Course details

Summary

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years. As well as your supervised original research, through your doctoral programme you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal and professional skills. Doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.

This course is also offered at overseas and Manukau location.

Biological Sciences

Biology is a science which is concerned with the study of life. Its scope is extensive, covering the structure and function of all living organisms, their relationships and evolutionary origins, and their interactions with each other and with the physical and chemical worlds about them.

The School of Biological Sciences covers a wide range of disciplines from biotechnology and biomedical science to marine biology and terrestrial ecology. Broad research areas include cell biology and biochemistry, ecology, evolution and behaviour, microbiology, molecular genetics and development, plant sciences, proteomics and biomedicine and structural biology.

There are opportunities for work on projects jointly supervised by staff in other departments in the Faculty of Science, as well as cross-faculty collaborations. Research projects can also be undertaken by joint supervision with staff in the biotechnology company Protemix Corporation and the AgResearch Laboratory for Structural Biology, at various Crown Research Institutes, the Department of Conservation, the Auckland Museum and other outside organisations.

The growth in biotechnology options mean that well-qualified people are in demand in fields such as gene technology and microbiology. Biochemists find work in the food industry and medical research.

Developmental biology is an important field in opening up opportunities to work with and investigate the origins of developmental abnormalities in plants and animals, including such human conditions as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Programme structure

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

On entry 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.

Entry criteria

The usual requirement is a master's degree with Honours (First Class or Second Class, First Division) from The University of Auckland, or an approved equivalent qualification. You must also have demonstrated an ability to pursue doctoral level research.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.