Doctor of Philosophy in Psychiatry

Summary

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.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry is the medical specialty that deals with the study and treatment of mental illnesses and other disorders in which psychological factors are important as causes.

Over recent years there has been increasing awareness of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders within the community and its contribution to disability and mortality. The majority of people with mental health disorders will never be seen by a psychiatrist or mental health service, but will present to their GPs or hospital specialists, sometimes with somatic symptoms.

This makes psychiatry an important field for health professionals to have knowledge and understanding in. Psychiatry combines medicine and psychology and is used to treat mental illnesses and disorders, ranging from brain abnormalities to personality deviations. The University of Auckland offers psychiatry courses in a range of sub-specialties, providing students with the opportunities to explore psychiatry in all of its multiplicities. It is taught in the Department of Psychological Medicine, which is active in both teaching and research, and is strongly represented at the Waikato Clinical Campus.

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible 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.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, 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 specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.