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.
Studying politics at Massey was made easy by the passion of the faculty for their subject and the support they gave freely, particularly as a postgraduate. The belief my supervisor showed in me has given me the confidence to aim high in my professional life.
Amy Thomson
Bachelor of Arts (Politics)
I travelled to Italy and Israel to complete my fieldwork as part of my master’s thesis on interfaith dialogues for peacebuilding, an integral part of my Master of International Development.
Anna Baldwin
Master of International Development
I have been completing a practicum with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance. Having this ‘real world’ experience as part of my study has been invaluable and facilitated the connection between academic and practice.
Bronwyn Hutchison
Student
Postgraduate Diploma in International Development
My thesis was on the sustainability of educational developments within landowner communities in mine-impacted areas, a case study of Porgera Gold Mine in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. That supported me to gain jobs within the mining industry for short term consultancy assignments as well as permanent employment.
Bruce Java
Capacity Building and Planning Coordinator for Morobe Mining, Papua New Guinea
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies
I chose Massey because the distance learning curriculum offers flexibility with study during the year if I am moving around, and I liked the subjects on offer. Development studies has been particularly interesting, and 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
If you have an interest in museums and our history I would definitely recommend the PGDip in Museum Studies. With museums, you never have a boring day!
Evan Greensides
Archivist, Palmerston North Central Library
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies
My programme included a six month practicum with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs based in Geneva.
Geeta Reddy
Student
Master of International Development.
Studying politics in New Zealand is particularly great. Being a small country means that it is a lot easier to get in touch with government and councils to gain information, develop connections and participate at a local level. The lecturers at Massey are incredibly supportive and always on hand to answer questions and address any concerns.
Haolun Xu
Bachelor of Arts (Politics)
My lecturers’ flexibility and recognition of my interests and commitments outside of academia has been great and this has enabled my personal, professional, and academic growth throughout my time at Massey. The intellectual and conceptual tools, work ethic, independence and discipline that geography in particular has helped me develop have already proven to be of value every day.
Harry Lilley
Manager, Creative Sounds Society Inc.
BA (Geography and Māori Studies)
Hayley Morrison runs The Motorbike Book Club mobile literacy project delivering books via motorbike to children living in some of Vietnam’s poorest rural villages. Development studies theory taught Hayley about best practice.
Hayley Morrison
Founder, Motorbike Book Club
Master of International Development
As part of my planning degree I undertook research on how planners can support Māori in re-establishing and sustaining Māori mara kai as part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
Hinetákoha Hayley May Millar Viriaere
Policy planner, Wairoa District Council
Master of Resource and Environmental Planning
I gained invaluable work experience, which may have assisted in being offered a job before I had finished my degree.
John Yin
Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning
Massey has the best Resource and Environmental Planning course as it’s accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute. That means I can take my degree around the world with me and be recognised as a planner wherever I go.
Kendyll Harper
Environmental Planner, Tauranga City Council
Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning
My study experience was really great. Some of my friends have done development studies with other institutions, and I can confidently say that Massey's course was by far the best. The lecturers were friendly and helpful and there was a wonderful mentor and family environment which I hold with high regard and remember with affection. I became very close with the other students in my class and there were always people to support me in both my personal and student life.
Melanie Pimentel
Government Lawyer - Senior State Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor General, Philippines
Master of Philosophy in Development Studies
Paul Beumelburg says indigenous knowledge can be combined with modern science and technology to the benefit of island communities and developed nations.
Paul Beumelburg
PhD Development Studies
My BA/MA has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey. It gave me a solid foundation to build on throughout the rest of my life and my knowledge of sociology and epistemology has allowed me to understand the various social, political and cultural contexts that I have been in.
Peter Chrisp
Chief Executive, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Master of Arts (Sociology)
Pip Rea's master's research investigates the role of resilience among women who have experienced the trauma of trafficking and working in the sex trade in Kolkata.
Pip Rea
Director of Tamar charitable non-governmental trust
Master of International Development
The study of anthropology has really opened my eyes to the world around me. I still find new ideas to explore, and endless cultural ideas that seem novel and interesting.
Samantha Russell
Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology and Psychology)
The master's programme is a practical course, which has equipped me with the best skills and knowledge in development issues to increase my effectiveness in my future job and to contribute more to the sustainable development of Vietnam.
Ta Thi Tam Ha
Vice Principal, Primary School in Hanoi
Master of International Development
The staff were really friendly and approachable, and I studied with a great cohort of students from all over the world. My interactions with everyone broadened my understanding about development and the differences between the issues in Asia and other countries.
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.
