Studying for your Master of Applied Psychology at the University of Waikato allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of one of three key areas of applied psychology. You'll choose your specialist area in behaviour analysis, community psychology or organisational psychology. You'll develop a detailed understanding of the underlying ideas relating to your chosen area, as well as learn about the fundamental principles and guiding values connected to your specialist field. During your Master of Applied Psychology studies, you'll be given opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience. This will be through getting involved in work placements and projects, where you'll be connected with a range of organisations and community groups. The type of workplaces you'll be placed in depends on the specialist area you've chosen. You may do a project at a research institution or in a private practice. Perhaps you'll work with business and industry, or in the health sector. You may have a placement in a governmental agency, or if it fits in with your specialist area, a zoo. Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) – MAppPsy(Com) If you choose to specialise in Community Psychology, you'll develop the practical skills you need to apply psychological techniques to a range of social issues. New Zealand is becoming a more diverse society, so it's vital you can apply these techniques in a fair and culturally sensitive way – during your MAppPsy(Com) you'll learn how to do this. You'll develop the ability to analyse complex situations and plan appropriate actions. You'll be introduced to research and inquiry methods, and carry out your own practical research. Throughout your studies, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the key ideas, principles and fundamental values relating to this area of psychology. In the first year of your MAppPsy(Com) studies, you'll gain experience in human and social services by completing a programme evaluation for a service provider. In the second year, you'll gain this experience by working with a relevant community organisation or organisations. Once you've gained your MAppPsy(Com), you'll be qualified to work in health services, community service organisations, government departments and in private practice. You may choose to do contract work with human service organisations as a researcher, trainer or consultant. The MAppPsy(Com) also provides a pathway into the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology (Community Psychology). This is a one year work-based programme accredited by the New Zealand Psychologists Board, which enables graduates to become registered as psychologists in New Zealand. Master of Applied Psychology (Organisational Psychology) – MAppPsy(Org) If you choose to specialise in organisational psychology, you'll be focusing on organisational and personnel (human resources/employee) psychology. Organisational psychologists are experts in aiding organisational effectiveness by improving the well-being of their employees. During your MAppPsy(Org), you'll learn how to carry out applied organisational research. This research relates to areas like job or competency analyses and surveys. You'll learn how to evaluate organisational and human resource (personnel) interventions. Throughout your studies, you'll become familiar with how organisational psychology initiatives relate to an organisation's wider goals. You'll develop your ability to analyse and to carry out library research effectively. You'll refine your skills in presenting proposals and reports, both in writing and orally. At Waikato, you'll have the opportunity to gain practical experience during your studies. You'll undertake projects in different organisations and you'll be able to join a professional network site called IO-net.