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.

Latin American Studies

Students completing a PhD in Latin American Studies have the opportunity to be co-supervised by specialists from two different disciplinary units and across faculties.

Students completing a PhD in Latin America Studies are eligible to conduct one semester of research at any partner university that offers such a degree, without paying additional fees. At these institutions students will be supervised by specialists for the duration of their stay. To cover airfare and accommodation costs, students completing this PhD may use their allocated research budget, which can be supplemented through other scholarships, such as the 360 Abroad Scholarship.

Our main partner universities in the area of Latin American Studies are: Australian National University, Australia, University of Sydney, Australia, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, University of Chile, Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile, Colegio de Mexico, Mexico, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, University of Salamanca, Spain, University of Nottingham, UK, University College London, UK, University of California, Davis, USA, University of Oregon, USA, University of Washington, USA.

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.