University

Doctor of Philosophy

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Doctoral Degree

Duration

4 years

Next start date

Expected Nov 2026

Campus

Main Campus

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Summary

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
Digital Screen Production
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 criteria

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.

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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.