Doctoral study

Embark on and propel research in a field you are passionate about, developing practical solutions to health challenges. Make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Push the boundaries to improve outcomes, lead innovation in healthcare practices and advance clinical knowledge.

Our doctoral programmes shape leaders at the forefront of their discipline.

You can choose from 12 different Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study areas, ranging from broad topics such as health sciences or biomedical science to more focused areas like ophthalmology, optometry, or psychology.

We also offer two named doctorates: the Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) and the Doctor of Medical Sciences(DMedSc).

The PhD and DMedSc programmes boast a strong research focus on specific subjects. The DHSc combines this with taught content at an advanced level that is designed to apply theory, advance research and develop professional skills in a clinical setting.

Embarking on a doctoral degree typically involves three to four years of full-time dedication to research, culminating in a thesis that contributes to the international knowledge relating to the clinical area. You can also study part-time, allowing you to balance your workplace commitments with your studies.

Once you’ve applied for a doctoral programme, you will need to get the necessary approval to begin your study with FMHS.

In order to apply for a doctoral programme, you will need to follow the University’s step-by-step guide for doctoral applications, admission and enrolment.

If your application meets the University’s entry criteria for doctoral study, your application will be sent to the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for processing. You will be asked to provide the following documents for your application.

Statement of research intent

You will need to have confirmed supervision with your proposed supervisor and worked with your supervisor on your Statement of Research Intent, which is part of the application process. Supervisor involvement in the development of the Statement of Research Intent is strongly advised. Contact your proposed supervisor(s) well in advance of the closing date for applications.

You must get an endorsement of the Statement of Research Intent from your proposed supervisor if you wish to be considered by the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship. Further information about scholarship opportunities for study in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences can be found here.

In addition to endorsing the Statement of Research Intent, proposed supervisors must provide further information on the Faculty of Medical and health Sciences Supervisor Environment Letter (updated wording) template by the closing date for applications. Applicants are asked to remind their proposed supervisor(s) to provide this information by the closing date. Supervisors can contact the doctoral adviser in their academic unit for more information.

Thesis proposal form

Using the template below, the preliminary thesis proposal should:

• Provide clear evidence that the project involves original research and has the potential to generate a coherent body of work of doctoral quality
• For qualitative research, there should be a clear explanation of the issues that inform the work and the methods by which the study will be progressed and the information processed
• For hypothetico-deductive research, the proposal should clarify the hypothesis or hypotheses to be tested and the methods by which this will be done
• Abbreviations must be defined

Note: Thesis proposal form must be converted to a pdf before it can be uploaded into the AfA system.

Approval of the Application for Admission (AfA)

Once the application is complete, the AfA is then ready for the approvals process. The AfA is sent to the Head of Department for Departmental or School approval. It is during this time that the application may undergo a further review process whereby an external person will review the thesis proposal. You may then be required to make amendments to the proposal, after which the Department or School will then approve the application.

Faculty approval is then required from the Associate Dean (Postgraduate). The application is automatically sent to the Associate Dean (Postgraduate) once the Head of Department or School approves it.

The Associate Dean (Postgraduate) will review the application and, if all is well, will approve it on behalf of the Faculty whereupon the AfA is sent to the Board of Graduate Studies for the final review and approval. If all is in order, the Board of Graduate Studies will make an offer to you by email.