Programme details

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at UC requires comprehensive, continuous, and original research in your selected field of study.

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Course description

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at UC is exclusively focused on research, conducted under the guidance of experienced supervisors and utilizing state-of-the-art facilities. At UC, students have the opportunity to pursue a PhD in more than 70 disciplines, joining a diverse community of over 1,000 individuals from more than 60 countries.

Pursuing a PhD entails engaging in comprehensive, prolonged, and innovative research within your selected field, culminating in a thesis that aims to enhance the intellectual landscape of that discipline. This degree signifies a high level of intellectual capability, self-discipline, and dedication. Additionally, a PhD equips graduates for various career paths, including roles in academia.

Specialisations

Accounting
Antarctic Studies
Anthropology
Art History
Art Theory
Astronomy
Audiology
Biochemistry
Bioengineering
Biological Sciences
Biotechnology
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemical and Process Engineering
Chemistry
Chinese
Cinema Studies (as an English major)
Civil Engineering
Classics
Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
Computer Science
Creative Practice
Criminal Justice
Cultural Studies
Data Science
Disaster Risk and Resilience
Earthquake Engineering
Ecology
Economics
Education
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Engineering Geology
Engineering Management
English
Environmental Science
European Studies
Finance
Fire Engineering
Forest Engineering
Forestry
French
Geography
Geology
German
Health Sciences
Higher Education
History
Human-Animal Studies
Human Interface Technology
Human Services
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Information Systems
Japanese
Journalism
Law
Linguistics
Management
Māori and Indigenous Studies
Marketing
Mathematical Physics
Mathematics
Mathematics and Philosophy
Mechanical Engineering
Media and Communication
Medical Physics
Medical Physics (Clinical)
Microbiology
Music
Pacific Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science and International Relations
Product Design
Psychology
Renewable Energy Engineering
Russian
Science Education
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Speech and Language Sciences
Statistics
Taxation
Te Reo Māori
Translation and Interpreting
Transportation Engineering
Water Resource Management

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 6 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

The qualification can offer numerous advantages for one’s career, depending on the selected specialization. These benefits may include the development of specialized skills and increased knowledge, access to particular professions, elevated starting salaries and advancement opportunities, enhanced research capabilities and accomplishments, as well as a demonstration of significant academic achievement and self-discipline.

Entry requirements

Enrollment in a PhD program requires the completion of a research-oriented honours or master’s degree, with a minimum achievement of First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level, or an equivalent qualification.

For those with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand, it is imperative to have been granted admission to the University. The admissions team, in consultation with the relevant department, will review your qualifications and transcripts to verify that you have the necessary background to pursue a PhD. You may be required to complete preparatory courses either before or after your admission into the PhD program.

In unique circumstances, applicants who do not meet the typical academic criteria but can demonstrate their capability to undertake a PhD may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.

Credits
360

Duration
3–4 years

Intakes

First day of any month

International fees
About $7,627- $9,737 (subject dependent) per 120 points

Location
Christchurch

Qualification Type
Postgraduate

Study level
Level 10

Study in New Zealand