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.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is the innovative application of science and technology to the design, production and operation of mechanical devices, machinery and systems. Mechanical engineers are good at designing things, especially complex items like racing yachts, robots, sawmills and aero planes. They also design industrial machinery and processes, which make other things, such as paper mills or car assembly plants. Mechanical engineering also involves the efficient use of energy in processes such as a heating system for a hospital or a refrigeration plant for food exports.

Areas of study

Our departments’ postgraduate and research programmes are far ranging and include areas such as plastics and composite materials, fuel efficiency and combustion, STEP CNC programming and manufacturing, yacht and sail design, and more.

Career opportunities

Mechanical engineers employ their knowledge and skills in a remarkable range of New Zealand industries. They are involved in the design and operation of major primary process plants such as wood pulp, dairy and meat products, aluminium, steel, petroleum and electricity generation.

They are also employed in many of the numerous companies which make up the manufacturing industries – washing machines, furniture, packaging, plastic products, agricultural machinery, carpets and wood processing to name just a few. Other engineers are employed in the transport industry to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of trains, aircraft and buses.

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.