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.

Social Work

PhD students carry out original and advanced research, and present it as a thesis. An oral examination completes the degree.

The PhD does not include coursework. As part of the provisional year however you may be required to undertake coursework considered necessary for completion of the degree. Successful achievement of this coursework would be included as one of the goals for your provisional year.

Doctorates are the highest-level qualifications that can be awarded by the University of Auckland. A doctorate is an advanced course of study and original research lasting the equivalent of three to four years full-time. It culminates in the presentation of a written thesis (accompanied in some cases by a body of creative work) and an oral examination. Completion of a doctorate enables candidates to provide leadership in their communities through the development and dissemination of knowledge, and the design and conduct of comprehensive research that contributes to new knowledge.

The Faculty of Education and Social Work is committed to improving the quality and understanding of education and social services in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally through quality teaching and research. We have a thriving community of doctoral candidates who are actively involved in the community, turning knowledge gained through research into tangible benefits for society.

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.