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.

Philosophy

In Philosophy you will examine fundamental questions about human nature and our place in the world. We explore these questions through respectful discussion and arguments that can be critically assessed.

Areas of study

Study opportunities in Philosophy reflect our research expertise, which includes the following:

Ancient and medieval philosophy, Continental European philosophy, Ethics, Philosophy of language, Logic, Metaphysics, Philosophy of the arts, Philosophy of religion, Epistemology, Philosophy of science.

You can customize a course of study that achieves a balance between breadth and depth suitable to your needs and interests. You would normally study between four and eight different topics in Philosophy in a full-time year. At masters level you have the opportunity to focus on in-depth research of one specific area.

Career opportunities

Philosophy develops skills valued in many fields: the ability to reason carefully, analyse arguments, and express complex ideas clearly and concisely. Philosophy graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers, including business, government, information technology, education and research.

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.