The School of People, Environment and Planning draws on a wide range of social science theories and methodologies. We teach and research in development studies, environmental studies, geography, geospatial science, politics, museum studies, resource and environmental planning, social anthropology, social sector evaluation research, and sociology.
At the School of People, Environment and Planning, you can choose from a range of programmes in applied and critical social sciences.
Politics and society
Research in the School of People, Environment and Planning includes the Pacific, South and South East Asia, the Middle East and Europe as well as New Zealand.
My degree helped me not only find employment, but to choose the jobs where I can make the most difference to the lives of others.
Amy Thomson
Bachelor of Arts (Politics)
As part of my research I was looking at how there needed to be a space for religion within peace-building efforts.
Anna Baldwin
Master of International Development
The programme supported me to gain jobs within the mining industry for short term consultancy assignments as well as permanent employments.
Bruce Java - Capacity Building and Planning Coordinator for Morobe Mining, Papua New Guinea
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies
Development studies has given me a depth of understanding that continues to serve me well in the humanitarian field.
Dave Oakes - Red Cross nurse, Afghanistan
Master of International Development
My studies in history and museum studies opened up the doorway to a career full of interesting and meaningful projects.
Evan Greensides - Archivist, Palmerston North Central Library
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies
Coming to study at Massey University was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Haolun Xu
Bachelor of Arts (Politics)
I feel more engaged with the world and the diverse issues that surround our day-to-day existence.
Harry Lilley - Manager, Creative Sounds Society Inc.
BA (Geography and Māori Studies)
That’s the key message in development studies – rejecting this idea that west is best
Hayley Morrison - Founder, Motorbike Book Club
Master of International Development
Studying at Massey has allowed me to combine my interest in planning with my vision to grow indigenous knowledge
Hinetákoha Hayley May Millar Viriaere - Policy planner, Wairoa District Council
Master of Resource and Environmental Planning
A degree in planning equipped me with the skills and knowledge to facilitate sustainable development as cities continue to grow.
John Yin
Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning
I secured my graduate job in October, before I completed my degree.
Kendyll Harper - Environmental Planner, Tauranga City Council
Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning
The value that development studies brought to my law practice is a testament to the significant impact that Massey instilled in my professional life.
Melanie Pimentel - Government Lawyer - Senior State Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor General, Philippines
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies
Why had students not also been educated, at school, to explore their culture?
Paul Beumelburg
PhD Development Studies
Everything started with my Bachelor and Master of Arts at Massey University.
Peter Chrisp - Chief Executive, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Master of Arts (Sociology)
I realised I was in a unique situation where I had a platform in academia for their voices to be heard in a way that maybe hadn't been heard in the past.
Pip Rea - Director of Tamar charitable non-governmental trust
Master of International Development
Studying anthropology gave me a lot of freedom to explore many varied cultural areas.
Samantha Russell
Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology and Psychology)
Academic staff are internationally renowned for their great expertise in various leading-edge research fields.
Ta Thi Tam Ha - Vice Principal, Primary School in Hanoi
Master of International Development
My study gave me the opportunity to follow what I am passionate about.
Vilayvanh Phonepraseuth - World Bank Vientiane Office, Laos
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies
Planning at Massey is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute.
Massey is ranked in the world's top 200 universities for built environment in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Massey is ranked in the world's top 100 universities for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 200 universities for geography. QS is an organisation that ranks universities worldwide in various topics.
