100-level

PSYC105
Introductory Psychology - Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC105 you will receive an introduction to the following areas: positive psychology; wellbeing; visual perception; research methods; learning and behaviour change; forensic psychology; neuropsychology; drugs and behaviour; memory and cognition; and health psychology.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC103, PSYC104
PSYC106
Introductory Psychology - Social, Personality and Developmental
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC106 you will receive an introduction to five major domains: personality, abnormal, social, developmental, and organisational psychology. You will also learn about the different research methods used in each of these domains.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC103, PSYC104
PSYC107
Foundations of Psychological Science
Description
This course examines the ideas and methods that make psychological science possible. We'll take a holistic and critical look at the science of psychology itself: Its questions, methods, evidence, and unique challenges; as well as its place within modern Aotearoa New Zealand society. You'll learn how psychologists measure a world of unobservable mental traits, devise experiments that reveal the underlying mechanisms of mind, and convert raw data into real world conculsions that have a meaningful impact on people's lives. You'll build the critical thinking skills to distinguish good psychological science from bad, genuine breakthrough from glorified clickbait, and evidence-based interventions from scams and grifts. Upon these foundations you'll be able to build with confidence the pathway of your choosing through the psychological sciences (and beyond).
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
PSYC191
Special Topic: Introduction to Psychology I
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. PSYC191 is designed to provide an introduction to foundational concepts in the psychological study of brain, behaviour and cognition. Students will also learn to interpret research findings and apply basic quantitative skills relevant to these area of study.
Occurrences
Special non-calendar-based Two 2026 (UC Online)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC105, PSYC106
PSYC192
Special Topic: Introduction to Psychology II
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. PSYC191 is designed to provide an introduction to foundational concepts in social, developmental and applied psychology. Students will also learn to interpret research findings and apply basic quantitative skills relevant to these areas of study.
Occurrences
Special non-calendar-based Four 2026 (UC Online)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC105, PSYC106

