Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies

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.

Asian Studies

Asian Studies gives you a broad understanding of the complexities and opportunities of Asia. Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that draws on the wide range of expertise on Asia across the Faculty of Arts. You can choose to study film, literature, politics, history, popular culture, philosophy, geography, economics and anthropology.

Research opportunities

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:

• Asian diaspora communities
• Chinese films and popular culture, including culture during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
• Chinese history
• Chinese youth culture
• Education and migration
• Globalisation and transnationalism in Asia
• Heritage language education
• Japanese popular culture
• Japanese history
• Language and identity in Asia
• Nation-building and nationalism in Asia
• Politics and religion in the Asia-Pacific
• Religious movements in Asia

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.