phd in psychology nz

Te Kura Mātai Hinengaro

School of --> school of psychology.

The human mind presents some of science’s greatest challenges, and an understanding of behaviour is key to solving some of humanity’s most pressing problems. Join the School of Psychology to understand human nature and explain both the strange and everyday behaviour you see around you.

We are the recognised number one School of Psychology in New Zealand in terms of research quality and output, and you will be taught by our academic staff, each of whom works at the forefront in their respective area.

Upcoming and current events

Aotearoa's first Bachelor of Psychology

Help solve some of Aotearoa’s most crucial problems. Study Psychology with us in 2024.

Subject areas

Degrees and qualifications.

Psychological Science, Brain Sciences and Mental Health, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Criminal Justice and Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Māori Psychology, Mental Health: Principles and Applications, Work and Organisational Psychology

Study Psychology to understand behaviour—how we think, feel, and act—and how those processes can go wrong. Learn how our biology and our environment interact to make us who we are.

Available subjects

• Psychological Science
• Brain Sciences and Mental Health

Clinical Psychology

Cognitive and behavioural neuroscience.

• Cognitive Science
• Criminal Justice and Psychology
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Forensic Psychology

• Health Psychology
• Māori Psychology
• Mental Health: Principles and Applications
• Work and Organisational Psychology

Undergraduate degrees

Bachelor of psychology, kelburn, wellington, bachelor of science, graduate certificate in science, 1 trimester of full-time study. or normally 2 trimesters for part-time domestic students., on-campus (kelburn, wellington), graduate diploma in science, 2 trimesters of full-time study or normally 4 if studied part time, diploma in clinical psychology.

School of Psychology

Cross-cultural Psychology

Postgraduate degrees, bachelor of science with honours, duration: 2 trimesters of full-time study. or normally 4 trimesters for part-time domestic students., points: 120, location: kelburn, wellington, type: coursework and research, schedule: lectures, duration: 1 trimester of full-time study. or normally 2 trimesters for part-time domestic students., location: on-campus (kelburn, wellington), type: coursework, schedule: daytime lectures, duration: 2 trimesters of full-time study or normally 4 if studied part time, master of science by coursework and thesis, duration: 4–5 trimesters of full-time study. normally 8 trimesters for part-time domestic students., points: 240, schedule: lectures and/or lab sessions, master of science by thesis, duration: 2–3 trimesters of full-time study. or normally 5–6 trimesters for part-time domestic students., location: wellington campuses and online, type: research, schedule: self-directed study, postgraduate diploma in clinical psychology, pgdipclinpsyc, duration: 6 trimesters of full-time study., points: 330, type: coursework and practicum, postgraduate diploma in science, doctor of philosophy (science), duration: minimum 3 years full-time study, or at least 6 years if studied part time, points: 360, schedule: self-directed research.

2024, Trimester 2 - Tutor and Teaching Assistant Roles

Applications are now open! The School of Psychology is currently seeking applicants for several Tutor and Teaching Assistant roles. Applications close on 20 May 2024 at 10am. Late applications may be considered.

Support the School of Psychology's research

Support student research projects and events for the community around psychology-related topics to grow everyone’s knowledge and understanding of human behaviour.

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PhDs and Doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must show significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge. Studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, enable you to discover new things, and develop new skills. Check out the options and requirements.

Perhaps you have a burning intellectual curiosity about something, wish to advance your career or even change career direction and increase your employability and earning capacity. Either way you can be sure that studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, allow you to discover new things, and develop new skills.

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge.

In addition to your thesis research, UC offers a number of workshops and seminars for thesis students to develop general skills such as career planning, time management, networking, and communication skills. See the 'Further study' section below for more details.

A number of  scholarships and awards  are available for doctoral students.