200-level

PSYC206
Introductory Research Methods and Statistics
Description
This course is an introduction to the theory and application of research design and statistics in psychology. For psychological science, understanding good research design and how to interpret statistical results are key for making rational decisions on the basis of research and data. The course will emphasise the concepts of valid and reliable research, research ethics, and the interpretation of statistical results using real-life examples from the psychological literature. An important theme is that anyone can learn statistics - no math beyond basic algebra is required and you are not required to hand-calculate the statistical outputs. Instead, the focus of the statistical content of the course will be on interpreting outputs from software such as MS Excel and jamovi. This course is a prerequisite to advancing in psychology beyond PSYC 200-level.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
At least 15 points in 100-level Psychology and at least 45 points overall
PSYC207
Developmental Psychology
Description
This course will examine human development from conception to late adolescence, and will cover neuropsychological, cognitive, biological, behavioural and socio-emotional development. Emphasis will be given to major theoretical influences that have shaped current thinking about child and adolescent development, as well as research methods and techniques that are used to study development. Key developmental issues will be considered in relation to both typical and atypical patterns of development.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106
PSYC208
Cognition
Description
This is an introductory course in cognitive psychology: the science of how the mind and brain are organised to produce intelligent human thought processes. Topics include visual cognition, attention, memory, problem solving and expertise, reasoning and decision making, and language comprehension.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106, or with the approval of the Head of School, a pass in a professional year of Engineering, or in approved courses in Computer Science, Linguistics, or Philosophy
PSYC209
Sensation and Perception
Description
A broad overview of sensation and perception. The goal is to develop both an understanding of the field and an interest in pursuing some aspects of it in the future. The emphasis will be on visual perception but perception in other senses will also be covered briefly. There is a laboratory component that will let you experience some of the classic phenomena in the discipline for yourself.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106, or with the approval of the Head of School, a pass in a professional year of Engineering, or in approved courses in Art, Art History, or Computer Science
PSYC211
Personality
Description
This course provides an introduction to classic and contemporary theory and research in personality psychology. Lectures and readings will cover a variety of perspectives on personality, such as: psychoanalytic, genetic and evolutionary, cultural, biological, humanistic, trait and behavioural. In the laboratory sessions, students will take various personality assessment instruments and participate in experiments to gain first-hand insight into cutting-edge personality research. PSYC211 is recommended preparation for PSYC379 Introduction for Psychopathology, and PSYC336 Industrial & Organisational Psychology.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106
PSYC213
Introduction to Social Psychology
Description
Social Psychology is the scientific study of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others. This course provides a broad overview of topics in social psychology. The lectures will cover a range of topics illustrating the impact of social context on the individual by focusing on topics such as the self-concept, social perception, intergroup bias, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, group processes, close relationships, prosocial behaviour and aggression. The course also contains a laboratory component in which students work in small groups conducting social psychology research projects.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106
Restrictions
PSYC332
PSYC214
The Science and Practice of Wellbeing
Description
The Science and Practice of Wellbeing will introduce you to the psychological science and practice of wellbeing. It will draw on psychological theory, research evidence, and practical techniques to help you understand the factors that create flourishing individuals, communities, and societies. Psychological models of wellbeing will be introduced and critically evaluated. The course will teach about empirically validated holistic methods of improving mental wellbeing. This course will provide you with an understanding of current theoretical models and research evidence regarding the factors that promote the capacity for people to thrive. This course diverts from a more traditional focus on illness to one on health, from what causes us to experience distress and suffering to what protects us against distress and assists with flourishing, and from a focus on eliminating problems to cultivating strengths.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106; or 60 points at 100 level from any subject.
PSYC215
Introductory Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
Description
This course will introduce the disciplines of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience in addition to covering relevant aspects of developmental neuroscience and neuropharmacology. We will cover how the brain develops and changes with sensory inputs and experiences as we learn and update information, navigate the environment, make decisions, and produce actions. Different neuroscience techniques will be introduced, and we will reflect on how changes in perceptual processing, as well as our genetics and environment influence our brain development. This course will also cover the regulations associated with the ethical treatment and welfare of animal models and humans involved in neuroscience research.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
P: PSYC105 and PSYC106 RP: PSYC107 or ARTS102
Restrictions
PSYC333
PSYC216
Psychology and Law
Description
This course is a broad overview of the intersection between psychology and the law, with a focus on how psychological scientific principles can be applied to real-world issues in the criminal justice system. This course draws on contemporary research in cognition, perception and behaviour to explore topics within the legal system, such as offending, risk assessment, eyewitness memory, detection of deception, false confessions, forensic science decision-making, jury deliberation, and mental health and crime.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC105 and PSYC106
LING221
Psychology of Language
Description
This course is designed to provide you with a basic knowledge of psycholinguistics. We will look at language from a psychological standpoint, learning about scientific methods that researchers use to study the mental processes involved in language use. We will focus on three sets of processes - language comprehension (how we perceive and understand speech), language production (how we combine words to convey non-linguistic thoughts), and language acquisition (how we acquire language). This course will help you understand how language functions as one component of the general cognitive system. The course readings will be drawn from textbooks and other sources such as news articles. The course is meant to be an accessible introduction for both Arts and Sciences undergraduates and does not require a particular background in linguistics or psychology.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Either LING101, or PSYC105, or PSYC107.
Restrictions
PSYC221
PSYC221
Psychology of Language
Description
This course is designed to provide you with a basic knowledge of psycholinguistics. We will look at language from a psychological standpoint, learning about scientific methods that researchers use to study the mental processes involved in language use. We will focus on three sets of processes - language comprehension (how we perceive and understand speech), language production (how we combine words to convey non-linguistic thoughts), and language acquisition (how we acquire language). This course will help you understand how language functions as one component of the general cognitive system. The course readings will be drawn from textbooks and other sources such as news articles.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Either LING101, or PSYC105, or PSYC107
Restrictions
LING221

