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.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Law

Law covers a diverse range of subjects included in the compulsory and elective courses that constitute the LLB. Rather than specialising at an undergraduate level, students undertake the study of compulsory core topics to gain a broad understanding of the law, with electives available in the final year of their degree. Auckland Law School has New Zealand’s largest community of legal academics and is ranked the best law school in New Zealand. Students gain transferable skills such as knowledge of the law and its implications, analytical and research skills, social appreciation and public responsibility, the ability to work under pressure, a sense of justice and communication skills.

The faculty welcomes enquiries from prospective research students. The faculty’s core subject areas include:

• Constitutional, Administrative and Public Law
• Contract, Torts, Equity and Private Law
• Corporate and Commercial Law
• Criminal Law and Justice
• Human Rights Law
• Indigenous Peoples and the Law
• International and Comparative Law
• Land and Environmental Law
• Legal History and Theory
• Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Family and Relationships Law

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible 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.