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.

Geology

Earth Sciences is the study of planet Earth. It is a diverse science and includes the study of the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin, the materials that the Earth is made of, the processes that act on these materials, and the products formed through these processes. Earth Sciences considers the physical forces that act on the Earth, the chemistry of its constituent materials, and the biology of its past inhabitants as revealed by fossils. Geological investigations span a broad spectrum, from the microscopic to those of planetary dimensions.

The School of Environment offers a wide variety of courses at postgraduate level. These cover a diverse range of subject matter including, but not limited to, volcanology, geothermal energy, paleo-climates and -environments, economic geology, natural hazards, applied geophysics and the various rock and mineral forming processes. Study at postgraduate level requires significant student commitment and a high degree of self motivation.

Although competition is fierce, there are always opportunities in teaching and research for outstanding geology graduates. The Geology Department has an excellent international reputation, and Auckland graduates can be found in research/teaching positions all over the world. Institutions where such opportunities exist include universities, government and industrial research laboratories, and museums. The positions are generally geared towards a specific geologic discipline, so a degree of expertise is necessary. This is gained through graduate study and research, e.g. MSc and/or PhD. Opportunities exist in all of the geologic disciplines.

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.