UC Psychology, Speech and Hearing

21/09/2026

Our annual I-O Psychology MSc Student Showcase will be on Oct 15th this year!

Come by to learn about the exciting research we have on this year, and to celebrate the progress of our Part 2 students. Can't make it to the Showcase in person? You're welcome to join online instead, we'll send you the link closer to the date. A presentation programme will be available closer to the date too, so you can choose to drop in to support particular students and/or projects.

This showcase is the start of our I-O Psychology Alumni evening, a session with speeches, a panel discussion, drinks, nibbles, and networking . Tickets are available for either or both events, and while we'd love to see you at both to support our Part 2 Masters students, feel free to join us for either the afternoon or the evening session if your schedule is tight!

Please RSVP through this Humantix link.
https://events.humanitix.com/mscio-apsy-student-showcase-and-alumni-and-friends-night-2026

The evening portion is $10 to join, whereas the Student Showcase itself is free.

[In the case of unforeseen circumstances, our back-up date is 29 October]

Hope to see you there!

16/09/2026

Research Participants Wanted!

Are you Asian and currently living in Aotearoa New Zealand?
We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Your experiences can help contribute to a better understanding of eating and body image within Asian communities in New Zealand.

Take the survey here:
https://canterbury.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87wkHEtn99pAAJg

14/09/2026

Get a head start on your degree this summer!

Whether you're a current UC student or joining us in 2027, Summer School is a great opportunity to get ahead, lighten your workload during the year, and explore fascinating topics in Psychology, Speech and Hearing.

Courses are available from November 2026 to February 2027, including introductory psychology, human communication, and research methods.

Find more information on course details, key dates, and enrolment information here:
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/summer-school

01/09/2026

What if you could turn your psychology expertise into a career helping organisations and their people thrive?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology (PGDipOrgPsyc) at the University of Canterbury is the only university programme in New Zealand offering this specialist pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.

Successful completion makes graduates eligible to register as psychologists with a specialisation in organisational psychology.

Through a combination of advanced coursework and a 𝟭𝟱𝟬𝟬-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, you’ll develop expertise across key areas such as recruitment and selection, leadership, workplace wellbeing, organisational development, and performance management - applying psychological science directly to workplace challenges.

The programme places strong emphasis on reflective practice, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive approaches grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and UC’s core values, preparing you to work effectively in diverse organisational contexts.

This is more than further study; it’s a professional training experience that bridges the gap between academic psychology and impactful organisational practice. If you’re looking to build a meaningful career where you can shape healthier, more effective workplaces, the PGDipOrgPsyc at UC provides the foundation, supervision, and applied experience to get you there.

The programme could be for you if you have a master’s degree or PhD in Psychology with substantial study or research in organisational psychology, and you’re currently employed in a relevant organisation that can support your supervised internship.

With the first cohort successfully completing the programme in 2025, this is a new and growing pathway for those looking to build a career in organisational psychology.

Ready to take your psychology career into organisations, workplaces and beyond?

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Find out more and apply: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/qualifications/postgraduate-diploma-in-organisational-psychology

31/08/2026

Three SPSH minds * Three big questions * One unforgettable night!

Raising the Bar returns to Ōtautahi Christchurch on Tuesday 15 September, bringing 20 free talks to 10 bars in one night.

We’re delighted to have three fantastic academics from our own School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing in the line-up:

• Professor Randolph Grace asks Why does 2 + 2 = 4? (Hint: The answer may surprise you!)
• Dr Dwain Allan presents Decoding the winning mindset
• Dr Kong Meng Liew asks Can video games save our humanity?

All three talks begin at 6.30pm, at venues across Christchurch. Entry is free, but registration is required.

👉 Explore the programme and register: https://www.rtbevent.com/rtbchch2026

Join Raising the Bar and the University of Canterbury for 20 free talks across 10 venues in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 September 2026

11/05/2026

We’re proud to see our colleague Dr Fiona Cross sharing her expertise with a global audience in The Conversation. In her latest article, Fiona brings cutting‑edge research to life, introducing readers to a tiny jumping spider with a remarkable taste for mosquitoes – especially the ones that spread disease. 

Fiona shows how this fascinating spider lives alongside humans and may even play a role in tackling mosquito‑borne illnesses in parts of the world where they cause serious harm. It’s a great example of how thoughtful science communication can inform, inspire and spark curiosity well beyond the lab. 

Congratulations to Fiona on another impactful piece of research writing – and a reminder that sometimes our smallest allies can have the biggest impact.

These little predators are on tiny missions to seek and destroy mosquitoes, especially ones full of blood.

13/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Dr Megan Eustace, whose award‑winning PhD research at the University of Canterbury is shaping aged care policy in Aotearoa New Zealand!

Dr Eustace’s work centres Māori perspectives on communication and connection for whānau living with mate wareware (dementia), weaving together mātauranga Māori, lived experience, and Indigenous knowledge from Aotearoa and beyond.

Her research challenges narrow ideas of “communication” and highlights the importance of whakapapa, storytelling, shared activities, and relationships in later life.

The research has earned the prestigious Jean Seabrook Prize and is already informing more culturally appropriate approaches to dementia care and policy, showing how kaupapa Māori research are influencing practice, policy, and wellbeing in our communities.

https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news-and-events/news/2026/uc-graduate-s-award-winning-research-shapes-aged-care-policy-

17/12/2025

Here are some of the highlights of our 2025 Potato Competition!

What a great way to close off the year, and congrats to all the winners!

14/12/2025

10/12/2025

After more than a decade as a beloved member of the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, Baxter the Robot is heading off on a new adventure.

From contributing to research projects, to challenging visitors to a game of Connect 4, to simply being the most conversation-starting colleague we’ve ever had. Baxter has made a lasting impression on us all.

We’re excited to share that Baxter will be joining Te Puna Wai o Waipapa | Hagley College Technology Department, where he’ll continue his journey and help inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.

Thank you for the memories, Baxter. You’ve been more than a robot - you’ve been part of the SPSH whānau.