The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an advanced postgraduate degree undertaken by research only and leads to advanced academic and theoretical knowledge in a specialist area. The PhD is suitable for students wishing to pursue an academic or research career. This programme enables you to make an original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your field of study and meet recognised international standards for such work.
You have a minimum of two supervisors to guide and advise you, with one assigned as the primary supervisor.
A PhD qualifies students as an expert in their field. The opportunities to apply this knowledge will be extensive, both in industry and academia.
Minimum entry requirements
Must have completed the following in a specialisation appropriate to the proposed research:
OR
The programme must have included advanced learning in research, and a research thesis/dissertation.
Other requirements
Acceptance is subject to the availability of staff for supervision, prior research preparation and appropriate facilities.
Planning your PhD
Prospective PhD candidates are required to prepare a brief proposal of research, specifying the field of research and a general research question you wish to investigate. Visit our website www.aut.ac.nz for a list of current transdisciplinary research and research-led learning clusters.
Application process
If you would like information on your eligibility for admission to the PhD, you can contact the Doctoral Co-ordinator at cultureandsocietypgrad@aut.ac.nz
International students can email PhD Admissions at phdadmissions@aut.ac.nz
You should provide official copies of academic transcripts, and evidence of previous independent research outputs, such as an honours-level project or master’s-level dissertation or thesis. You should also provide evidence of successful completion of studies in research methodology at a postgraduate level.
PhD research allowance
PhD research allowances are normally available for PhD candidates for expenses associated with data collection and analysis, and other resources associated with completing their research.
Scholarships/graduate assistantships
Research scholarships and graduate assistantships may be available to approved PhD candidates. For more information about scholarships, visit www.aut.ac.nz/scholarships