Human Development (2022)

This subject focuses on patterns of human growth and development in individuals and groups across the lifespan. Study in this field explores how and why stories about development change over time, and considers stories of development from the Aotearoa New Zealand context that coexist with traditional theories about development.

Human Development is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Human Development may also be taken as a second major or minor within other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Human Development as a single major for the BA or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in the papers listed for the Human Development major including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete HMDEV100; and at least 30 points from HMDEV200, HMDEV201, HMDEV202 and HMDEV240.

To complete Human Development as part of a double major for the BA, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for the Human Development major including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete HMDEV100; and at least 30 points from HMDEV200, HMDEV201, HMDEV202 and HMDEV240.

To complete a minor in Human Development, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Human Development major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: Candidates must normally gain at least 60 points at 100 level in any subject(s) before enrolling in Human Development papers above 100 level, and at least 90 points at 100 and 200 level before enrolling in Human Development papers above 200 level.

The (NET) offerings may include an on-campus component.

Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Education for programme advice.


On this page


  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(HumDev)

    The qualification regulations define the requirements for the Graduate Certificate. There are no specified subject papers that must be completed for the GradCert(HumDev).

  • Prescriptions for the GradDip(HumDev)

    The qualification regulations define the requirements for the Graduate Diploma. The qualification must include one of HMDEV200, HMDEV201 or HMDEV202, and one of HMDEV300, HMDEV301, HMDEV302, HMDEV321 or HMDEV340.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(HumDev)

    The qualification regulations define the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate. There are no specified subject papers that must be completed for the PGCert(HumDev).

  • Prescriptions for the PGDip(HumDev)

    The qualification regulations define the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. There are no specified subject papers that must be completed for the PGDip(HumDev).

  • Prescriptions for the MEd

    To complete the Master of Education in Human Development, students must complete 180 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from 500 level papers in the Human Development subject; one of the following research methods papers EDUCA500, EDUCA557, or MAOED500; and one of a Directed Study equivalent to 30 points, a Dissertation equivalent to 60 points, or a Thesis equivalent to 90 or 120 points.

    Students will normally be expected to focus their independent research on a topic related to Human Development.

    Optional papers will be selected from the papers listed in the MEd subjects, the MEdLeadership, or 30 points may be selected from outside the field of the degree.

  • Prescriptions for the BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc

    To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in graduate Human Development papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in the best three of their 300 level Human Development papers or all their undergraduate Human Development papers.

    To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally EDUCA590) and at least 60 points from papers listed for Human Development. Students who are intending to go on to an MSocSc must include an approved research methods paper in their BSocSc(Hons) degree.

    To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Human Development, a student must have completed either:

    a) a BSocSc with a major in Human Development (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

    b) a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent.

    Completion requirements for the MSocSc in Human Development vary according to admission criteria:

    Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 30 points from a research methods paper or papers, and either a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

    Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    CMYHE101Understanding Hauora, Health and Wellbeing15.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online) & 22A (Tauranga)
    This paper examines a social determinants approach to Health. It includes exploration of a range of interactions that influence the health of populations and determinants of health in New Zealand and global contexts.
    HMDEV100Lifespan Development15.022A (Hamilton), 22B (Online) & 22B (Tauranga)
    HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan.
    PSYCH101Social Psychology, Health and Well-being15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
    This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    HMDEV200Child Development15.022B (Hamilton)
    This paper critically explores a diverse range of theories and perspectives that relate to both historical and current discourses to understanding child development.
    HMDEV201Adolescent Development15.022A (Hamilton) & 22G (Tauranga)
    The paper promotes a critical study of the construction of theories specific to the developmental stage of adolescence. It introduces theories of adolescence that have been promoted by a range of theorists over time, and considers how these may be socially and culturally constructed. Current discourses about adolescence - and how t...
    HMDEV202Adult Development and Ageing15.022A (Online)
    This paper draws on theories from developmental psychology, sociology, demography, philosophy and biology to examine learning and change processes through adulthood, and discusses implications for personal and social development.
    HMDEV240Group Work for Life Transitions15.0No occurrences
    This paper introduces and applies the use of group work skills in various (un)expected life transitions. This paper uses theory from human development, life transitions and group work.
    POPST201Population Studies15.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Online)
    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of Population Studies. Students will develop a sound understanding of the demographic drivers of population change and composition, while exploring some of the rich theories and methodological approaches which comprise Population Studies.
    SOCPY201Social Policy, Families and Children15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
    This paper further develops students' theoretical understanding of social policy, while focusing specifically on policy related to families and children, providing insight into the relationships between policy and lived experience.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    EDUWK300Community Engagement in Education15.0No occurrences
    This paper provides opportunities for professional and personal development within varied work-related settings relevant to the fields of Education and Society, Digital Learning, and Human Development.
    HMDEV300Children's Development in Families15.022A (Online)
    This paper examines the development of children within family and community contexts. Contemporary issues will be investigated with an emphasis on theory and research and their impact on policy and practice.
    HMDEV301Critical Issues for Youth in the 21st Century15.022B (Online)
    This paper explores new possibilities for human development in a rapidly changing global environment. Analysis and critique of culturally constructed norms sensitive to gender, ability, culture, sexuality and age will be used.
    HMDEV302Ageing in a Changing World15.022B (Online)
    This paper considers the issues arising for adults as they age. It will critically reflect on issues around positive ageing in a global context.
    HMDEV320Disability, Diversity and Inclusion: Intersecting Identities and Experiences15.022B (Online)
    This paper investigates the question - What skills are required so to fully include disabled children, young people and adults in the educational and social life of their local community?
    HMDEV321Motivation and Talent Development in Young People15.0No occurrences
    Motivation and Talent Development in Young People explores the development of talent in children and youth with a focus on motivation, intelligence, creativity and giftedness, and how special abilities may be recognised and developed in a range of contexts.
    HMDEV322Learning and Behaviour Difficulties: Strategies for Professionals15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper provides practical skills for responding to challenging behaviour and learning difficulties in school classrooms and other learning environments (including workplaces); and considers broader developmental and environmental factors that influence what transpires in settings.
    HMDEV340Perspectives on Counselling15.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga)
    This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    COUNS540Working with Groups30.022B (Block)
    This paper explores dialogic group processes with selected kinds of groups. Students will be given the opportunity to develop group membership and leadership roles through observation, participation and evaluation during an experiential workshop format and through on-line discussion and assignments. The paper includes a particular...
    COUNS549Counselling and Contexts30.022H (Block)
    This paper provides an overview of counselling practice and its contexts, including optional modules on school counselling, or addictions. It teaches the skills and ethical perspectives of collaborative approaches to counselling, offering a particular introduction to narrative therapy.
    DINST513Early Childhood: A Social Approach to Inclusion30.022B (Online)
    This paper is intended to enable students to understand the philosophical and developmental justification for early intervention programmes for young children with special needs and their families. The focus will be on early intervention carried out in a range of contexts. The paper content will include: concepts of disability mode...
    DINST521Contemporary Issues in Disability and Inclusion Studies30.022A (Online)
    This paper examines the historical and contemporary context that drives the bio-medical and social justice models of inclusive social and educational practice. It will also consider how a disability advocacy focus affects the practice of academic research.
    DINST522Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach30.022B (Online)
    Framed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, this paper explores disability rights focussed policies and practices that shape social inclusion.
    EDUCA500Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and Critical Theories30.022X (Block - Tauranga)
    Culturally Responsive Methodologies utilise kaupapa Maori and critical theoretical frameworks to develop contexts within which the researched community can define the terms for engaging, relating and co-creating new knowledge.
    EDUCA557Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods30.022A (Online), 22B (Online) & 22H (Block)
    This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research.
    EDUCA590Directed Study30.022I (Hamilton), 22I (Online) & 22X (Hamilton)
    Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
    EDUCA592Dissertation60.022I (Online), 22J (Online), 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    EDUCA593Education Thesis90.022I (Online), 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    EDUCA594Education Thesis120.022X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    HMDEV501Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives30.022A (Online)
    This paper provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of children and young people's development from birth to 18 years. It discusses research perspectives on optimal development for children and young people within familial, educational and broader social contexts in contemporary societies. Students will be invited to con...
    HMDEV502Contemporary Issues in Adulthood30.022A (Online)
    This paper focuses on adult development with an emphasis on ageing, diversity, culture and social justice. Examining social and political discourses, the paper explores how the resulting messages influence the everyday experiences of people at different stages of adulthood; and the implications of these for working with diversity i...
    HMDEV503Educational and Life Transitions: Changing Roles and Changing Contexts30.022B (Block)
    The life of an individual involves many transitions to new roles and new contexts. These include numerous educational transitions, from infants and young children entering early childhood services, through school transitions, to adults starting tertiary or work contexts. Each transition may offer both opportunities and challenges. ...
    MAOED500Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research30.022X (Hamilton)
    This paper seeks to explore Kaupapa Maori research theory and methodologies, developing more informed and culturally located and responsive research practice, with a particular focus on researching in Maori educational contexts.
    POPST501Population Health and Equity30.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper explores population health in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally, emphasising the broader determinants of wellbeing and equity. It introduces aspects of epidemiology, considers historical, indigenous and contemporary perspectives of health, and explores relationships between health, community and society.
    POPST507Family and Whānau Demography30.0No occurrences
    This paper introduces students to key theories and contemporary debates in the field of family demography. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying a critical population lens that can be used to understand demographic phenomena. The classes are seminar style and comprise a blend of structured lectures and in-class discussions focused on weekly readings drawn from Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Particular attention is given to the demography of indigenous populations and ethnic racial-minorities.

2022 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

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