Doctor of Philosophy in English

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.

English

You can take courses in reading, writing and thinking about texts written in English, from the classics of English and American literature to exciting imaginative writing across the world today.

You can develop sophisticated reading and writing skills and gain an in-depth knowledge of cultural history. You can also take courses that develop your own creative writing skills and interests.

Where can English take you?

English provides excellent training in critical thinking, analytical skills and in organising and expressing your ideas.

Our graduates have careers in the arts, business, communications, local and national government, publishing, teaching and libraries.

Research opportunities

We offer supervision in the standard PhD and in the PhD with creative practice.

We welcome PhD proposals in areas including:

• Maori, Pasifika and New Zealand literature
• Global Indigenous literatures
• Literature, evolution and cognition
• Digital arts theory
• American literature
• Medieval literature, culture and drama
• Shakespeare and early modern drama
• 19th-century literature
• Modernist literature, culture and drama
• Contemporary literature
• Contemporary theatre
• Transcultural creative writing
• Poetry and poetics
• Narrative and literary theory
• Trauma and cultural memory

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.