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.

Physics

Physics is perhaps the most basic of all sciences. Understanding the principles of physics and the laws of nature gives you an enhanced insight into the world around you. All of modern science and technology is underpinned by physics. A degree in physics will give you an understanding of the nature of matter combined with training in experimental methods and the mathematical analysis of physical processes.

Lectures at postgraduate level include a choice of basic and specialised topics. The latter are closely related to the research interests (and therefore MSc thesis topics) in the Department, which include aspects of theoretical physics, nuclear physics, laser physics, optoelectronics, nonlinear fibre optics, teraherta spectroscopy, adaptive optics, quantum optics, atom optics, optical metrology, biophotonics, theoretical biology, condensed matter physics, marine acoustics, atmospheric and ionspheric physics, astrophysics, elementary particle physics, remote sensing, signal processing and physics education.

Fundamental physics is a strong underpinning for careers in many branches of the physical sciences. Recent graduates are finding work in research-based jobs, and teaching, marketing, medical physics and computing. Mineral exploration physics and astrophysics are open to physics graduates.

Many aspects of computing and telecommunications require physics and a degree in physics would open up avenues in scientific instrument manufacture, electronics and development of computer systems.

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.