The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.
Programme overview
The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders.
During your doctoral studies, you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal, professional and academic skills. Our doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.
All of our doctoral policies and guidelines governing PhD study, including the PhD statute, are available in Doctoral policies and guidelines.
If you are looking for PhD study in a subject not listed here, it may be available under a different title. For more information, please contact a postgraduate adviser in the relevant faculty.
Programme structure
The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.
On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.
Part-time enrolment is available for New Zealand students, in which case provisional enrolment lasts for 24 months, and you must submit your full thesis for examination no earlier than 6 years, and within 8 years, of your start date.
As part of your PhD study, you have access to our doctoral skills workshops and resources, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes research services advisers to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.
For international students, your visa conditions will generally stipulate that you must be enrolled for full-time PhD study.
Candidates may undertake a PhD with a creative practice component or with publications that they worked on while under supervision for their PhD. For more information, including what constitutes a creative practice component, see PhD with creative practice.
To read the rules about including publications in your PhD, see Doctoral Candidates– including publications in a thesis policy and procedures.
Subjects available in this programme
- Accounting
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Architecture
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Audiology
- Behavioural Science
- Bioengineering
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Science
- Chemical and Materials Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Criminology
- Dance Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Engineering Science
- English
- Environmental Science
- European Studies
- Exercise Sciences
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- French
- Gender Studies
- General Practice
- Geography
- Geology
- German
- Greek
- Health Psychology
- Health Sciences
- History
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marine Science
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Media, Film and Television
- Medical Imaging
- Medicine
- Molecular Medicine
- Music
- Māori Studies
- Māori and Pacific Health
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Operations Research
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Pacific Studies
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Perinatal Science
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Planning
- Politics and International Relations
- Population Health
- Property
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Russian
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Spanish
- Speech Science
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Theology
- Translation Studies
- Urban Design
Entry requirements
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
- Class of honours2nd class division i
- Honours or masters degree
- Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.
You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.