Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

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.

Social Work

Research opportunities

"E raka te maui, e raka te katau
A community can use all the skills of its people"

When you join us for your doctoral study in social work, you’ll be part of a community of high-calibre academic staff with expertise in teaching, scholarship, research and practice in the main disciplines of social work, counselling, disability support and youth work.

You will be able to use a range of research methodologies to ascertain the lived experiences, the health and the well-being of diverse populations and explore the implications of professional practice in the health and social services with a focus on three key themes:

• Children, young people and families
• This stream explores the wide range of issues that affect the well-being of children, young people and families/whanau and investigates practice strategies for promoting their well-being.
• Migrants, refugees and cultural identities
• This cluster focuses on the diverse ways in which people construct, negotiate and communicate multiple forms of identity and competencies. In particular, there is a focus on how the intersections of culture, gender, age, ethnicity, linguistic competencies and spirituality relate to people’s lived experiences across the domains of family, community, civil society and professional practice.
• Professional education, policy and practice
• This research cluster explores responses to these challenges from education, policy and practice perspectives.

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.