Postgraduate Study in the School of People, Environment and Planning
People from all around the world choose to undertake postgraduate study in the School of People, Environment and Planning. We have a strong reputation for excellence in research and in teaching. At the level of postgraduate study these two elements combine to provide students with:
- First-class supervision from expert academic staff with well-established research networks and substantial professional experience.
- An active and vibrant student community made up of graduates and professionals from a range of disciplines.
- Regular seminars showcasing current staff and student research from within the School. The seminars also feature leading academics from Massey, visiting scholars from other universities and industry professionals.
- The opportunity to pursue traditional research-based degrees as well as professional/applied degrees and diplomas.
- Flexible study options designed to suit your needs: we offer campus-based and distance learning study options, and welcome both full-time and part-time students. Our staff are leaders within the University in developing internal and distance learning modes of study.
- Pathways to new careers through transitional postgraduate study.
Programmes of Study Available
We offer a range of postgraduate qualifications. The type of degree you do depends on what stage of study you are at and what you intend to use the degree for.
If you have an undergraduate degree in one area but wish to enter a new field of study for personal interest or professional advancement, a Graduate Diploma is a good starting point.
If you would like to enhance the undergraduate degree you already have, an Honours degree will provide you with a highly regarded class of award.
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are programmes of professional education aimed at people who wish to gain specific knowledge and education in their area, or others who wish to enter the profession by way of endorsement. A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded without endorsement and provides a good introduction to postgraduate study. It can also act as a stepping-stone to a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters qualification. A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded with endorsement in a specific subject area and is a highly regarded qualification in itself, or it can be used as a vehicle to progress to a Masters degree. The main considerations in the choice between a Postgraduate Diploma and a Masters degree are the research component and your career intentions.
Our Masters programmes are advanced research-based postgraduate qualifications that build on the skills developed at the undergraduate level. A Masters degree is a good option for people wishing to work at the highest level of professional practice in their careers, or wanting to pursue a career in research.
The PhD degree is the highest level of scholarship offered by Massey University. This programme involves original research and is awarded to candidates who are able to demonstrate the ability to carry out independent research and analysis at an advanced level.
Our School offers the following programmes of postgraduate study:
- Graduate Diploma in Arts (GradDipArts)
- Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (PGCertArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies (PGDipDevStud)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies (PGDipMusStud)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sector Evaluation Research (PGDipSSER)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Planning (PGDipPlan)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Resource and Environmental Planning (MRP)
Facilities for Postgraduate Students
We also provide a range of facilities for postgraduate students.




