Frequently Asked Questions

This should be done in conjunction with your Massey Supervisor. You should not do anything until you have located a supervisor. Together, you will discuss your interests or ideas for placements, possible organisations and potential contacts your supervisor may have. Also, look at the past placements listed on this site for ideas of the types of places you can approach. 

No, you may ask any of the health psych team members to supervise your practicum.

The practicum can be completed at any relevant health organisation. So you are able to locate an organisation near where you live. 

The time allocation includes your time on-site at the organisation as well as any preparation and assessment writing. We would suggest you reserve 20 hours for writing up the assignments. The remaining 100 hours can be allocated however you and the organisation think will work best. 

There is room for flexibility with start and completion times of the practicum. This can be discussed and negotiated with your Massey supervisor.

It is sometimes possible to complete your practicum at your workplace depending on the nature of your work. For a full learning experience, it's usually better not to do this, but this needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis and is best discussed with your MU supervisor.  

Some things to consider

• Is there someone suitable at your workplace who can act as a supervisor, and evaluate your performance, without any bias or conflict of interest?

• How easy will it be to separate business-as-usual from your placement? 

• Will you be able to carve out a piece of work that you can do as your project?

• Will you be able to learn anything new or gain new insights? 

• Will you miss out on forming new relationships/connections in your sector?

• Is there a similar organisation that you could be placed and gain new insights, connections, and experience you couldn't get in your current job?

It is possible to complete your practicum in another country, given the current travel restrictions. However, this will likely mean that you will have to take more of a lead in locating suitable sites for your placement. Your supervisor would be able to offer some advice on this.