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The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato logo

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Doctoral Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2024

Campus

Hamilton Campus

Summary

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded by the University for research carried out under the supervision of at least two staff members. A PhD can also be presented as a PhD with Publication or a PhD with a Creative Practice Component. The research, which must be the candidate's own work, is written up as a thesis, and may include papers published or intended to be published. The thesis is required to present the case for the research, outline the research undertaken and the findings and conclusions of that research. There is no course work for this degree.

Political Science is a highly flexible programme and will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services.

Political Science at Waikato not only gives you a well-rounded perspective on political issues but also provides a versatile base of knowledge and skills to enter many fields.

Career Opportunities

  • Advocate
  • Central and Local Government Officer
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
  • Maori Development Policy Adviser
  • Media Analyst
  • Policy Analyst

Start Date: The first day of any month from February to November

Entry criteria

To qualify to enrol for the PhD, an applicant must

have qualified for the award of a New Zealand bachelors degree with honours or master's degree,1 in a field relevant to the proposed research with at least second class honours (first division) or distinction, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

have qualified for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in a field relevant to the proposed research, or

have enrolled for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in a field relevant to the proposed research and demonstrated that they are able to transfer to the PhD, or

have passed qualifying papers at a satisfactory level in a field relevant to the proposed research, and

have demonstrated research ability, normally at least 30 points of research in an honours or master's degree, or significant professional research experience, or equivalent, or

in exceptional circumstances have produced other evidence to the satisfaction of the Postgraduate Research Committee that they have adequate skills and knowledge to proceed with the proposed research.

You also need to meet an English language entry requirement as follows: IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 90 with a score of 21 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50; University of Waikato College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in English Language (CAEL) programme.

Note: Application closing dates will be 31st January, 31st May and 30th September.

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