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.

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Chemistry is the science of molecules. It deals with molecular structure and synthesis, interactions between molecules, chemical reactions, and theoretical models that explain molecular behaviour. Since Chemistry aims to understand the structure and properties of matter in the world around us, it is a central science, with impacts on fields as diverse as biology, geology, environmental studies, medicine and engineering.

At postgraduate level, the School of Chemical Sciences covers a wide range of areas including analytical, educational, environmental, inorganic, materials, medicinal, organic and physical chemistry. In addition to these traditional Chemistry disciplines, Forensic, Food, Wine, and Polymers and Coatings Science programmes within the school reflect their diverse and active research and teaching endeavours.

In addition to individual research programmes, staff members are involved in many collaborative projects with both national and international academic and industrial partners.

Research workers at the School of Chemical Sciences have access to a wide range of facilities including various spectrometers and in-house glassblowing, mechanical and electronic workshops. This collection of research equipment makes the school one of the best and most extensive analytical centres in the country.

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.