Course details

Summary

Knowing a second language increases one's employability in a global environment. French is a good choice, being one of the few truly international languages, and is useful in travel, culture, trade, science and sport on several continents. French culture is influential and its history fascinating.

A PhD involves extensive, sustained and original research and study in your chosen subject, with the results being presented in a thesis that will contribute to intellectual knowledge of the field. It is a mark of intellectual ability, self-discipline and commitment. A PhD prepares you for a number of careers, including as an academic.

The minimum period of enrolment for a full-time candidate is two years and the maximum period four years; most PhD students take between three and three-and-a-half years.

Career opportunities

French as a discipline extends beyond the learning of the language itself and can enhance a range of careers in teaching, diplomacy, foreign trade or the tourism industry. Many UC students combine the study of French with another degree in Law, Science, Commerce or Engineering to enhance their career opportunities.

Graduates of French take up a wide range of occupations, from the public service to banking or journalism, translation, or work in research-based institutions.

Entry criteria

Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master's degree at first-class or second-class division 1 level (or equivalent qualifications). Applicants with qualifications from outside New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.