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.

Law

Law plays an important part in all areas of life. Through the study of law, you will gain a skill set that meets the high demands of any legal career, including analytical and research skills, knowledge of the law and its implications, social appreciation, public responsibility and communication skills. Postgraduate study allows students to gain extra skills and knowledge of the law. It is increasingly important in a globalised world, as many careers now demand more focused sophisticated and advanced legal expertise. The Law School’s postgraduate programmes allow students to specialise in areas which benefit their employers and their own academic interests.

This degree is a thesis-only research degree undertaken under supervision whereby candidates must complete a sustained course of research resulting in the production of a substantial original thesis.

Study outcomes

Our postgraduate programmes have been structured to allow maximum student flexibility. We offer four options for study: full-semester courses, half-semester courses, intensively taught courses, and research programmes. We do this because we understand that time constraints can be one of the biggest deterrents to further legal study – work pressures and the ability to commit to the time requirements of a university programme are important considerations.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study of law is increasingly important in a globalised world, as all careers now demand much more focused, sophisticated and advanced legal expertise. The Law School’s postgraduate programmes allow students to specialise in areas to benefit both their employers and their own academic interests.

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.