Courses - Faculty of Science
Psychology
Stage I
Individual, Social and Applied Psychology
Topics covered may include: developmental and social psychology including group behaviour, the measurement of mental abilities, intelligence, models of personality, clinical and health psychology, methods of therapeutic intervention, and the psychological similarities and differences between cultures. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.
Mind, Brain and Behaviour
Topics covered may include: the nature of sensory and perceptual processes, the cause of perceptual illusions, the structure and function of the human brain, approaches to animal and human learning, models of human language and memory, and the design of psychological experiments. A laboratory component, in which students are required to participate as subjects, forms part of the course.
Stage II
Foundations of Developmental Psychology
How do children’s minds develop, how do they work, and how do they influence children’s behaviour? Students will learn the theoretical perspectives and methods that scientists use to investigate the developing mind in infancy through late childhood. Topics of particular focus include learning and memory, concepts and categories, language, the self and identity, social cognition, attachment, and emotion.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology
Perception and Cognition
An introduction to a variety of topics in human experimental psychology. Topics covered may include: perceptual processes, attention, memory, mental imagery, language development, theory of mind, problem solving and decision making. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology
Biopsychology
Provides a basic introduction to the structure and function of the brain, neuropsychology, and genetic and hormonal influences on behaviour. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103
Learning and Behaviour
A consideration of the environmental factors that control and modify animal (including human) behaviour. Generally, an experimental laboratory approach is taken, and quantitative theories are stressed. Topics include: classical and operant conditioning, theories of reinforcement, the stimulus control of operant behaviour, behavioural analyses of problem solving, concept learning and language, choice, self control, remembering and experimental design. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology or 15 points from BIOSCI 101, 103
Social Psychology
Focuses on humans as social beings. Covers topics such as social cognition, attitudes, group processes, interpersonal relationships, and language communication. The course may include participation in and completion of a research project.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology
Theories of Personality and Development
The major personality theories are presented including: Behavioural, Cognitive, Social-Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Humanistic/Phenomenological, Trait/Dispositional and Biological/Evolutionary. The hypotheses generated by these theories, about development from early childhood onwards and about 'normal' and 'abnormal' behaviour, will be discussed and evaluated in terms of empirical evidence and utility. Attention will be paid to cultural issues of relevance in a New Zealand context.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology
Producing Psychological Knowledge
How do you address research questions in psychology? What is a research question anyway? Which methodology and analytical method will provide the answers you are looking for? Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and how we know it, including philosophy of science, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, statistics for psychological research, ethics, and research outcomes and communication.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Psychology
Restriction: PSYCH 306
Psychology for Society
Examines what we do and can know in psychology, and why and how we know it, including philosophy of science, methodology, ethics, research outcomes, and particular methods. Embeds a focus on the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand within which psychological knowledge is applied. Introduces broad content in preparation for more advanced study.
