Message from the Head of School

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to the School of Psychology at Massey University.

You will find that our curriculum for undergraduates is very flexible. The School is located across all three Massey campuses, with majors offered in Auckland (Albany campus) and Palmerston North (Turitea campus), and some papers available at Wellington. Our majors are offered in three degrees: The Bachelor of Arts; the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Health Science. We also offer a Graduate Diploma in Arts or Science for those of you who already have an undergraduate degree with another major. All of our undergraduate qualifications can be also obtained though extramural study. You can choose and change between full-time and part-time study, internal and extramural study, and between campuses - whichever suits you and your needs best.

The Bachelor of Arts is one of the most popular degrees in which to study a Psychology major. This year there have been some major changes introduced into the degree as a result of a major review. Some of these changes are quite significant, but relatively small - for example, it is now necessary to undertake a 100 level paper in written communication as part of your degree. Other changes are more significant. You can take up to two minor subjects along with your major now. Please make sure that you read the section on Important Information carefully because it explains all the changes that begin in 2009.

Studying in our School will provide you with understanding of a wide range of perspectives on psychology and research methods for creating, evaluating and applying new knowledge. The mix of knowledge about human behaviour and skills for research and knowledge dissemination provided by a psychology major is attractive to many employers. Psychology can also help you better understand yourself and others. If you are aim to become a professional psychologist, our undergraduate programme lays a solid foundation for later postgraduate study. Most of all we want you to enjoy your study with us in a stimulating, positive, and approachable atmosphere.

We believe that there is benefit to all cultural groups of our commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Bi-cultural knowledge and understanding is especially important if psychology is to have value for the social good of Aotearoa New Zealand. Sensitivity to and appreciation of diversity is a hallmark of our discipline.

Our School includes a community of around 50 staff, all highly committed as active researchers, teachers, and advisers. You will find that our interests span almost all of the fields of contemporary psychology and each of us have unique emphases, yet we all work collaboratively to create a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for you. At the postgraduate level, we conduct a range of specialised professional programmes for those who wish to go on to specific careers in psychology. If you are planning to go on to postgraduate studies you may find it useful to take more psychology papers as electives alongside your major to add to the depth of your undergraduate psychology studies – sometimes students choose to do this even if they aren’t planning a postgraduate degree.

So, welcome again to this fascinating discipline and to the School of Psychology. I wish you every success during your time with us as a psychology student of Massey University.

Sincerely,

Naku iti nei,
na

Associate Professor Mandy Morgan
Head of School