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Study Psychology at Otago

The science of behaviour, brain and cognition

Psychology is the science of behaviour, brain and cognition, exploring the complex way humans and other animals interact with the world and
each other.

Psychology examines the behavioural, perceptual, mental and emotional processes taking place in our brains. Psychologists also address applied topics as diverse as transport safety, eye-witness testimony, industrial relations, intellectual disabilities, hyperactivity in children, and other clinical issues.

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Why study Psychology?

  • Learn about human behaviour.
  • Start a challenging career.
  • Develop research skills in the social and behavioural sciences.
  • Improve career flexibility with Psychology in your degree.

You will learn

  • How the brain stores memories and processes information.
  • How our abilities change from childhood to old age.
  • How emotions affect our reasoning.
  • How prejudice and stereotypes arise.
  • How parents' behaviour influences their children's development.
  • What underlies disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia.
  • Why drugs, head injuries and hormones influence behaviour.

Career opportunities

In addition to specialising in Psychology, a degree in Psychology is useful for a wide range of other disciplines as well. Students take Psychology as part of degrees in Law, Commerce, Physical Education, Applied Science, Education, or Health Sciences.

Graduates from the Department of Psychology have gone on to jobs in universities, health and social services, business and industry, safety, communications and planning, and various government agencies. Clinical Psychology graduates have gone on to work in the public health sector, Department of Corrections, or in private practice.

Graduates with appropriate postgraduate qualifications work in research sections of the government, such as the Department of Health, Education, Justice, Social Development, Transport and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Many of our graduates spend time working overseas, particularly in Australia, the United Kingdom or USA.

Psychology at Otago

What does first-year Psychology involve?

There are two first-year papers, PSYC 111 Brain and Behaviour (semester 1) and PSYC 112 Human Thought and Behaviour (semester 2).

These papers have lecture and laboratory components and cover a wide range of topics such as:

Biopsychology – how do sleep, hormone levels, and drugs affect our behaviour?

Perception – what do our senses tell our brains?

Neuropsychology – how do our brains work?

Learning – how do our experiences influence our behaviour?

Development – why do our abilities and behaviours change with age?

Social psychology – how do people affect one another?

Abnormal psychology – when do we decide that behaviour is “abnormal”, and what causes such problems?

Cognition – how do we remember things, solve problems, and use language?

If I major in Psychology what other subjects might I consider?

That depends on your interests and strengths. Here are a few examples, but there are many other possibilities.

Student A takes Biology, Chemistry and Anatomy because they are interested in neuroscience.

Student B takes Marketing, Management and/or Human Resource Management because they want to work in business or industry.

Student C takes Mathematics and Computer Science because they are fascinated by artificial intelligence.

Student D is interested in issues of social change, so they add Politics, Philosophy and Economics to their degree.

Background required

Any University of Otago student can take first-year papers in Psychology. Secondary school English, biology and statistics are useful but not essential.

Requirements

More information

Contact us

Department of Psychology
William James Building
275 Leith Walk
Dunedin 9016
Tel +64 3 479 7644
Email  psychology@otago.ac.nz
Website  otago.ac.nz/psychology

Studying at Otago

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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