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College of Humanities & Social Sciences

School of People, Environment and Planning

New Zealand’s largest multi-disciplinary university social science unit – Massey's School of People, Environment and Planning.

Overview

We offer study options in nine disciplines. Our research breaks new ground for communities, the nation, the Pacific and the globe. At the heart of our study options are challenging questions:

  • How should we live together?
  • How do we shape the natural, built and social environments that we live in?
  • How do these shape us?
  • How can we do better?

Our connections, engagement and profile make the School’s staff among the most public academics in the country.

Research and teaching within the School span multiple areas and methodologies, including:

  • anthropology
  • defence and security studies
  • development studies
  • environmental studies
  • geography
  • geospatial science
  • politics and international relations
  • museum studies
  • resource and environmental planning
  • sociology.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Massey

We are deeply committed to being a Tiriti-led university, demonstrating authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand as we uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its principles through our practice. We embrace this not just as an obligation but as a real opportunity for the nation and its people.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – The Treaty of Waitangi at Massey

Study with us

Choose from a range of qualifications in applied and critical social sciences. All our specialisations (majors) can also be minors. Examples include development studies and planning studies.

Explore by area of interest

Explore a selection of qualifications relating to your interests.

Study development studies

Learn how global forces shape societies round the world, and help communities overcome poverty to improve their lives and get social justice.

Three young people talking around a table Three young people talking around a table Three young people talking around a table Three young people talking around a table

Study planning

Urban and natural resource planning shapes where we live, work and play. Planning is a rewarding career helping create sustainable cities and regions.

Planning Planning Planning Planning

Study politics & society

Learn how our environment and societies operate. From geography to international relations, Massey has expert educators and respected qualifications.

Abstract of a group forming the shape of New Zealand Abstract of a group forming the shape of New Zealand Abstract of a group forming the shape of New Zealand Abstract of a group forming the shape of New Zealand

Study security & defence

Unique qualifications to protect people, borders and information. Graduates explore careers in diplomacy, intelligence, government or the armed forces.

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force unloading supplies from a helicopter. Members of the New Zealand Defence Force unloading supplies from a helicopter. Members of the New Zealand Defence Force unloading supplies from a helicopter. Members of the New Zealand Defence Force unloading supplies from a helicopter.

Study sustainability

Help people, businesses and government manage resources wisely for a sustainable, prosperous future for the planet.

Three people examine a river stone Three people examine a river stone Three people examine a river stone Three people examine a river stone

Who we are

Our people make us who we are. Meet senior leaders in the School of People, Environment and Planning.

See all staff and explore their research interests
Professor Bethan Greener

Professor Bethan Greener

Head of School of People, Environment and Planning

Beth focuses on how states and others seek to provide security and what this means for world order. Her research interests also include the relationship between liberalism and the use of force, how states seek to use their agencies for security provision, international policing through the UN, South Pacific security, gender and security, and the relationship between public and private security.

Associate Professor Russell Prince

Associate Professor Russell Prince

PhD, MA, BA, BCom
Associate Head of School of People, Environment and Planning

Dr Russell Prince is a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography. His research interests include the state and governmentality, policy mobility and expertise, neoliberalism and what comes after, and geographies of political economy.

Professor Richard Shaw

Professor Richard Shaw

BSW, MA (Hons), PhD, BSW, MA (Hons), PhD

Richard is a Professor of Politics in the School and Director (BA) in the College. He teaches first year courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and his research interests span electoral and party politics in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the comparative study of core executives and political advisers.

Research

Our research helps local and global communities to understand and respond to diverse challenges in the areas of sustainability, security, built environments, social equality and more.

Find out more about our research

Research centres

Explore a selection of opportunities for academic research within our department.

Person with dog

Centre for Defence and Security Studies

The Centre for Defence & Security Studies offers academic qualifications in security and defence studies – undergraduate to postgraduate, including PhDs. We have research and educational partnerships with several New Zealand government agencies.

Find out more

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Political Ecology Research Centre

Dr Trisia Farrelly and Dr Sy Taffel

The Centre is dedicated to connecting groups and individuals whose work emphasises and critiques the relationships between society, environment and politics. PERC members study, teach, research and/or practise political ecology.

Political Ecology Research Centre

Partnerships

Volunteer overseas – UniVol programme

VSA’s UniVol programme is a collaboration between VSA and Otago, Victoria, Massey and Auckland universities. The programme, which has been operating since 2007, provides opportunities for selected candidates to volunteer overseas while contributing to capacity building and international development. It also provides personal and professional development opportunities for these candidates.

UniVol

Accreditations and rankings

New Zealand Planning Institute

Massey's planning degrees have been accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute – Te Kokiringa Taumata for decades.

Learn more

QS Ranking - Development Studies

Massey is ranked 30th in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

QS Ranking - Geography

Massey is ranked in the world's top 200 universities for geography in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

QS Ranking - Sociology

Massey is ranked in the world's top 350 universities for sociology by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Learn more

QS Ranking - Environmental Sciences

Massey University’s environmental sciences programme is ranked in the top 350 in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Learn more

Contact the School of People, Environment and Planning

School of People, Environment and Planning – Auckland campus

Email
pepadmin@massey.ac.nz
Location

Physical address
School of People, Environment and Planning
Massey University
Atrium Building
Gate 1, Dairy Flat Highway
Albany 0632
Auckland North

Postal address
School of People, Environment and Planning
Massey University
Private Bag 102 904
Auckland North 0745
New Zealand

Use our Auckland campus maps or find us on Google Maps.

School of People, Environment and Planning – Manawatū campus

Email
pepadmin@massey.ac.nz
Location

Physical address
School of People, Environment and Planning
Massey University
Level 2 & 3 Social Science Tower
Manawatū Campus
Palmerston North

Postal address
School of People, Environment and Planning
Massey University (PN331)
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand

Use our Manawatū campus maps or find us on Google Maps.

School of People, Environment and Planning – Wellington campus

Email
pepadmin@massey.ac.nz
Location

Physical address
School of People, Environment and Planning
Massey University
Block 7
Entrance F, Tasman Street
Mt Cook
Wellington

Use our Wellington campus maps or find us on Google Maps.

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