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.

Media, Film and Television

Film, television and other media are central to all aspects of contemporary society. By studying them you can gain insight into how we communicate, represent and reflect on ourselves and our world.

Media, Film and Television has developed as a dialogue between the three strands of film, television and media studies. You can choose to concentrate on one of these, or undertake a comparative study of two or more areas. While we emphasize film and television, it is possible to explore other media through research or by including courses from other disciplinary areas.

Areas of study

You can study all forms of media, including film, television, the internet, music video and digital media. You can examine aesthetics, content, audiences, social context, technology and production.

What you will learn

Postgraduate study can develop your ability to write, research, analyse and think independently. It is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the theoretical basis of your previous study and take your knowledge and professional training to a further stage.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to careers in media production or management, new media, writing and publishing, arts funding and management, public policy and education. As well as work within the media or cultural sectors, there are many other careers which draw upon an understanding of the media and culture.

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.