400-level

PSYC485
Special Topic: Evolutionary Approaches to Human Psychology
Description
In this course, we cover the three main evolutionary approaches in the human behavioural sciences: Evolutionary Psychology, Human Behavioural Ecology, and Cultural Evolution. These three approaches differ in the relative importance they place on genetic and cultural evolution, how flexible they assume human psychology is, and how similar the human mind is to the minds of other species. We will evaluate how well these approaches can explain human capacities for supernatural beliefs, cooperation, language, emotions, and partner selection. Throughout the course, we will address common misconceptions about evolution and explore the processes that ultimately shape the human mind. The course starts with a series of lectures introducing students to the basic principles of evolutionary systems, as well as the uses and abuses of evolutionary thinking. The course then transitions into a seminar-based format where students lead group discussions of the assigned course readings. The purpose of these seminars is not necessarily for students to arrive at the same conclusions, but instead to understand how people’s diverse backgrounds and assumptions can lead to different understandings of the world. Respectful and constructive disagreement will be emphasized.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
PSYC486
Special Topic: Computational Methods in Psychological Science
Description
With the advent of big data and advances in computing technologies, there has been an emerging trend of data-driven, exploratory research within the psychological sciences. This methods-focused course will provide a foundational overview of computational techniques in analysing big data. By referencing recent psychological research, students will be equipped with practical skills for working with large datasets. This includes applied skills for simple data mining, social network analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing. This course will also cover the risks of working with large datasets (e.g., bias and marginalisation), and ethical issues concerning the transparency, ownership, and openness of data. Note that coursework relies heavily on the R programming environment, but prior experience is not required. Some examples of research questions that we can examine in the course: 1. What can the r/socialanxiety subreddit tell us about the experiences of individuals with social anxiety? 2. Are Kiwis more similar to Aussies or Americans? 3. What features of music are associated with popular songs on Spotify?
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to Head of School approval
PSYC487
Special Topic: Tackling Social Issues: Psychological Perspectives
Description
This course will introduce postgraduate students to psychological perspectives to tackling large scale social issues such as climate change and sustainability. Topics will include methods, theories, research and approaches towards positive social and environmental change. Theories and concepts discussed will cover a range of micro- and macro-level factors that influence behaviour (change) and decision making, such as emotions, social norms, culture, context and situation, world views, risk perception, nudging, misinformation and evidence communication.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of Head of Department. RP: PSYC341, PSYC374, PSYC382.
PSYC488
Special Topic: Mindsets & Mindshifts - The Psychology of Achievement
Description
Have you ever wondered why some people succeed more repeatedly than others and sustain that success over the long term? What prevents people from aspiring to higher levels of achievement in the first place? Research has revealed that success isn't just a result of talent or luck; it is also created by specific ways of thinking and, more particularly, the right mindset. At the heart of this course are cutting-edge scientific discoveries about how the subjective aspects of the mind - thoughts, beliefs, and expectations - can profoundly influence success in academics, work, sports, and almost every area of human endeavour, with particular attention paid to the belief system known as mindset. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically about classic and recent research evidence, which indicates that what we think, believe, and expect plays an outsized role in determining our performance and personal achievement. This course spans several areas, including theoretical foundations, models of achievement, self-fulfilling prophecies, placebo effects, and common misconceptions about mindsets and belief systems. It also covers neurological and physiological foundations, the latest methods for changing mindsets, and applications in educational, professional, and personal contexts. This course will appeal to a wide range of students - from those looking to increase their performance to those wanting to grow and flourish in a world where uncertainty is a certainty.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School. Recommended preparation: PSYC208 (Cognition), PSYC214 (The Science and Practice of Wellbeing), PSYC336 (Industrial and Organisational Psychology).

