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.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of natural and managed environments, with an emphasis on the scientific approach to environmental problem-solving. We are also dedicated to the need to protect and restore our natural heritage, to minimise our personal and collective ecological 'footprints; and, where necessary, to remediate past environmental degradation. Our central philosophy is a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research that will better enable our society to manage our environment and resources. Undergraduate courses are designed to add interdisciplinary skills to strengths in a particular scientific discipline.

Postgraduate Environmental Science emphasises the integration and application of scientific knowledge and skills in the prevention and resolution of environmental problems that face industry, regulators and communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is designed for individuals who seek to develop and apply prevention, remediation and mitigation strategies to maintain or enhance environmental quality.

The future is bright for graduate careers in environmental science, with opportunities expanding steadily. Our graduates have been employed in a very diverse range of careers such as: policy analysts for central government (such as MFE and MFish); scientific officers and resource planners in local and regional government, from Auckland Regional Council to Ruapehu District Council; environmental consultants; research scientists in Crown Research Institutes (such as NIWA, ESR and Landcare); scientific officers with non-government organisations (such as WWF-NZ and UNESCO); wildlife manager; health and safety professional; conservation officer (such as with DoC); pest manager, corporate environment manager; waste management analyst; environmental engineer.

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

• Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours
• GPE 5.5
• Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements:

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