Qualification options keyboard_arrow_down

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

A  Doctor of Philosophy  involves extensive and sustained original research in a subject of your choice, with the results being presented in a thesis. It is normally the highest academic qualification available and is a mark of intellectual ability and independence, critical thinking, self-discipline, and commitment. PhDs are offered in a wide range of subjects at UC, and are by thesis only.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A  Doctor of Education  is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study. The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

The  Doctor of Health Sciences  offers clinical and non-clinical professionals collaborative research opportunities and contacts with local industry. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The  Doctor of Musical Arts  is a doctoral degree that is specific to advanced research in music composition or performance. It comprises scholarly research in the form of a supervised research thesis and performance practice in the form of public music performance or the presentation of compositions. International students will need to pay international fees for this doctorate.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

The minimum requirements to apply for doctoral study are that you should have completed, or be in the process of completing, a research-focused  honours degree  or  master's degree . For PhD study you must achieve this degree at either the level of First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent).

For international applicants, our International Office, in consultation with your host department, look at your previous qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the necessary background required to complete a doctoral degree at UC. You are also required to meet UC's  English language requirements  for admission.

Find out how to  apply for PhD and Doctoral degrees .

See also  Financial and Enrolment Information — Doctorate, Master's Thesis, and Dissertation Students Policy .

Identifying a supervisor

As part of the admissions process, you must  identify a potential research supervisor  before submitting a formal application to enrol in a PhD. A supervisor must be an academic member of staff at UC. Over 500 academics at UC have expertise in a large variety of topics. To identify experts in a given area and to find out about the research interests of staff in your discipline, you can search the school or department website, or the  UC Research Profile database .

If you identify any possible supervisors, please contact them directly to discuss your potential research topic and ascertain whether suitable supervision might be available. When you have identified a supervisor who is willing to support your application to enrol please  complete the admissions documents.

For more information visit the  Find a Supervisor webpage .

Specific qualification entry requirements

If you are applying for  Doctor of Musical Arts  study, you will typically require an audition, interview, and/or submission of previous academic work and recommendation from  Te Kura Puoro | School of Music .

A  Doctor of Health Sciences  requires at least five years of relevant professional practice in the clinical or non-clinical industry.

How do I plan my degree? keyboard_arrow_down

During your doctoral degree you will investigate a research topic and develop your research skills, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis undergoes examination by two independent examiners prior to you having an oral examination.

Your thesis must:

• be an original contribution to knowledge/understanding in its field
• meet internationally recognised standards for doctoral research in its field
• demonstrate knowledge of literature relevant to the field to which it belongs, and the ability to exercise critical and analytical judgment of that literature
• be satisfactory in its method, in the quality and coherence of its expression, and in its scholarly presentation and format.

The doctoral programmes are structured in PhD reporting milestones to track your progress. These must be submitted to the  Dean of Postgraduate Research  and approved every six months.

The exact structure of programme will vary based on the nature of the research being undertaken and agreed to with your senior supervisor.

You can begin a  Doctor of Philosophy  or  Doctor of Musical Arts  on the first day of any month of the year, and should regard study and research as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year. The minimum period of enrolment if you are a full-time student is 3 years (PhD students should normally complete their thesis within 4 years). There are provisions for you to apply for part-time study, in which case the minimum period is 4.5 years, and you should complete your thesis within 6 years.

The first two years of the  Doctor of Education  and  Doctor of Health Sciences  degrees are part-time for all. These doctorates will take 4-6 years to complete, or part-time only for up to 6 years.

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Additional skills and training opportunities.

In addition to providing world-class research supervision and facilities, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is committed to providing PhD students with a range of opportunities to engage in a broader research-based experience, equipping students with research skills, introductions to professional networks, and enhanced career opportunities.

A UC doctoral graduate will not only be recognised for the quality of their research thesis, but will also have additional research skills and experiences.

While doing a doctorate at UC, you will have the opportunity to participate in:

• transferable skills workshops
• research design and statistical analysis workshops
• 'Surviving your Thesis' seminars
• networking opportunities, within and outside the University
• presentation experience
• social events.

Many doctoral students also have the opportunity to undertake teaching assistance work.

For social networking and events,  UC Postgraduate Students' Association (UC PGSA)  is run by students and works closely with the Dean of Postgraduate Research to enhance the UC postgraduate student experience.

Support for research students

Te kura tāura.

Te Kura Tāura | UC Graduate School is a space where our graduate research students can access wraparound support at every stage of their journey, from initial enquiry through to graduation.