Stage III
Applied Psychology
Discusses psychological issues relating to illnesses and well-being of people in the workplace. Consideration will be given both to the theoretical models which have been developed and to the types of methodology used in their investigation. Emphasis is given to the interplay between science and practice.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Cognitive Science
Provides an introduction to cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered include: visual and auditory perception, attention, memory, thinking and problem-solving. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Human Neuroscience
Covers material relating to the neural basis of cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and language. Students will be introduced to different methods of inferring mind-brain relations in normal and neurologically-impaired individuals, and different ways of conceptualising mind-brain relations, such as connectionism and modularism.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or MEDSCI 206 or PHYSIOL 220
Research Methods in Psychology
Deals with principles and practices relevant to psychological research, including philosophy of science, research ethics, research design, measurement of dependent variables, describing and analysing data, and interpreting results. Participation in the laboratory component of this course is compulsory.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Restriction: PSYCH 208
Directed Study
A course of research supervised by a staff member and written up as a course for publication instead of a final examination. Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125Corequisite: Student must be enrolled in (or have completed) an additional 45 points at Stage III in Psychology courses and Programme Director approval
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 308 A and B, or PSYCH 308
Learning
A discussion of how behaviour is controlled and modified by discriminative stimuli and by consequential reinforcers and punishers. The emphasis is on laboratory research with animals, but with some human data also considered. Topics include: choice behaviour, punishment, avoidance, psychophysics, memory, and cognition. This course includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences
Restriction: PSYCH 362
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Describes and evaluates psychological approaches to the assessment and treatment of those mental health problems, in adults and children, most commonly encountered by clinical psychologists. Consideration is given to work in mental health, corrections, child protection and neuropsychology rehabilitation. Issues relevant to Māori mental health, gender, cross-cultural work and prevention are included.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Advanced Topics in Social Psychology
Focuses on a number of key topics in social psychology. Modules examine interpersonal influence and close relationships, collective behaviour, prejudice and social issues, and social identity and well-being.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Psychology of Communication
Studies the links between psychological processes and communication difficulties. Hearing, speech, language and voice will be covered. A range of communication difficulties and communication differences will be introduced and the psychosocial aspects will be discussed, including impact on self-esteem, health-related quality of life, peer/interpersonal relationships and educational and behavioural consequences in children and adults.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Evolution, Behaviour and Cognition
How does behaviour in non-human animals evolve? Do other animals have language? Do they have culture? Can human behaviour be explained in evolutionary terms? This course addresses these questions and the methods that can be used to answer them.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 45 points at Stage II in Biological Sciences
Psychology and Gender
The study of gender is crucial to understanding many everyday aspects of our lives, as well as many contemporary social issues. This course provides an introduction to selected key issues in the critical psychology of gender, from a social constructionist perspective. Topics that will be covered include gendered bodies, masculinity and femininity, sexuality, rape, and mental health.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125, or 30 points at Stage II in Gender Studies
Culture and Psychology
It is through culture that we make sense of ourselves and our world. Of key interest is how culture, ethnicity and context all play a major role in understanding human experience including behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and analytic skills, and helping students think about their own values and norms from a cultural perspective.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Changes across the Lifespan
Development is a lifelong process. Classic and modern theories of development provide a foundation for understanding changes and continuities across the lifespan. Students will learn how we develop key social, emotional, and cognitive abilities across infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Developmental psychology will then be applied to understand developmental challenges, atypical development, and the role of social context.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 211
The Behaving Brain
Human brains are enormously complex, and they serve a wide range of human needs, from perception to language to social interactions. Brains are also subject to growth, learning, insult, and ageing. Introduces research and theory on neural and cognitive science, as well as opportunities to apply this knowledge.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 211
Social Processes
Social processes heavily influence how we think, feel, and behave. Students will learn about how social cognition, social influence, attitudes, politics, and identity shape our lived experiences. Explores various topics, which may include prejudice and intergroup relationships, romantic relationships, workplace and organisational dynamics, gendered practices, indigenous psychologies, and the evolution of religion.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 211
Life Span Development
The development of people across the life span is studied. Describes key milestones in development and examines the causes and processes that produce stability and change in people's development over time. Topics discussed will include aspects of cognitive, social and physical development with consideration given to biological, societal and family influences. Attention will also be given to development within the New Zealand context.
Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Restriction: PSYCH 316
Research Project
The main focus of the research project is to undertake practical research-related activities under the direction of a supervisor. The work undertaken will be communicated by the student in the form of a research report. The research activities across the year will give students a broader experience of research and academic activities in the School of Psychology. Prerequisite: 45 points at Stage II in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125Corequisite: 45 points at Stage III or above in Psychology and Head of School approval
Restriction: PSYCH 308
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 370 A and B, or PSYCH 370
Capstone: Communicating Psychology
Focuses on communicating psychological ideas and research using different media (e.g., podcast, short film, print media, symposia, grant proposals). Students will be required to work in groups, but to also engage in individual activities to demonstrate their own understanding of the topics explored by them and others in this course.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage III in Psychology and 15 points from STATS 100-125
Diploma Courses
Practicum
This includes a practical component of up to 1,500 hours of supervised work in an approved applied psychology setting, with an emphasis on the application of research principles and designs. Evaluation is by internal assessment and assessment by field supervisors.