Postgraduate

PSYC409
Special Topic: Neurobiology of Higher Cognition
Description
This will study how our brain develops and changes over the lifespan and what brain areas contribute to ways that we learn and update information, navigate in our environment, generate goals, make decisions, and produce actions. It will consider how personality, hormones, physiology, and genetics influence the brain. Learn about how brain areas are affected during healthy ageing throughout the lifespan and in some brain disorders that cause cognitive deficits, for example, affective disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) and dementias (e.g., behavioural variant frontotemporal dementias). Throughout the course, students will also reflect on the impact of environmental factors on the brain.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
PSYC416
Cognitive Psychology
Description
The objectives of this course are to extend the knowledge of cognitive psychology and its content, theory and methods by discussing recent developments, by close study of classic work, and by considering the application of cognitive psychology to topical community issues. Designed to prepare students for more advanced post-graduate study. Above average achievement in PSYC208 Cognition or an equivalent course is strongly recommended as preparation for this course.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC208; or subject to the approval of the Head of School.
Restrictions
PSYC340, PHIL476
PSYC434
Health Psychology: Theories & Interventions
Description
Contemporary research and theory on how people achieve and maintain good health, why they become ill, and how they respond to illness. This is an advanced course in health psychology.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
RP: PSYC374 Health Psychology & Behaviour Change
Restrictions
PSYC437
PSYC441
Special Topic: Forensic Psychology
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to Approval of the Head of Department.
PSYC442
Clinical Practice Guidelines and Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Assessment
Description
PSYC442 is the first course in the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT- an introduction to the practice and ethics of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for people with mental health and addiction problems. Teaching about CBT assessment is informed by the Hui and Powhiri processes using Maori concepts to facilitate engagement with both Maori and non-Maori and supported by bicultural practice and te Tiriti o Waitangi. The course focuses on assessing common mental health problems - depression, anxiety, and alcohol and substance use problems - including functional analysis of these problem behaviours and understanding the psychological mechanisms maintaining them. Students will learn to develop CBT formulations of client problems in preparation for planning CBT treatment.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
PSYC443
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Case Conceptualisation and Intervention
Description
PSYC443 is the second course in the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and teaches cognitive-behavioural and bicultural interventions for common mental health disorders - depression, anxiety and alcohol and substance use problems. Following from PSYC442, students will learn to use cognitive and behavioural interventions derived from CBT formulations of client problems, including engagement strategies for working with Maori and other client groups.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
PSYC447
Frontiers of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy II
Description
PSYC447 is one of two advanced courses in the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT to provide further opportunity to develop skills in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) assessment and formulation, with a focus on advanced cognitive behavioural assessment, formulation and intervention skills. This course will explore the theory, application, and processes of cognitive behavioural interventions for specific problems, including eating problems, affective and non-affective psychosis, and health-related anxiety and to enhance resilience and promote wellbeing. Emphasis on bicultural practice continues in this course, along with increasing skills for working with other client groups including with couples. The course develops skills for working with couples. A focus of the course is working with clients with more complex presentations when comorbid mental health disorders are present.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2025
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
PSYC451
Human Factors Psychology
Description
Why do some products satisfy while others frustrate? What human factors lead to the acceptance and repeated use of new technologies? Designers want their products to be useful, usable, and desirable, organisations want their people to thrive in their work environments, and engineers want their technologies to be functional and safe. This course looks at these and other topics as it examines the science behind why, and how, people think about, experience, and engage with the ‘artificial’ or human-made world. More particularly, students will learn about the specific human factors (e.g., cognitive, emotional, and physical) that shape our behaviour with everything from bleeding-edge technologies to the design of workplaces, transportation, healthcare, AI, and more. Along the way, students will develop foundational knowledge for researching and applying psychological science to a wide range of products and environments. As the demand for human factors expertise in nearly every industry (and in every corner of the workforce) continues to expand, there are a vast array of possibilities open to students, with the skills and knowledge they gain from this course.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
PSYC457
Behavioural Interventions
Description
Problem-solving interventions across the life-span at the individual, family and community level using behaviour analysis principles.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
PSYC460
Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
Description
Postgraduate course in statistics and research methods.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School
Restrictions
PSYC601
PSYC466
The Psychology of Intergroup Relations
Description
To provide students with an advanced overview of theories and empirical research on the social psychology of intergroup relations.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to the approval of the Head of School. RP: A Bachelors degree majoring in Psychology and PSYC213 Introduction to Social Psychology or PSYC332 Social Psychology.
PSYC468
Moral Psychology
Description
This course will introduce postgraduate students to the psychology of morality. Topics will include methods and approaches, tolerance of political differences, reasoning about morality, character and reputation, morality in the economy, judging intentions, free will, evolution and cultural approaches, and moral diversity.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
RP: PSYC211 Personality Psychology
Restrictions
PHIL499
PSYC469
Special Topic
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
PSYC470
Research Project
Description
The Research Project is a compulsory component of the BSc(Hons) degree and may be included as one of the courses for the BA(Hons) degree and PGDipSci and Part I of a Masters degree. The project requires the completion of a research project where the work is performed under the close direction of a designated supervisor. Intending project students may discuss ideas in the first instance with the 400-level Coordinator.
Occurrences
Cross Year 2025
Whole Year 2025
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
B+ grade in PSYC344 (or equivalent) and Subject to approval of the Head of School
PSYC471
Special Topic: Mathematical Cognition
Description
Mathematical cognition is a subfield of Psychology which studies how we learn about quantity, numbers and numerical reasoning. This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to mathematical cognition, including topics from history and philosophy of mathematics, developmental, comparative, experimental and educational psychology, biology, neuroscience, and computational modelling and aesthetics. The goal is to reach a new understanding of the mathematical nature of the mind, and how psychological intuitions provide the basis for mathematics.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
PSYC475
Directed Research in Psychology
Description
In this course students will work on a research exercise under the close direction and supervision of a staff member. The research undertaken may involve a wide range of activities, e.g., meta-analysis of existing research; quantitative reviews of the effectiveness of outcome research; analyses of existing data archives; replications; and small-scale data-gathering and analysis projects. Students will be required to prepare a report on their research activity using standard APA style.
Occurrences
Approved Start 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
, Subject to approval of the Head of School
Restrictions
PSYC470
Co-requisites
PSYC460, PSYC461, or PSYC464
PSYC477
Mental Health and Food
Description
The goal of the course is that students will learn about nutrition and mental health, the consequences of poor nutrition, the role of different diets on mental health, how nutrients exert their effects on mental health chemically, and the potential for nutritional therapies in treating mental illness. In addition, non-nutritional components (natural and additives) of food will be explored in the context of neurological effects to give the student an appreciation of the emerging importance of non-nutritive food components in mental health.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC335 and subject to Head of Department approval.
PSYC480
Special Topic: Computational Contemplative-Neuroscience
Description
This course is highly interdisciplinary and provides students with competency in applying computational neuroscience techniques in researching and understanding concepts in contemplative neurosciences. Contemplative neurosciences are an emerging field of enquiry that focus on the changes within the mind, brain, and body as a result of contemplative practices, or more broadly practises that provide an experience of self-transcendence; these include practice of mindfulness-based meditation, contemplative walking, or yoga. The course is interdisciplinary with a wide ranging learning objectives, from designing experiments to obtaining EEG data from subjects engaged in a contemplative activity, to EEG data analysis, and dissemination of findings. Study modes in this course include, reading and analysing primary literature, completion of an independent research project that further develops research and computational skills, and articulation of research findings in oral format by giving a class group presentation.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School. Recommended preparation: Bachelors of Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Data Science, or Bachelor of Health Sciences
PSYC481
Research in Human and Animal Neuropsychology
Description
This course provides a contemporary understanding of the neuroscience research associated with a selection of common neurological conditions. Specific topics may vary from year to year, but usually include evidence relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, acute adult and developmental brain injuries. The course addresses both human research and relevant animal neuroscience research. Information on risk factors and treatments, including environmental influences, is also considered.
Occurrences
Semester One 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School
Restrictions
PSYC404

