23 UC/13-MA,MSc/2
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Template 2: Qualification Change -2013
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal:
R
The proposal is to amend the regulations of the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) in Child and Family Psychology by
changing the existing description of the Masters Part I Research Methods course requirement, so it is referred to as “an approved 15
point postgraduate research methods course” instead of specifying particular course codes.
Justification
The Child and Family Psychology Programme comprises the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology.
These masters degrees provide a coherent programme in themselves and, in addition, Part I of these masters degrees leads to the
limited entry Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology. Together these two qualifications (Masters degree and
PGDipChFamPsyc) enable a graduate to apply to the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board for registration as a Psychologist under the
Health Practitioner Competence Assurance Act (2003) within the “General Psychologist” scope.
The proposal is to change the current description of the research methods course requirement. A research methods course is
required in Semester 2 of (full-time) Part I of the Masters programme in Child and Family Psychology. This applies within both the
MA and MSc degrees. In previous years the University regulations have detailed particular course codes (specifically EDEM 694-697,
or HLTH 462, or PSYC 460, PSYC 461 or PSYC 464) considered suitable by the Programme Coordinators to fulfil this requirement.
However, the availability of acceptable courses has varied each year. Available courses, and even the semester in which they are
offered, has varied depending on the workloads and sabbatical plans of the teachers involved. This has resulted in confusion for
students over what courses are available; and subsequent difficulties with their planning and the need for the Programme
Coordinator (Child and Family Psychology) and the Head of the School of Health Sciences to approve other courses on a case-bycase basis.
To prevent this problem in future:

Child and Family Psychology Programme staff will ensure each year that a list of the available, acceptable courses is widely
publicised.
 The Research Methods requirement will be changed from specifying particular courses to “an approved 15 point
postgraduate research method course”.
 Staff are also readily available to discuss the suitability of specific courses with students. Such consultation enables staff to
provide guidance on appropriate papers and research methodologies in preparation for the student’s Part II thesis.
Acceptability
The proposed changes to the regulations are acceptable to the management and curriculum committees of the Child and Family
Psychology Programme and are being instituted in response to several complaints from students.
Goals of the programme - (Unchanged)


The Masters degree (MA or MSc) in Child and Family Psychology does not lead to Psychologist Registration, but instead
provides an equivalent qualification to an MA or MSc in Psychology for students who have a special academic or vocational
interest in Child and Family Psychology.
It also provides coherent preparation for students wishing to apply for the limited entry Postgraduate Diploma in Child and
Family Psychology (PGDipChFamPsyc), which can be started after the Part I of the masters is completed. This qualification
has been designed as a pathway for selected students who wish to study towards becoming eligible for professional
registration as a psychologist working with children, adolescents and families.
Graduate profile - (Unchanged)
Graduates from the programme will have the following attributes:


Detailed knowledge of the Child and Family Psychology area and an ability to recognise the importance of contextual and
systemic factors in understanding child and family presentations.
Academic writing skills.
1
23 UC/13-MA,MSc/2




Psychological research skills including an understanding of an appropriate research frame and of data collection and
analysis within that. These skills would include locating and critically evaluating relevant research; writing an ethics
proposal; and planning, executing and writing up a research project.
Practical skills including conducting a developmental history; establishing a relationship with a client.
Analytical, critical and synthesis skills.
The ability to extend learning into new areas through a critical evaluation of evidence.
Outcome statement - (Unchanged)
Graduates of the Master of Arts or Science in Child and Family Psychology will have an academic knowledge of the child and family
psychology area, academic writing and psychological research skills, preliminary practical skills relevant to the helping professions
and critical thinking and reading skills. Graduates are likely to be employed within human services, policy and research settings.
Programme overview - (Unchanged)
The Master in Child and Family Psychology is a two year, full-time, open entry programme (2.25 EFTS). In the first year students take
six foundation courses, including a 0.125 EFTS research methods course chosen from a selection of possible courses. In the second
year students complete a 1.0 EFTS thesis in a subject area approved by the Programme Coordinator and by the Head of the School
of Health Sciences.
Confirmation of NZQA exit level of qualification to go on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework
Level 9
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
N/A – no change
Assessment procedures
N/A – no change
Predicted student numbers/EFTS
N/A – no change
Resources
This proposal will not have any notable impact in terms of: teaching, physical facilities, equipment and library resources.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
N/A – no change
Calendar Form
Qualification Regulations
UC Calendar 2013:
1. Change to the MASTER OF ARTS description: Page 308-309 (as described for Part I only)
Delete:
Child and Family Psychology
Part I. 1.25 EFTS (150 points) which shall normally consist of six courses comprising CFPY 601–604, HLTH 472 and one of EDEM 694697, or HLTH 462, or PSYC 460 or PSYC 461 or PSYC 464.
To read:
Child and Family Psychology
Part I. 1.25 EFTS (150 points) which shall normally consist of six courses comprising CFPY 601–604, HLTH 472 and an approved 15point postgraduate Research Methods course (0.125 EFTS), or equivalent, as approved by the Head of the School of Health Sciences.
2. Change to the MASTER OF SCIENCE description: Page 402 (as described for Part I only)
2
23 UC/13-MA,MSc/2
Delete:
Child and Family Psychology
Part I. 1.25 EFTS (150 points) which shall normally consist of six courses comprising CFPY 601–604, HLTH 472 and one of EDEM 694697, or HLTH 462, or PSYC 460 or PSYC 461 or PSYC 464.
To read:
Child and Family Psychology
Part I. 1.25 EFTS (150 points) which shall normally consist of six courses comprising CFPY 601–604, HLTH 472 and an approved 15point postgraduate Research Methods course (0.125 EFTS), or equivalent, as approved by the Head of the School of Health Sciences.
3. Change to the Course Catalogue entry descriptions: Page 504
Delete:
CFPY 690 MA Child and Family Psychology Thesis 1.0000 EFTS
P: (i) CFPY 601-604, HLTH 472 and one of EDEM 695-697, or HLTH 462, or PSYC 460 or PSYC 461. (ii) Subject to approval of the
Director, Health Sciences Centre.
CFPY 690-13A (C) Starts Any Time
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
CFPY 695 MSc Child and Family Psychology Thesis 1.0000 EFTS
P: (i) CFPY 601-604, HLTH 472 and one of EDEM 695-697, or HLTH 462, or PSYC 460 or PSYC 461. (ii) Subject to approval of the
Director, Health Sciences Centre.
CFPY 695-13A (C)
Starts Any Time
to read:
CFPY 690 MA Child and Family Psychology Thesis 1.0000 EFTS
P: (i) CFPY 601-604, HLTH 472 and an approved 15 point postgraduate Research Methods course (0.125 EFTS), or equivalent, as
approved by the Head of the School of Health Sciences. (ii) Subject to approval by the Head of the School of Health Sciences.
CFPY 690-13A (C) Starts Any Time
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
CFPY 695 MSc Child and Family Psychology Thesis
1.0000 EFTS
P: (i) CFPY 601-604, HLTH 472 and an approved 15 point postgraduate Research Methods course (0.125 EFTS), or equivalent, as
approved by the Head of the School of Health Sciences (ii) Subject to approval by the Head of the School of Health Sciences.
CFPY 695-13A (C)
Starts Any Time
3