Restriction: PSYCH 650
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 651 A and B
Graduate Diploma Research Project
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 690 A and B
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Political Psychology
Provides an overview of the intersecting fields of psychology and political science. Seminar-based topics include personality and politics, political socialisation, voting behaviour, media effects, rational choice vs. symbolic politics, the competency of the electorate, the psychology of legitimacy, and other timely issues. Attention will be paid to the international literature, though New Zealand-based research will also be discussed.
Psychology of Offending
Covers psychological theories of crime and violence, empirical research relevant to the assessment and treatment of youth and adult offending, with particular emphasis on violent and sexual offending, and the range of roles for psychologists in forensic and correctional settings such as prisons, community and forensic psychiatric hospitals.
Clinical Neuropsychology
Consists of: an introduction to neuroanatomy and neuropathology, seminars on the major areas of neuropsychological dysfunction, introduction to community-used test materials and theoretical issues of neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological dysfunction, individual assessment and individual case studies.
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 708 A and B
Cognitive Neuroscience
An advanced seminar on cognitive neuroscience. Topics may include: neuroanatomy, neuroimaging methodologies, neurological and developmental disorders, and the organisation of higher cognitive functions such as attention, language, memory and executive functions. Emphasis will be placed on current developments relevant to the understanding of human psychological processes.
Psychology and Sustainability
Human behaviour and thinking is central to both the sustainability problem and viable solutions. This course considers the psychological barriers to thinking and acting sustainably and how theories and research on emotions, modelling, identity, belonging, moral development and the evolution of cooperation can be applied to overcome these barriers. There will be particular emphasis on how to develop 'sustainability consciousness' in individuals and organisations.
Social Psychology and Interpersonal Processes
Key empirical and theoretical areas in contemporary social psychology form the basis of this seminar-based course. Topics will include social cognition, interpersonal influence, communication, and close personal relationships. Students will also conduct small research projects investigating central topics covered in the course.
Community Psychology
The application of psychological knowledge and research skills to issues faced by communities. Students will design an intervention relevant to a social issue. Theoretical approaches to working in community settings and the practical challenges involved will be discussed.
Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Formulation
Major theories used in clinical practice to understand psychological problems will be discussed, including behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, systems and psychodynamic models. Emphasis is on assessment and formulation of clients' problems rather than therapeutic intervention. Approaches covered are those that are most commonly employed by psychologists practicing in New Zealand.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 723
Restriction: PSYCH 709
Directed Study
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 720 A and B
Consciousness and Cognition
Discusses recent research on consciousness from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered may include: implicit learning, implicit memory, blindsight, the split-brain syndrome, amnesia and hemineglect.
Human Learning and Development
Focuses on the processes and factors that influence human learning in infancy through childhood. Topics discussed may include: early social cognition, language development and the factors that influence school and life success. Consideration will be given to diverse contexts and populations.
Mental Health Problems: Aetiology and Assessment
Provides an overview of common mental health problems in childhood and adulthood and the methods that clinical psychologists use to assess these. Examines theories of causation and risk factors for a number of mental health problems. Also introduces and critiques diagnostic tools and psychometric instruments used in assessment.
Corequisite: PSYCH 718
Evolution and Human Behaviour
Investigates the psychology of humans from an evolutionary perspective. Specific topics may include the evolution of language, religion, mental time travel, social learning, and cognitive nudges, biases and heuristics.
Emotion and Identity
Explores current psychological theory and research on emotion, adding perspectives from sociology, history and cultural studies as well as neuroscience. Topics include the embodied nature of affect; emotion, relationships and social life; emotion and sense of self, subjectivity, narrative and personal history; emotional contagion in crowds and groups; and the power of social norms around public emotional expression.
Functional MRI
A comprehensive overview of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a focus on its use in the cognitive neuroscience of memory and aging. Designed for beginners, topics include experimental design, image acquisition and pre-processing, analysis methods, localisation/anatomy and interpretation. Classes will include a lecture and/or a seminar followed by a hands-on laboratory working with fMRI data to consolidate learning.
