellbeing, motivation and positive change in diverse real-world settings.

Through courses in human development, neuroscience, social and organisational behaviour, and applied behaviour change, you’ll strengthen your capability in research literacy, cultural responsiveness and ethical practice which are core foundations of the psychology discipline.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or explore new career opportunities, this programme is designed for professionals from any sector, including those without prior psychology study. It provides a strong foundation in applied psychology that you can put to work immediately, and also offers a direct pathway to the Master of Applied Psychology, with all courses credited should you choose to continue your study.

100% online: Study from anywhere, anytime, with no need to attend campus
Designed for professionals: Study one course at a time, fully online, with learning directly relevant to your professional context.
Your experience counts: Your professional expertise is valued – if you have sufficient work experience but no degree, you can still qualify
Personalised support: Access expert guidance and resources when you need them, seven days a week

Why choose the AUT Online Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology

Applied foundations: Build practical knowledge across human development, neuroscience, social and organisational behaviour, and behaviour change, applying psychological principles to individual, group and workplace contexts.
Culturally grounded learning: Develop cultural competence and responsiveness by engaging respectfully with Māori and other Indigenous knowledge systems, frameworks, and communities in ethical psychological research and practice.
Pathway to the master’s: All courses can be credited towards the Master of Applied Psychology, enabling you to advance when you are ready.

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Entry requirements
What you study
Career opportunities
Related programmes

This programme is currently only available for domestic students.

If you already have a university degree

A bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma or professional qualification

If you don’t yet have a university degree

5 years of work experience

Your experience counts

At AUT Online, we value your professional expertise. If you have sufficient work experience but no undergraduate degree, you can still take the next step toward achieving your goals with our Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology programme.

Not sure if you qualify? Enquire now to discuss your eligibility.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology consists of four core courses that form the foundation of the Master of Applied Psychology. Each course is designed to be applied, research-informed, culturally responsive and directly relevant to real-world individual, social and organisational contexts.

The programme consists of four 30-point courses, completed sequentially over trimesters. This focused structure gives you the flexibility to balance study with work and life, while ensuring a clear pathway to completion.

Through the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology you will:

Explore how biological, cognitive and social processes shape human behaviour and influence wellbeing, motivation and decision-making.
Apply psychological frameworks to understand and address challenges across individual, group and organisational settings.
Design behaviour change strategies using evidence-based frameworks.
Develop cultural competence and responsiveness by engaging respectfully with Māori and other Indigenous knowledge systems in applied psychological practice.
Strengthen your capability to collaborate, reflect and think critically, enabling you to apply psychological insight to complex real-world contexts.

Courses

The AUT Online Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology equips you with the skills to apply psychological science in individual, social and organisational contexts. You’ll be able to contribute meaningfully to projects and initiatives that support individuals, teams, and communities, across both public and private sectors.

Potential career pathways include:

Organisational development coordinator
Learning and development specialist
People and culture advisor
Community or youth programme manager
Behaviour change facilitator
Roles in HR, education, or healthcare with a psychology focus

The programme also provides a direct pathway to the Master of Applied Psychology, should you wish to extend your capability into advanced applied research, evidence-based leadership and systemic change.

Not sure which qualification suits your goals? AUT Online offers flexible options to fit your needs:

Courses completed in the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology can be credited toward the full Master of Applied Psychology, enabling you to build on your achievements seamlessly and take the next step in advancing your career.

Quick facts

Programme code:

ON1102

Level:

Points:

120

Duration:

18 months part-time

Delivery:

100% online

Starts:

23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key trimester dates

Fees

Domestic:

Full fees: $TBC (for 120 points)

This online programme is currently not available for international students.

Enquire about the AUT Online Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology here today.