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General enquiries

0800 827 748 (within NZ) +64 3 369 3999

info@canterbury.ac.nz

International enquiries

+64 3 364 3443

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Emergency contact details

Ext: 92111 (from a campus landline) Direct dial: 0800 823 637

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University of Canterbury | A Fair Trade University

Why a New Zealand PhD?

New zealand’s phd package.

International PhD students in New Zealand enjoy the following benefits:

How to apply

Apply now to your preferred university:.

Victoria University of Wellington

The University of Waikato

The University of Otago

Massey University

Lincoln University

The University of Canterbury

AUT University

The University of Auckland

Jessica Patiño-Pérez | Colombian PhD student

Still have questions?

How much are tuition fees, what is the phd structure, what is the length of a phd programme, how will my phd be assessed, how soon are you planning to begin your studies.

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The University of Auckland

Doctor of Philosophy PhD

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

Breadcrumbs List.

• Ngā akoranga | Study
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Programme overview

The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders.

During your doctoral studies, you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal, professional and academic skills. Our 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.

All of our doctoral policies and guidelines governing PhD study, including the PhD statute, are available in Doctoral policies and guidelines .

If you are looking for PhD study in a subject not listed here, it may be available under a different title. For more information, please contact a postgraduate adviser in the relevant faculty.

Programme structure

Entry requirements.

• Fees and scholarships
• Find a Supervisor

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 milestones 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.

Part-time enrolment is available for New Zealand students, in which case provisional enrolment lasts for 24 months, and you must submit your full thesis for examination no earlier than 6 years, and within 8 years, of your start date.

As part of your PhD study, you have access to our doctoral skills workshops and resources, 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 research services advisers to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

For international students, your visa conditions will generally stipulate that you must be enrolled for full-time PhD study.

It may be possible for candidates to undertake a PhD including scholarly creative work and/or publications that they worked on while under supervision for their PhD. For information on including scholarly creative work in a PhD, see the PhD including scholarly creative work policy and procedures . To read the rules about including publications in a PhD, see the Doctoral thesis policy and procedures .

To read the rules about including publications in your PhD, see Doctoral Candidates– including publications in a thesis policy and procedures . 

Subjects available in this programme

• Anaesthesiology
• Ancient History
• Anthropology
• Applied Linguistics
• Architecture
• Art History
• Asian Languages and Cultures
• Behavioural Science
• Bioengineering
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Science
• Chemical and Materials Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Commercial Law
• Communication
• Comparative Literature
• Computer Science
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Criminology
• Dance Studies
• Development Studies
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Engineering Science
• Environmental Science
• European Languages and Culture
• Exercise Sciences
• Food Science
• Forensic Science
• Gender Studies
• General Practice
• Global Studies
• Health Psychology
• Health Sciences
• Heritage Conservation
• Information Systems
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Education
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Media and Screen Studies
• Medical Imaging
• Molecular Medicine
• Māori Studies
• Māori and Pacific Health
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Operations Research
• Ophthalmology
• Pacific Studies
• Paediatrics
• Perinatal Science
• Pharmacology
• Politics and International Relations
• Population Health
• Public Policy
• Social Work
• Software Engineering
• Speech Science
• Translation Studies
• Urban Design

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements, minimum programme requirements.

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

• Honours or masters degree
• Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements.

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.  

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate .

• Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours

No bands less than 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.

All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.

How much does a Doctor of Philosophy cost per year?

A New Zealand government funding scheme enables the University of Auckland to offer PhD study to international students for the same tuition fees as New Zealand PhD students.

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Eligible candidates can enrol and start their PhD at any time of year. You must enrol within 6 months of your unconditional offer. 

A University of Auckland PhD is available in over 100 different subjects but your research project will be unique. As part of the application process, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.

Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can also look at supervisor profiles and research projects , or to find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland, click on the links in the Subjects tab to start exploring faculty research webpages for your area of interest.

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 start up. With focused development opportunities available throughout your PhD study, and dedicated postgraduate career advice, we can help you to explore and meet your own career goals, no matter what direction you take.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services .

Graduate story: Katherine Higgins

Having supportive doctoral supervisors paved the way for Katherine Higgins to develop and facilitate collaborative projects with visiting artists at MIT.

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