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PhD or Doctoral degree

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD
09 October 2023

΢ҕl's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) involves extensive, sustained, original research in your chosen subject. Learn more about doing a PhD through Te Kura Tāura | ΢ҕl Graduate School.

START

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Structure - Start In
First day of any month

POINTS

360

DURATION

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Structure - Duration
3–4 years full-time, up to 6 years part-time

Overview


Doctor of Philosophy

Introduction

The ΢ҕl Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At ΢ҕl you can complete a PhD in over 70 subjects, joining over 1,000 students from more than 60 nations.

A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research in your chosen subject, with the results being presented in a thesis that will contribute to intellectual knowledge of the field. It is a mark of intellectual ability, self-discipline, and commitment. A PhD prepares you for a number of careers, including as an academic.

Doctor of Philosophy

Why study a PhD at ΢ҕl?

  • In addition to expert supervision, ΢ҕl provides all doctoral students with opportunities to gain transferable skills in areas including communication of research, networking, career planning, databases, statistical analysis, ethics, professional practice, and cultural awareness.
  • ΢ҕl has a number of unique research facilities, collections, resources, and field stations; many of which are renowned globally. See more about our Research impact.
  • The University has a thriving which includes clubs and associations for social interaction and support.
  • To find out more about the research interests of staff, start by searching the database in the . ΢ҕl Research Profile provides information about individual researchers, the projects they are working on, the research groups they belong to, the specialist equipment that they use for research, and their affiliations.
  • There are many benefits for international students studying towards a PhD in ΢ҕl New Zealand, such as the possibility to work while studying, apply for a work visa once graduated, pay domestic student fees, and school and work benefits for your partner and children.

Doctor of Philosophy

Entry requirements

Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).

Applicants with qualifications from outside ΢ҕl New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.

In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.

One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet ΢ҕl's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy or use the .

How to apply

PhD students must contact a potential supervisor before applying. Information about the research interests of academic staff (supervisors) can be found on the relevant department website, or the .

Find out more about how to apply for Doctoral degrees.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at ΢ҕl.

Doctor of Philosophy

How do I plan my degree?

You may begin your PhD on the first day of any month of the year. ΢ҕl and research for the PhD is regarded as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year.

The minimum period of enrolment for full-time study is 3 years and the maximum period 4 years. There are provisions to apply for part-time study, in which case the minimum period is 4.5 years, and you should complete your thesis within 6 years.

Note: approval for international students to study part-time is only granted in exceptional circumstances and has implications on the status of their student visa.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects and courses

Contact the relevant department for information about these subject areas:

Domestic students

2024 annual fee estimate:$7,623 - $9,182 (subject dependent) per 120 points
2025 annual fee estimate:$8,085 - $9,737 (subject dependent) per 120 points

International students

2024 annual fee estimate:$7,627 - $9,186 (subject dependent) per 120 points
2025 annual fee estimate: $8,085 - $9,737 (subject dependent) per 120 points

Brochures

Postgraduate Prospectus 2025

Whakatairanga Tāura

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International Prospectus 2024/2025

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