Portfolio in ABA
A series of written clinical assessment and intervention projects in applied behaviour analysis demonstrating appropriate use of the scientist-practitioner model. Projects will be conducted within each of the placements completed during the internship course PSYCH 651. The portfolio should provide evidence of appropriate mastery of basic behaviour-analytic skills, client-centred responsibilities, and foundational knowledge of applied behaviour analysis.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 750, 751, 754
Corequisite: PSYCH 651, 757
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 728 A and B, or PSYCH 728
Professional Psychology Practice in New Zealand
Aims to equip students with knowledge and skills required for registration as a psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Topics include the structure and functions of the Psychologists Board/Health and Disability Commissioner, cultural competency (obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safe practice), professional ethics (Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/New Zealand) and related legislation.
Social Psychology and Intergroup Processes
Focuses on the application of social psychological knowledge and theory to the understanding of broad social and cultural processes and phenomena, such as violence, prejudice, group behaviour and conflict, intergroup dynamics, collective behaviour, social beliefs, cultural differentiation and contact.
Critical Health Psychology
Utilising the frameworks of critical psychology, including gendered, Indigenous and intersectional frameworks, this course examines ways of theorising, understanding and promoting health for individuals, communities and societies.
Human Brain Mapping
Introduces human brain mapping based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Topics include MRI data acquisition, processing and analysis, as well as interpretation of analysis outcomes and fundamentals of neuroanatomy.
Work and Well-Being
Reviews concepts, methods, applications and current research relevant to the impact of work on employee well-being, including topics such as the employee lifecycle, stress, well-being, positive psychology, emotion, bullying and work-life balance.
ABA: Communicating Behaviourally
Provides the opportunity to gain practical experience with a range of mediums for communicating behavioural concepts.
Neuroscience of Awareness
An advanced seminar on the neuroscience of awareness and related topics. The course will primarily consist of student-led discussion of original research, with particular emphasis on areas of active controversy or debate. In addition to the theoretical discussion of human awareness, there will be a strong focus on the methods and practice of research in human neuroscience.
Critical Qualitative Research in Aotearoa
Equips students with conceptual, theoretical, political and practical understandings of what it means to do critical, qualitative research in psychology in Aotearoa. Situates methods in relation to who researchers are, where we are, and how we collaborate, including obligations and opportunities provided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Indigenous-led approaches.
Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology
Covers applications of the general linear model to research design and analysis. Topics include: univariate techniques (analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, regression) and multivariate techniques (multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, multivariate regression, and factor analysis).
Prerequisite: PSYCH 306
Perception, Cognition, Action
Seminar-based introduction to theories and models linking (human, animal and machine) perception, cognition and action, with emphasis on competing approaches to perceptual-motor control and learning, using evidence from classic and contemporary research in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience.
Applied Behaviour Analysis Ethics
Investigates the similarities and differences between the NZPB and BACB codes and discusses how to reconcile the two in practical situations. Discusses the current legislation and frameworks that apply to clinicians working with vulnerable people, and the impact of culture when applying codes and working ethically. Different methods of ethical problem solving are covered.
Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Study of the behavioural aspects, aetiologies and therapeutic interventions for disorders usually diagnosed during childhood that are associated with reduced abilities to learn. Examples include intellectual disabilities and pervasive developmental disorders (e.g., autism).
Restriction: PSYCH 752
Gender, Power, and Sexuality
This seminar-based course will allow students to explore a broad range of topics such as: sexual coercion, prostitution, rape, pornography, safer sex, lesbian and gay sexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, sexology, sex therapy, intersex, transgender, sexuality and culture. The emphasis will be on looking at questions from the perspective of theoretical approaches such as Foucault's work on sexuality and feminist theories.