Not Offered Courses in 2025

Postgraduate

PSYC446
Frontiers of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy I
Description
PSYC446 is one of two advanced courses in the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT that provide further opportunity to develop skills in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) assessment and formulation, with a focus on advanced cognitive behavioural assessment, formulation, and intervention skills. Students will gain critical appraisal skills about process issues and enhancing motivation in cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT). Continued emphasis on bicultural practice is a focus of this course, along with increasing skills in working with Pasifika peoples. The course includes CBT for working with children and adolescents and with groups. A focus of the course is working with clients with more complex presentations when comorbid mental health disorders are present and using a trauma-informed approach.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2024
For further information see PSYC446 course details
Points
30 points
PSYC452
Family Psychology
Description
A comprehensive examination of adult development within a family context.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022
For further information see PSYC452 course details
Points
15 points
PSYC458
Research in Visual Attention and Perceptual Neuropsychology
Description
This course is designed to provide a relatively in-depth understanding of current research in selected topics of visual attention and perceptual neuropsychology, to practise science writing for the general public, and to develop and interest in pursuing research in some aspects of vision science in the future.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2024
For further information see PSYC458 course details
Points
15 points
PSYC478
Advanced Abnormal Psychology: Professional Practice
Description
An in-depth examination of abnormal psychology with a focus on the dimensional processes that contribute to and protect against the expression of psychopathology in children and adolescents. Developmental issues will be considered in relation to atypical patterns of development. Core components of the course will focus on clinical interviewing and psychological assessment. The course will be presented by way of lectures, class work, video clips and selected readings. There will be an emphasis on in-class activities and informed class discussion. This course is strongly recommended for individuals interested in pursuing careers as a mental health practitioner.
Occurrences
Not offered 2025, offered in 2022 , 2023 , 2024
For further information see PSYC478 course details
Points
15 points