100-level

EDUC101
Spark! The Art & Science of Learning
Description
In this course, we address how people learn as well as the social, political, and global contexts in which learning takes place. Together, we walk through the art and science of learning, including contemporary debates and discussions in anthropology, history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Through questions, we view learning from diverse perspectives to understand learning in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere around the world. Course assessments are designed in a way that links theories of learning to any academic discipline or subject area while also giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a meaningful, purposeful, and unique way.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
EDUC102
Child and Adolescent Development
Description
This course establishes a foundation in theory, concepts, processes and factual knowledge of infant, child, and adolescent development within the context of family, school, and community. Students will acquire an understanding of the developmental processes that take place within and across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains, and their associations with developmental outcomes.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
AKOE171, TEDU110, TEDU102, EDUC121, TEDU150
EDUC103
Education, Culture and Society
Description
This course provides an introduction to foundational theories, concepts and processes in the study of education. The course explores theories about power, justice and fairness in society, with a particular focus on how they relate to education. It also examines what part factors such as class, genders and sexualities, disability, and race may play in maintaining unequal forms of education. An important feature of the course will be analysing the role played by education in the development of colonial relations between Maori and Pakeha, and how that continues to shape contemporary New Zealand society.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
EDUC120 and TEDU111

200-level

EDUC202
One in Four: Different Developmental Pathways
Description
One in four children or adolescents will experience learning challenges, impairments and/or trauma that may affect their development and educational opportunities. This course explores the dynamic relationships between different developmental pathways and effective educational practices. Students will critically assess how personal beliefs, educational experiences, and social contexts shape learning.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points in EDUC, HLTH, HSRV, PSYC, SOWK, or YACL, or permission of the Head of School.
EDUC204
Child and Adolescent Wellbeing and Health
Description
This course will explore ways in which well-being, resilience, and positive developmental trajectories may be supported and promoted from infancy through adolescence. Current research and theoretical models will be used to explore a number of critical issues related to health and well-being in a New Zealand context from developmental, educational, positive psychology and social emotional wellbeing perspectives.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points in EDUC, HLTH, HSRV, PSYC, SOWK, or YACL, or permission of the Head of School.
EDUC206
Education and Society: Ideals and Realities
Description
This course considers the connections and tensions between ideals and realities in education and society. Drawing on work in the sociology of education, the philosophy of education, and educational policy studies, as well as on educational practices, the course addresses questions such as these: How should society be structured? What do we hope to achieve through education? Why do some students ‘fail’ and others ‘succeed’? What role can education play in social change? This course encourages participants to deepen their understanding of education, social life, and human fulfillment.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
30 points in EDUC or YACL, or 45 points of ANTH, CULT, HIST, POLS, SOCI, SPCO, or permission of the Head of School
Restrictions
EDUC220

300-level

EDUC302
Opportunities and Risks in Adolescence: Research and Applications
Description
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to theory and research in adolescent development, with a special focus on risks and opportunities that are present in this stage of the life course. Students will be introduced to the core themes and a range of theory and research that is common to a developmental approach to adolescence, with an emphasis on the implications for education and positive development.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
EDUC202 or EDUC204, or 30 points at 200-level of EDUC, HLED, HLTH, HSRV, PSYC, or YACL, or by permission of the Head of School
EDUC315
Educating for Diversity
Description
This course introduces students to methods of critical enquiry into practices that engage with diversities across a range of formal and informal educational sites.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
EDUC206 or 30 points at 200-level of EDUC, ANTH, CULT, SOCI, POLS, HIST, or YACL, or by permission of the Head of School.
Restrictions
EDUC215 completed before 2000
EDUC339
Globalisation, Social Justice and Education
Description
Recent changes in technology, political arrangements, and social and economic systems have been so rapid and far-reaching that they are said to have ushered in a new era of globalisation. Sometimes presented as inevitable, globalisation has become the focus of considerable contest of ideas, policies and practices. This course examines the origins and nature of globalisation, and analyses its implications for education.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
EDUC206 or 30 points at 200-level of EDUC, ANTH, CULT, SOCI, POLS, HIST, or YACL, or by permission of the Head of School.

Not Offered Courses in 2026

200-level

EDUC201
Current Issues in Learning
Description
What are some of the major contemporary issues in learning? Are new technologies such as the internet and computer games changing the way people learn? Why is educational neuroscience a new hot topic and what can recent research on the brain tell us about learning? When examining the essential elements of effective learning programmes why do some things work and others not work? This course will show you how to apply the basic concepts and principles of learning to analyse and make sense of these and other contemporary issues.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2012 , 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016
For further information see EDUC201 course details
Points
15 points
EDUC205
Critical Issues in Adult Learning
Description
Does adults' learning differ from the learning of children and adolescents? If so how? How are theories of learning used in the practice of adult education? What should adult learning be about: learning for living, learning for liberation or learning for earning? And what motivates and hinders adults' involvement in education after leaving school? This course explores these critical questions relating to the role of adult education and lifelong learning. It will extend students' knowledge and understanding of learning through an examination of some of the theories and tensions which underpin adult education in contemporary society - both nationally and internationally.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2011 , 2012 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016
For further information see EDUC205 course details
Points
15 points

300-level

EDUC301
Researching Learning
Description
The course provides a strong foundation for self-directed learning, post-graduate study and research. How do learning researchers study learning? What are the problems which have to be solved in order to discover why learning sometimes occurs and sometimes doesn’t? What are some of the implications of recent research on learning for the design of effective teaching and self-directed learning procedures? Students will have the opportunity to plan and conduct a small study of learning and will learn how to find and interpret relevant research reports. The course uses blended delivery.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2015 , 2016
For further information see EDUC301 course details
Points
30 points