Dynamics of Brain and Behaviour
Examines the behavioural and neural changes that result from normal development, those that may arise in the context of neurological diseases and disorders, and the changes that can be elicited via interventions. Topics include the design and implementation of interventions to improve mental and physical health, methods to evaluate characteristics of change, and the precise mechanisms of neural and behavioural change. Recommended preparation: PSYCH 305
Advanced Applied Behaviour Analysis
Advanced education and training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in preparation for a professional career. Topics include ethical, professional, and practical issues confronting behaviour analysts in employment; recent research in ABA and other sciences with respect to clinical, educational, and other populations with whom behaviour analysts typically work.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 750, 751
Corequisite: PSYCH 651
Restriction: PSYCH 753
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 757 A and B, or PSYCH 757
Ethnicity, Identity and Culture
Students will draw upon Indigenous and cultural psychological frameworks to examine how psychological research is conducted with ethnic communities, and will examine the influences of culture, values and beliefs across selected topics (e.g. resiliency, language and masculinity).
Advanced Behavioural Psychology
Examination of selected topics in contemporary behavioural psychology. The specific topics covered depend partly on student interest, exploring research on the relation between behaviour and environment, considering both animal and human behaviour, and both lab-based research and translation of that research into understanding behaviour of significance to society.
Organisational Psychology
Focuses on attitudes and behaviours at work that reflect or impact on the relationship between employee and employer, with a particular emphasis on topics that are proposed to impact on employee well-being and productivity (e.g., job satisfaction, motivation, leadership). Students will be encouraged to adopt a scientist-practitioner perspective, through class discussions and assignments.
Portfolio of Professional Practice Reports
A portfolio of original reports associated with the student's practicum experience and demonstrating the ability to make appropriate use of the scientific literature in solving problems in professional practice, as required by the New Zealand Psychologists Board for the practice of psychology.
Corequisite: PSYCH 651
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 763 A and B, or PSYCH 763
Dual Process Theories of Human Cognition
Explores how dual-process theories in cognitive, social and developmental psychology account for human thought and action in terms of the interaction between automatic (implicit, parallel) and controlled (explicit, serial) processes. Topics of focus include memory, learning, numerical cognition, theory of mind, moral reasoning, attribution, executive functioning and decision making.
Special Topic: Pacific Psychologies
Explores how Pacific knowledges and worldviews shape and are shaped by Pacific communities to make meaning of and respond to a broad range of topics relevant to psychology.
Occupational Health Psychology
Students will focus on the in-depth treatment of this area, focusing primarily on occupational stress, including coverage of topics such as: work, life, and family, job insecurity, workplace incivility, abusive supervision, positive aspects of workplaces, as well as stress management interventions.
Gender Violence
What does it mean to say that violence is gendered? How does a gender analysis shape our understanding of the nature of problems like sexual violence, domestic violence, street harassment and online abuse? And how does it guide our responses to the harm of violence and our strategies for prevention? This course will bring a critical feminist lens to understanding key questions, theories and debates in research on gender violence.
Behavioural Insights
Explores how cognitive biases and errors cause us to behave in irrational ways and how nudging and debiasing can mitigate these effects. Introduces students to methods to run behavioural insight analyses in real-world settings.
Clinical Practice 1 and Professional Issues
Consists of two parts: First, psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Consideration of psychotherapy research and practical exercises are incorporated. Secondly, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment.
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 771 A and B
Clinical Practice 2
Advanced psychological assessment and therapy for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive behaviour therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two, 200 hour placements, in either an adult setting or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 772 A and B
Clinical Internship
Includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1500 hours in an approved health setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routing clinical practice. A university-based seminar series that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 773 A and B
Special Topic: Visual Perception in Brains and Machines
Explores current debates on how to build and assess computational models of human visual perception. Students will learn how state-of-the-art artificial systems perform visual tasks, and gain hands-on experience interacting with these systems. Literature from the field of visual neuroscience will examine the ways in which these models may work similarly to, and differently from, human vision.
Topics in Sensation and Perception
A range of topics in Sensation and Perception will be explored, including those of applied interest, experimental approaches, and methods. Examples include cross-modal effects on taste perception, misophonia and misokinesia, the five basic tastes, false memory for foods, threshold estimation, preference testing, the auditory sensory meridian response, and other contemporary topics.
