UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO · NEW ZEALAND
Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- New Zealand's first postgraduate diploma in applied neuropsychology.Pioneering Program
- 1,500 hours of supervised applied practice over two years.Extensive Clinical Experience
- Combines online learning with intensive block courses in Wellington.Flexible Learning Format
- Emphasis on bicultural approaches and collaboration with health service users.Unique Aotearoa Focus
- Taught by expert neuropsychologists and guest lecturers.Expert Faculty
- Designed for registered psychologists to study alongside current work.Part-time Study Option
The University of Otago offers New Zealand's first postgraduate diploma in applied neuropsychology, designed for registered psychologists seeking to specialize in this field. This program combines academic learning with extensive supervised clinical practice, focusing on the assessment and treatment of neurological conditions. It emphasizes a bicultural approach, integrating Māori knowledge with international best practices. The curriculum covers a range of neurological conditions, from acquired brain injuries and stroke to developmental disorders and age-related cognitive decline. Graduates will be prepared for specialist roles in clinical neuropsychology, rehabilitation, research, and health policy.
Curriculum
The Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology (PGDipNeuropsych) is a two-year, part-time program that includes academic study and practical experience. It is structured around core papers in applied neuropsychology and clinical practice, with options to specialize in developmental neuropsychology or the neuropsychology of aging and degenerative conditions.
- Year 1
- Foundations of Applied NeuropsychologyNPSY 701
- Applied Neuroscience in NeuropsychologyNPSY 702
- Clinical Practice in Neuropsychology 1NPSY 706
- Year 2
- Neuropsychology of Acquired Brain Injuries and StrokeNPSY 703
- Clinical Practice in Neuropsychology 2NPSY 707
- Paediatric/Developmental NeuropsychologyNPSY 704
- Neuropsychology of Aging and Degenerative ConditionsNPSY 705
Careers
Graduates of this program are equipped for specialized roles in neuropsychology, addressing the growing demand for expertise in brain health and neurological conditions.
- Clinical neuropsychologist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Research scientist
- Health policy advisor
- Academic lecturer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology?
- Applicants must be registered psychologists with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and are expected to have prior knowledge in assessment, formulation, intervention, brain-behaviour relationships, psychometric testing, and statistics. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS Academic (6.5 overall with no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall with 21 in writing, or 4.5 in writing for tests taken from Jan 2026).
- How long does the Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology take to complete and is it full-time or part-time?
- This is a two-year, part-time program. It is designed for registered psychologists to study alongside their current work.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees for international students are listed separately for each paper. It is recommended to consult the University of Otago's official fee schedule for the most up-to-date information, as fees are subject to annual increases.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this diploma?
- Graduates are prepared for specialized roles such as a clinical neuropsychologist, rehabilitation specialist, research scientist, health policy advisor, or academic lecturer, addressing the growing demand for expertise in brain health.
- What is the structure of the program?
- The program includes academic study across core papers in applied neuropsychology and clinical practice, along with 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice over two years. It offers options to specialize in developmental neuropsychology or the neuropsychology of aging.
- How is the program taught?
- The program combines online learning with intensive three-day block courses held annually in Wellington. It emphasizes a bicultural approach, integrating Māori knowledge with international best practices.
Entry requirements
Registered PsychologistApplicants must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Prior knowledge of assessment, formulation, intervention, basic brain–behaviour relationships, psychometric testing, and statistics is expected.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBTOverall score of 90 with a writing score of 21 (for tests taken before 21 Jan 2026); or Overall score of 4.5 and a writing score of 4.5 (for tests taken from 21 Jan 2026 onwards).
This program is specifically for psychologists who are already registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are listed separately for each paper. Please refer to the University's official fees document for current rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for domestic students are listed separately for each paper. Please refer to the University's official fees document for current rates.
LivingInformation on living costs is not detailed on the program page.
Tuition fees are subject to annual increases. It is recommended to consult the University's official fee schedule for the most up-to-date information.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you are a registered psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and have the expected prior knowledge in assessment, formulation, intervention, brain-behaviour relationships, psychometric testing, and statistics.
2. Review Programme StructureUnderstand the curriculum, including the core papers and the requirement for 1,500 hours of supervised applied practice over two years.
3. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documentation, which may include academic transcripts, proof of registration, and references.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the official application form through the University of Otago's application portal by the specified deadline.
5. Attend Block CoursesBe prepared to attend intensive three-day block courses held annually in Wellington as part of the program's learning format.
Scholarships
University of Otago Māori Master's ScholarshipNot specified
University of Otago Māori Entrance ScholarshipVaries, some at higher value and longer tenure
Accreditation
This program is designed to help psychologists become registered as neuropsychologists.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology?
+
Applicants must be registered psychologists with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and are expected to have prior knowledge in assessment, formulation, intervention, brain-behaviour relationships, psychometric testing, and statistics. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS Academic (6.5 overall with no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall with 21 in writing, or 4.5 in writing for tests taken from Jan 2026).
How long does the Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology take to complete and is it full-time or part-time?
+
This is a two-year, part-time program. It is designed for registered psychologists to study alongside their current work.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees for international students are listed separately for each paper. It is recommended to consult the University of Otago's official fee schedule for the most up-to-date information, as fees are subject to annual increases.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this diploma?
+
Graduates are prepared for specialized roles such as a clinical neuropsychologist, rehabilitation specialist, research scientist, health policy advisor, or academic lecturer, addressing the growing demand for expertise in brain health.
What is the structure of the program?
+
The program includes academic study across core papers in applied neuropsychology and clinical practice, along with 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice over two years. It offers options to specialize in developmental neuropsychology or the neuropsychology of aging.
How is the program taught?
+
The program combines online learning with intensive three-day block courses held annually in Wellington. It emphasizes a bicultural approach, integrating Māori knowledge with international best practices.