Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies
Interested in a career in psychotherapy? Already have a degree? The Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies can prepare you for further study in the Master of Psychotherapy.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies is designed for health professionals and volunteers, as well as individuals interested in becoming a psychotherapist and focused on a detailed understanding of human experience and behaviour. It’s the first stage of AUT’s integrated psychotherapy programme that leads to qualification as a beginning psychotherapist.
Graduates who go on to complete the Master of Psychotherapy can apply for provisional membership of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists and under an interim scope of practice with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We encourage you to apply as soon as applications are open. Places are limited, and there are often more applications than available places. Once we have received your application, we may ask you to provide further information. Your application can only be assessed when you have provided all of the information requested.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
- A bachelor’s degree OR
- Relevant professional qualification or experience approved by the Dean (or representative) to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- Interview may be required
International student entry requirements
The recommended background for the graduate diploma includes:
- Having engaged in at least six months of your own personal psychotherapy
- Evidence of people-helping experience (like counselling or similar)
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent.
Explore the theory and foundation skills of psychotherapy, and develop an understanding of human experience and human behaviour. There’s an emphasis on self-awareness and experiential learning, so you learn to understand your own processes of interaction and develop effective communication skills.
You can do the standard graduate diploma or focus on child and adolescent psychotherapy.
Standard Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies
Full-year courses
- PSYT706 Psychotherapy Practice Skills (30 points)
- PSYT707 Relational Psychotherapy Theories and Modalities (30 points)
Semester 1 courses
- PSYT702 Social and Cultural Analysis (15 points)
- MENH701 Research in Mental Health (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- MENH602 Mental Health and Psychopathology (15 points)
- PSYT712 Reflexivity & Relational Skills (15 points)
Year 1
Full-year course
- PSYT707 Relational Psychotherapy Theories and Modalities (30 points)
Semester 1 course
- PSYT702 Social and Cultural Analysis (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- MENH602 Mental Health and Psychopathology (15 points)
Year 2
Full-year course
- PSYT706 Psychotherapy Practice Skills (30 points)
Semester 1 course
- MENH701 Research in Mental Health (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- PSYT712 Reflexivity & Relational Skills (15 points)
Child and adult psychotherapy studies focus
Full-year courses
- PSYT706 Psychotherapy Practice Skills (30 points)
- PSYT707 Relational Psychotherapy Theories and Modalities (30 points)
Semester 1 courses
- PSYT702 Social and Cultural Analysis (15 points)
- MENH701 Research in Mental Health (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- PSYT709 Child and Adolescent Work Discussion Group (15 points)
- PSYT712 Reflexivity & Relational Skills (15 points)
Year 1
Full-year course
- PSYT707 Relational Psychotherapy Theories and Modalities (30 points)
Semester 1 course
- PSYT702 Social and Cultural Analysis (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- PSYT709 Child and Adolescent Work Discussion Group (15 points)
Year 2
Full-year course
- PSYT706 Psychotherapy Practice Skills (30 points)
Semester 1 course
- MENH701 Research in Mental Health (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- PSYT712 Reflexivity & Relational Skills (15 points)
The apply by date is a guideline only. If there are more applications than places available, applications may close earlier than the date above. Applications received after this date may not be considered.
($7,726 - $7,979 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
($38,400 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.