300-level

PSYC330
Forensic Psychology
Description
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of forensic psychology, including the potential role of Psychology graduates in the criminal justice system. There will be a particular emphasis on the contribution that psychological inquiry and practice can make in efforts to: - Understand the causes of antisocial behavior, including developmental processes - Develop and evaluate effective psychological interventions for antisocial behaviour - Predict who is likely to reoffend - Detect and investigate crime - Understand the "process" or "cycle" of offending in the lives of repeat offenders There is a laboratory component that will give you an understanding of how the theoretical components of the course are applied in real-world settings. Some of these labs will be delivered by guest lecturers working on the "frontline" of these efforts to reduce the harm cause by antisocial behaviour in New Zealand.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 or 60 points at 200 level from Schedules C or E of the BCJ.
PSYC336
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Description
This course provides an introduction to the field of Industrial Organisational Psychology (I/O Psychology). It will examine the applications of psychological theory and research to the workplace, in particular the contribution of I/O Psychology to enhanced organizational performance and improved employee attitudes. It is a prerequisite for entry into the postgraduate programme in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206. RP: PSYC211, 15 further points from PSYC200
PSYC341
Environmental Psychology
Description
Theories and principles from across psychology are presented to explain the causes of environmentally destructive behaviour, and generate solutions for a sustainable future. This course will teach you principles of behaviour change, and how you can apply them in your home, workplace, and community. PSYC341 is designed to be practical and engaging. It includes weekly online exercises and discussions, and an applied behaviour change project.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 120 points at 100 level from any subject.
PSYC348
Contemporary Issues in Family Psychology
Description
This course will explore some contemporary and controversial issues in research and theory in Family Psychology. Topics covered may include matters such as child abuse; discipline and punishment; role of family in adolescent development and socialization; multi-systemic family therapy and other family interventions. The emphasis through will be on recent research and theorizing about the selected topics, on the critical evaluation of research and theory, and on its applications to policies and family therapies.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 or 60 points at 200 level from the Health Sciences or Arts schedule.
PSYC373
Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders
Description
This course will examine neural systems in the brain with a view to understanding the neurobiological, psychiatric and cognitive bases of a selected number of human neurological conditions. The topics may vary from year to year but will include memory and related systems in the brain, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and different dementias including Alzheimer's disease. Neurodevelopmental changes and related issues, for example foetal alcohol effects, may also be considered. Some understanding of neuroscience methods will be included, especially brain imaging and neuropsychopharmacology.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Psyc105, PSYC206 and PSYC215
Restrictions
PSYC333
PSYC374
Health Psychology
Description
Health psychology is a rapidly emerging field of basic and applied research looking at the interplay between psychological processes and physical health. Health psychology seeks to understand the role behaviour plays in the development, treatment and prevention of disease. This paper provides an introduction to health psychology. Topics include: health behaviour change, community health promotion, biopsychosocial pathways of health and illness, stress and coping, psychological aspects of illness, patient care and chronic disease management.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206
Restrictions
PSYC339
PSYC375
Intermediate Research Methods and Statistics
Description
This intermediate course in research methods and statistics will guide you through the key steps of conducting psychological research that ultimately benefits and influences society. The lectures will cover a selection of topics on designing a project with consideration of research ethics, analysing and interpreting psychology data with rigour, and disseminating research findings for impact. The laboratory classes and assessments provide further experience in designing and conducting psychological research, and writing up research in standard APA-style format.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206
Restrictions
PSYC344
PSYC376
Working with People - Introduction to Professional Skills in Psychology
Description
This course provides students with an introduction to professional skills in psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students learn about the ethical and legal context in psychology and practice ethical reasoning in case studies and role plays. Students develop cultural competence and confidence in professional settings as guided by the Treaty of Waitangi | Te Tiriti o Waitangi and relevant Maori and other cultural models of engagement, wellbeing, and support. The course discusses core principles of working effectively with individuals and groups and reviews the evidence-base related to key interpersonal skills, for example reflective listening skills. Through experiential learning and self-reflection, students practice and refine their emerging skills.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 and a further 30 points of 200-level Psychology
PSYC377
Psychology in Action - Bridging Theory and Practice
Description
In this dynamic and immersive course, students will engage in problem-based learning within a Work-Integrated Learning context, collaborating with an industry partner to address a complex problem. The course combines academic knowledge with practical application to enhance students' problem-solving and critical thinking abilities while addressing industry-relevant issues. Throughout the course, students will work in teams to develop innovative solutions to a problem defined by the industry partner. Students will gain insights into current industry practices, challenges, and trends. They will learn to navigate real-world constraints while honing their teamwork, communication, project management, and self-reflection skills. The course will culminate in a presentation of the proposed solutions to the industry partner, fostering professional networking opportunities and potential implementation of the proposed solutions. Students will complete a written summary of their project for the industry partner and individual reports for their course submissions. Throughout the course, students will develop their bicultural competence and confidence and their capacity to work with diverse communities. By participating in this course, students will develop their employability and prepare for successful careers in psychology. They will develop their capacity to thrive in complex environments where their expertise and problem-solving abilities can make a tangible difference.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
60 points at 200-level from Schedule C to the Regulations for the Bachelor of Psychological Science.
PSYC378
Psychology of Social Media
Description
Not everyone uses social media the same way. Depending on platform, culture, usage styles, and individual differences, social media experiences can be dramatically different, and research on understand these varied effects of social media is still in its infancy. This course will focus on the cultural aspect of social media, by examining how different platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch, attract different audiences, and how online communities can be formed and maintained within or even across platforms. This course will also explore how the user can be impacted by these platforms, through examining effects on individuals’ well-being and stress, psychopathology, and interpersonal relationships.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC213
