Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology – PGCertEdDevPsyc

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology (PGCertEdDevPsyc) is a part-time program designed for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding and support of children's learning and development in educational and community settings. It emphasizes contemporary assessment, learning, and change processes, with a focus on multiculturalism, child voice, and young people's rights. Graduates gain expertise in working across educational and community contexts, supporting the educational development of children and young people.

Program Outline

Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology – PGCertEdDevPsyc

Degree Overview

Overview:

• The PGCertEdDevPsyc is designed for individuals who want to understand and support children's learning and development in educational and community settings.
• It focuses on contemporary assessment, learning, and change processes and tools.
• The program highlights a multicultural approach to assessment and learning, child voice, learner identity, and young people's rights.
• The qualification emphasizes applying educational psychology critically to make a positive impact on children's lives, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).

Objectives:

• Understand the multiple dimensions of learners in formal and informal learning contexts.
• Develop expertise to work across educational and community contexts in the areas of learning, assessment, wellbeing, and change.
• Increase understanding and empathy in working with others.
• Utilize contemporary assessment, learning, and change processes and tools.
• Apply educational psychology critically to make a positive difference in children's lives.

Description:

• This part-time program is delivered through distance and online learning, requiring completion in one year.
• Students will attend compulsory block workshops at the Auckland campus.
• The program incorporates a strong bicultural approach reflective of New Zealand's context and inclusive multicultural society.
• It emphasizes child voice, learner identity, and young people's rights, aligning with the UNCRC.

Outline

Content:

• The PGCertEdDevPsyc focuses on educational and developmental psychology, emphasizing assessment, learning, wellbeing, and change in educational and community contexts.
• It utilizes contemporary approaches to assessment, learning, and change.

Structure:

• The program comprises two compulsory courses, each worth 30 credits:
• Educational and Developmental Psychology Assessment (256854): Offers advanced study of contemporary assessment practices.
• Educational and Developmental Psychology Practice (256855): Provides advanced study of professional practice in educational and developmental psychology.

Course Schedule:

• The program requires part-time study over two semesters.
• Specific course schedules will be available upon program enrollment.

Individual Modules:

• Educational and Developmental Psychology Assessment (256854):
• Provides advanced study of contemporary assessment in educational and developmental psychology.
• Explores various assessment methods and their application in identifying learners' strengths and needs.
• Analyzes the ethical and cultural considerations involved in assessment.
• Requires the completion of a research project demonstrating understanding of assessment practices.
• Educational and Developmental Psychology Practice (256855):
• Offers advanced study of professional practice in educational and developmental psychology.
• Explores the principles, frameworks, competencies, attitudes, and dispositions underlying professional practice.
• Examines bicultural issues, professional ethics, professional leadership, accountability, and reflective practice.
• Includes case studies and practical applications to develop professional skills.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• The PGCertEdDevPsyc utilizes various assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Participation

Assessment Criteria:

• Assessment criteria will vary depending on the specific course and assessment task.
• Generally, assessments focus on evaluating students' knowledge and understanding of course concepts, their ability to apply these concepts to practical situations, and their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a range of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Online discussions

Faculty:

• The program is delivered by experienced faculty members with expertise in educational and developmental psychology.
• Faculty members combine academic rigor with practical experience, providing valuable insights into the field.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a learner-centered approach, encouraging active participation and engagement.
• It utilizes online platforms and technologies to facilitate communication and collaboration.
• The program incorporates case studies and practical examples to reinforce learning and connect theory with practice.

Careers

Career Paths:

• Completion of the PGCertEdDevPsyc can lead to numerous career opportunities in educational and community settings, including:
• Leadership roles within schools
• Early childhood centers
• Community-based organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Government agencies
• It serves as an entry qualification for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (internship year), further expanding career possibilities.

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates may pursue diverse roles such as:
• Educational psychologist
• Learning support specialist
• Special needs coordinator
• Curriculum developer
• Policy advisor

Other

• The program content emphasizes a rights-based approach, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).
• Students will gain expertise in supporting the educational development of children and young people.
• They will develop skills in working effectively with other professionals and collaborating across various settings.
• The program acknowledges and celebrates New Zealand's multicultural society and incorporates a strong bicultural perspective.

Additional Notes:

• Successful completion of the PGCertEdDevPsyc enables students to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (internship).