Doctor of Philosophy
Course details
| NZQF Level | 10 |
|---|
About the course
The UC Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At UC 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.
Why study a PhD at UC?
- In addition to expert supervision, UC 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.
- UC 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 postgraduate research community 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 UC Research Profile. UC 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 Aotearoa 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.
Subjects and Courses
- 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
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 Aotearoa 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 not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy or use the admission requirements checker.
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 UC Research Profile.
Find out more about how to apply for Doctoral degrees.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
About the provider
At the University of Canterbury you will get to enjoy the very best a university has to offer 'a world class learning environment, a vibrant campus and a great student lifestyle that's packed with opportunities.
You will gain hands-on experience in courses led by academics who are actively engaged in research and who are experts in their fields. The culture promotes active learning, where the vibrant community allows you to be who you are and do what you love. UC's picturesque campus with modern teaching and research facilities is set in the heart of a city that has become a magnet for growth and innovation. Further afield lies a region packed with outdoor adventure, from the mountains to the sea.