PSYC379
Introduction to Psychopathology
Description
This is an introductory course in clinical psychology (also known as abnormal psychology). The main emphasis of this course is on current views, perspectives, and research in this field. Because this is an introductory course, lectures will largely consist of broad overviews of various psychological disorder concepts and selected specific problem areas. Clinical psychology draws upon most basic areas of psychological knowledge (e.g., social, developmental, physiological, cognitive, learning theory). Course readings and lectures aim to apply knowledge from these areas to the understanding of psychopathology. PSYC379 Introduction to Psychopathology is a prerequisite course for the Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Programme at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha/University of Canterbury.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206
Restrictions
PSYC335
PSYC380
Risk and Resilience in Human Development
Description
This course is designed to be an in-depth examination of psychological development and the developmental processes (normal and abnormal) that contribute to and protect against the expression of psychopathology in children and adolescents. Key developmental issues will be considered in relation to both typical and atypical patterns of development. The course will be presented by way of lectures, lab work, video clips, and selected readings.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
P: PSYC206 RP: PSYC207
Restrictions
PSYC335
PSYC381
Applied Neuroscience: Brain Imaging
Description
Brain imaging has revolutionized how we investigate the brain; diverse techniques provide in vivo information about brain structure and function. This course uses brain imaging as a lens to understand normal function, development and aging, cognitive and behavioural processes, and disease. We will focus on the application of and interpretation of brain imaging findings and what they reveal about the brain, primarily in humans, but also in relevant animal models. For example, we will examine how even standard structural brain imaging informs us about preterm and neonatal changes and child development; how diffusion brain imaging provides a window on brain integrity and psychological function associated with normal and abnormal adolescent/early adult brain development; cognitive neuroscience through fMRI; and how PET imaging is revolutionizing our understanding of and potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Practical components will provide an introduction to visualizing, analysing, and interpreting brain imaging data.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 and PSYC215
PSYC382
Culture and Cognition
Description
Humans speak thousands of different languages, have drastically different systems of grouping and naming features of the natural world, and have a bewildering number of social norms. Underlying this variation in cognition and behaviour is the human capacity for culture. This course overviews the scope and limits of cross-cultural variation in human psychology, highlights the importance of culture in psychological research, and discusses the implications of cultural diversity in modern societies, including Aotearoa.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206
PSYC383
Special Topic: Comparative Cognition
Description
Animals are often faced with many different challenges in their everyday lives. Prey, for instance, might be difficult to find, or individuals may need to display to attract mates without also attracting predators. We can study behaviour to help us better understand these sorts of challenges and observe how animals respond to them, but the study of comparative cognition more specifically provides insights into the mental processes and strategies that animals use, as well as insights into how they perceive the world and make decisions. Through the study of comparative cognition, we can investigate how widely different abilities and strategies are expressed throughout the animal kingdom which, in turn, helps us better understand the mental lives of different animals, including us.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 or BIOL209 or 30 points of 200-level PHIL RP: PSYC208 and or PSYC209
PSYC384
Learning and Behaviour Analysis
Description
What is the science of behaviour? Is such a science even possible? The topic of this course is behaviour of individual organisms. The major goal is to understand how behaviour depends on events in the environment - what are the basic principles that allow us to explain and predict behaviour? However, we also consider applications - how can we modify behaviour, or reduce the occurrence of maladaptive behaviour? We seek general principles that govern all behaviour, regardless of its type, placing rather less emphasis on the specific types of behaviour concerned (such as social behaviour, abnormal behaviour, etc). By the end of the course, you may expect to have a thorough grounding in the principles of learning and behaviour analysis, and to be well prepared for postgraduate courses in related areas. In addition, learning is an important aspect of individual functioning and an understanding of the principles involved is an important part of your education in Psychology whether or not you proceed to graduate study in these areas. Lectures introduce topics to facilitate your own reading and study. The approach taken in the course is to introduce some principles of behaviour change, consider some of the experimental studies, and where applicable, to examine their implications for dealing with human problems of living. Laboratory work will illustrate selected principles of behaviour management from classwork using animal subjects working in controlled environments.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206
PSYC385
Human Factors: The Forces that Shape Behaviour with Products, Technology, and Systems
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, websites, artificial intelligence, and even cybersecurity strategies. 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 is a vast array of possibilities open to students with the skills and knowledge they gain from this course.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
PSYC206 or 60 points at 200 level from any approved subject. RP: PSYC213/PSYC209 or PSYC208.

Not Offered Courses in 2026

100-level

PSYC105
Introductory Psychology - Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC105 you will receive an introduction to the following areas: positive psychology; wellbeing; visual perception; research methods; learning and behaviour change; forensic psychology; neuropsychology; drugs and behaviour; memory and cognition; and health psychology.
Occurrences
PSYC105-26X2 (O)
Special non-calendar-based Two 2026 (UC Online) - Not offered
For further information see PSYC105 course details
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC103, PSYC104
PSYC106
Introductory Psychology - Social, Personality and Developmental
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC106 you will receive an introduction to five major domains: personality, abnormal, social, developmental, and organisational psychology. You will also learn about the different research methods used in each of these domains.
Occurrences
PSYC106-26X4 (O)
Special non-calendar-based Four 2026 (UC Online) - Not offered
For further information see PSYC106 course details
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PSYC103, PSYC104

300-level

PSYC340
Cognitive Psychology
Description
The objective of this course is to extend basic knowledge of the content, theory, and methods of cognitive psychology gained in PSYC208 Cognition (or other cognitive courses). Designed to prepare students for post-graduate study. Above average achievement in PSYC208 Cognition or an equivalent course is strongly recommended as preparation for this course.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2024
For further information see PSYC340 course details
Points
15 points