Postgraduate

CFPY401
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Description
This course provides a base knowledge of some of the most common psychological difficulties which can impact children and young people. The content comprises a critical analysis of how disorders are conceptualised, what is known about their causes and correlates, and how to distinguish between them. We discuss impacts these challenges can have on tamariki, rangatahi and whanau and interventions related to the specific challenges. Real world considerations are included throughout.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Associate Dean Academic.
Restrictions
CFPY601
CFPY402
Advanced Child Developmental Psychology
Description
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of contemporary theory and research in child and adolescent developmental psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of research and understanding the developmental processes that shape child development from conception to adolescence for application in real world contexts. Developmental processes will span brain development and plasticity, prenatal programming, epigenetics and gene-environment interactions, parenting, family functioning, peer/school influences, as well as the cumulative effects of childhood adversity. The application of this knowledge to contemporary issues relating to children from diverse social and cultural backgrounds will be considered. This course is designed for individuals who wish to pursue a professional or research career in the areas of developmental psychology, child health, and/or child clinical psychology
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Associate Dean Academic.
CFPY403
Understanding Family Systems
Description
In this course, students will examine the family processes that shape the developmental trajectories of family members through the application of relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks and interventions. Topics may include family relationships (e.g. parent-parent, parent-child, intergenerational), family life in the context of society (e.g. values, beliefs, families, and work), family wellbeing, family transitions, and contemporary family structures. This course introduces students to multi-cultural perspectives, including Maori and Pacific models of families and parenting. Throughout the course, students will recognise practical, evidence-based strategies for engaging families and their communities.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of Associate Dean - Academic.
CFPY404
Psychometric Theory, Design and Appraisal
Description
The course is designed to provide training for post-graduate Psychology students in psychometric theory, design, selection, critical appraisal and research. While the course is a compulsory component of the MSc and PGDipSci in Child & Family Psychology, its content is not specific to psychometric assessment of children. The course is also suitable for postgraduate students in psychology-related fields who wish to undertake roles that require psychometric administration and interpretation, such as those studying Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Special Education and Early Intervention. The course does not provide training in the administration of psychometric instruments that are restricted to Registered Psychologists. This is provided in the limited-entry Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Associate Dean Academic.
Restrictions
HLTH472
CFPY405
Psychology and Maori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Description
This course will support students to gain an understanding of the historical context of Maori mental health within Aotearoa New Zealand and drivers of current inequities. The course encourages critical analysis of the current psychology evidence base in relation to practice with Maori, with an emphasis on ethics and cultural safety. The impact of differing societal structures and values on psychological wellbeing and how well these are integrated into current psychological services will be explored. There is a key focus on Maori concepts in relation to psychological wellbeing within te Ao Maori and how these are incorporated into emerging indigenous psychologies.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Associate Dean - Academic.
CFPY406
Paediatric Health Psychology
Description
This course focuses on the psychological, developmental and behavioural needs of children and adolescents, and their families in healthcare settings. Topics will examine the impact of a range of paediatric conditions on a child’s developmental course and family wellbeing, including, for example, both acute and chronic medical conditions, disability, and accidental/ non-accidental injuries from the neonatal period to adolescence. These include, for example, preterm birth, brain injury, regulatory disorders (e.g., sleep, eating), intellectual and motor problems, autism, pain, grief and trauma, and how to support children and whanau in a hospital setting. Important contribution psychologists make at the intersection of mental and physical health will be discussed alongside some practical considerations for working in health settings.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Associate Dean Academic.
Restrictions
CFPY601
CFPY407
Child and Family Interventions and Skills
Description
In this course, students will learn about first, second, and third wave psychological interventions that are used to support children and families. Students will develop an understanding of the core components of the interventions, the theoretical foundations, target populations, empirical support, strengths and limitations, and practical considerations for using them with children and families. Emphasis will be placed on relationship-building, particularly through whakawhanaungatanga, to enhance intervention effectiveness. Additionally, students will learn and be assessed on core skills essential for working with children, adolescents, and adults.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of Associate Dean Academic.
Restrictions
COUN671

Not Offered Courses in 2026

Postgraduate

CFPY499
Individual Course of Study
Description
Individual Course of Study: Child and Family Psychology
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2025
For further information see CFPY499 course details
Points
30 points