Massey University School of Psychology

Welcome to Massey University School of Psychology, located in Auckland, New Zealand. As an establishment of interest, our institution is dedicated to examining today's challenges in the real world and contributing to people's wellbeing through applied and professional psychology.

With a sizeable and diverse faculty, Massey's School of Psychology offers a rich variety of courses, specializations, and research activities. Our school has three campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington, and we also have a strong tradition of online and distance learning.

Our staff members are active and innovative researchers in various fields of psychological inquiry. They are highly committed to their areas of scholarship, working collaboratively, and fulfilling their roles as teachers and mentors.

At Massey University, we are deeply committed to being a Tiriti-led university, upholding te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its principles through our practice. We see this commitment not just as an obligation but as a genuine opportunity for the nation and its people.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – The Treaty of Waitangi at Massey is a significant aspect of our institution. We offer a range of qualifications that allow students to apply their skills in different careers or specialize to become psychologists or mental health professionals.

Our School of Psychology delves into the study of human behavior and how the brain works. Students can choose to specialize in various areas or pursue a career in psychology or mental health. We offer a wide range of courses and programs to cater to different interests and goals.

One of our senior staff members, Kirsty Ross, is a registered senior clinical psychologist with a PhD in Psychology. She coordinates and teaches within the clinical psychology training program at Massey, focusing on child and family clinical psychology, clinical health psychology, trauma, and developmental and systemic psychology.

Simon Bennett, another senior lecturer in clinical psychology, is a Māori clinical psychologist who has researched ways to adapt cognitive behavioral therapy for Māori and incorporate Māori concepts into Western treatment models. His previous work at Te Whare Marie, a kaupapa Māori mental health service, has informed his research and teaching.

Cognitive psychologist Stephen Hill's research interests include embodied and distributed cognition, collaborative memory, folk scientific beliefs, and the psychology of climate change. He often collaborates with researchers from various disciplines, including physiology, sport science, emergency management, and aviation.

Stuart Carr, part of the research unit EPIC (End Poverty and Inequality Cluster), focuses on projects such as GLOW (Global Living Organizational Wage) and SAFE (Security Assessment for Everyone), guided by UN Sustainable Development Goals. His research aims to promote decent work and peace in society.

David Johnston, the Professor of Disaster Management, specializes in human responses to natural disasters and the role of public education in building community resilience and recovery. He also serves as the School of Psychology's Wellington Campus Director.

Heather Kempton's research interests lie in mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality. She has published research on reflectivity, attention, and working memory in mindfulness practice. Heather also chairs Amitabha Hospice, a Buddhist-founded hospice, and brings her interest in Buddhist philosophy to her work.

In addition to our academic programs, Massey University School of Psychology offers psychological services for the public through our clinics. Our clinics provide psychological assessment and treatment services, as well as professional development opportunities for psychologists and students. We have clinics located on our Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington campuses.

Whether you're looking to pursue a career in psychology, further your education, or seek psychological services, Massey University School of Psychology is here to support you. We offer online and distance learning options, as well as on-campus programs across our three campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington.

If you have any questions or need advice, our dedicated staff members are available to assist you. You can find their contact information in our staff directory or use our expertise search tool.

Join us at Massey University School of Psychology and become part of a community dedicated to serious scholarship, innovative research, and a collegial culture. We look forward to welcoming you to our institution.