Research and Communication Skills - Level 9
Advanced skills associated with developing innovative research designs and communicating information about research designs, outcomes, and the implications of one’s findings are essential to the research process. Students will undertake exercises designed to develop these advanced skills, including writing a research proposal, presenting a seminar on their research project, preparing and presenting a research poster, and additional seminar-based exercises directed at research skill development.
Corequisite: PSYCH 780
Restriction: PSYCH 788, 789
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 779 A and B
Honours Research Project - Level 9
Corequisite: PSYCH 779
Restriction: PSYCH 788, 789
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 780 A and B
Honours Dissertation in Psychology - Level 9
Restriction: PSYCH 789
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 788 A and B
Dissertation in Organisational Psychology - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 790 A and B, or PSYCH 790
Dissertation - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 793 A and B, or PSYCH 793
Thesis in Organisational Psychology - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in PSYCH 794 A and B
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Special Topic: Wairua, Wellbeing and Cultural Considerations
Wairua is multi-faceted and central to holistic wellbeing. This course privileges Mātauranga Māori in the exploration of wairua and wellbeing and will provide a strong foundation for working with Māori. Students engage with topics relevant to indigenous cultural considerations in psychological research and practice. Includes self-reflection and group work in a wānaga/noho marae setting.
The Science of Behaviour Analysis
A study of the science of behaviour analysis that helps students to understand and articulate the core principles of behaviour, the philosophy of behaviourism, and the interaction between experimental and applied research. The course introduces core approaches and concepts in behaviour analysis such as reinforcement, stimulus control, measurement, small-N design, and radical behaviourism. The underlying approach to understanding behaviour is constructional.
Clinical Behaviour Analysis
A study of the methods and tactics used to produce behaviour change in a range of real-world and clinical settings. Students will learn the relationship between interventions and assessments and the behavioural principles that underpin them.
Named Doctoral Courses
Scientist-practitioner Model
Advanced research based psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse ages, cultures and clinical settings, and for complex clinical issues. Cognitive, behavioural, systemic, and mātauranga Māori models are central. Development of leadership, integrity, cultural sensitivity and other professional competences to allow registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Supervised practicum experience includes three 200-hour placements and a 1,500 hour internship.
Scientist-practitioner Model 1
Research based psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy and family therapy are central, but other models are included. Advanced clinical research design, ethics, bicultural and cross-cultural practice, supervision practice, and other professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical psychology are covered. Evaluation is by internal assessment. Includes one 200-hour placement in either an adult or a child and family setting. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.
Scientist-practitioner Model 2
Advanced psychological assessment and therapy skills for diverse clinical populations, including adult, and child and family. Cognitive-behaviour therapy, family therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the trauma model are emphasised. Includes two 200-hour placements, in either an adult setting or child and family setting. One of these may, depending on staff availability, be in a specialist setting. Options may include: clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, assessment and psychological treatment of psychoses, child and adolescent clinical psychology, drug and alcohol addiction, and others. Evaluation is by internal assessment, including assessment by field supervisors.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 801
Internship
This includes a practical component of supervised clinical work of not less than 1,500 hours in an approved setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of research principles and designs in routine psychological clinical practice. A university based seminar course that covers topics relevant to advanced, intern-level practice is included. Evaluation is by internal assessment, and assessment by field supervisors.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 801, 802
Portfolio of Clinical Research
Five original research projects demonstrating appropriate use of the scientist-practitioner model (single case design, programme evaluation or group research may be included). One project will be conducted within each of the three placements associated with the courses PSYCH 801 and 802, and two within the Internship, PSYCH 803. At least one project should be related to research with an adult population, and at least one with a child and family population. The Portfolio will be examined by two internal academic psychologists and assessed by the two external Thesis examiners.
Restriction: PSYCH 894, 895
Thesis
An original research dissertation completed over the three years of the degree (75 points in year 1, 60 points in year 2, and 15 points in year 3). The research may be basic or applied, but must be relevant to some area of clinical psychology and represent a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.
Restriction: PSYCH 896