Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
The UC Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At UC you can complete a PhD in over 70 subjects, joining over 1,000 students from more than 60 nations.
A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research 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.
You may begin your PhD on the first day of any month of the year. Study and research for the PhD is regarded as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year.
The minimum period of enrolment for full-time study is 3 years and the maximum period 4 years. There are provisions 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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The UC Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At UC you can complete a PhD in over 70 subjects, joining over 1,000 students from more than 60 nations.
A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research 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.
You may begin your PhD on the first day of any month of the year. Study and research for the PhD is regarded as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year.
The minimum period of enrolment for full-time study is 3 years and the maximum period 4 years. There are provisions 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.
Admission Requirements
58+
7+
176+
6.5+
90+
Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications). Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme. In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
01 Dec 2025
4 Years
Jan
Feb
Domestic
8,085 NZD
International
8,085 NZD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Doctor of Philosophy
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
# 151-200QS Subject Rankings
48 monthsProgramme duration
8,085 NZDTuition Fee/year
01 Dec, 2025Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The UC Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At UC you can complete a PhD in over 70 subjects, joining over 1,000 students from more than 60 nations.
A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research 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.
You may begin your PhD on the first day of any month of the year. Study and research for the PhD is regarded as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year.
The minimum period of enrolment for full-time study is 3 years and the maximum period 4 years. There are provisions 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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Philosophy
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The UC Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. At UC you can complete a PhD in over 70 subjects, joining over 1,000 students from more than 60 nations.
A PhD involves extensive, sustained, and original research 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.
You may begin your PhD on the first day of any month of the year. Study and research for the PhD is regarded as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year.
The minimum period of enrolment for full-time study is 3 years and the maximum period 4 years. There are provisions 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.
Admission Requirements
Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
More programmes from the university
Arts and Humanities (6)
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Business and Management (6)
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours
Engineering and Technology (6)
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
Bachelor of Product Design
Bachelor of Product Design
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Bachelor of Forestry Science
Bachelor of Forestry Science
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Natural Sciences (6)
Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Bachelor of Social Work with Honours
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Bachelor of Sport Coaching
Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership
Arts and Humanities (6)
Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
Master of Arts
Master of Arts
Master of Arts (Thesis)
Master of Arts (Thesis)
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Linguistics
Master of Linguistics
Master of Music
Master of Music
Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
Master of Writing
Master of Writing
Business and Management (6)
Master of Applied Finance and Economics
Master of Applied Finance and Economics
Master of Business
Master of Business
Master of Business Information Systems
Master of Business Information Systems
Master of Commerce
Master of Commerce
Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Professional Accounting
Engineering and Technology (6)
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Architectural Engineering
Master of Architectural Engineering
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Engineering
Master of Engineering
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Studies
Master of Engineering Studies
Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering
Master of Engineering in Fire Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Human Interface Technology
Master of Human Interface Technology
Master of Product Design
Master of Product Design
Master of Product Innovation
Master of Product Innovation
Master of Water Resource Management
Master of Water Resource Management
Master of Water Science and Management
Master of Water Science and Management
Professional Master of Computer Science
Professional Master of Computer Science
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Master of Audiology
Master of Audiology
Master of Counselling
Master of Counselling
Master of Forestry Science
Master of Forestry Science
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Natural Sciences (6)
Master of Antarctic Studies
Master of Antarctic Studies
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
Master of Mathematical Sciences
Master of Mathematical Sciences
Master of Science
Master of Science
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Education
Master of Education
Master of Education (Thesis)
Master of Education (Thesis)
Master of European Union Studies
Master of European Union Studies
Master of Hōaka Pounamu | Māori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching and Learning
Master of Hōaka Pounamu | Māori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching and Learning
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Master of Laws
Master of Laws
Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
Master of Policy and Governance
Master of Policy and Governance
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work (Applied)
Master of Social Work (Applied)
Master of Specialist Teaching
Master of Specialist Teaching
Master of Sport Science
Master of Sport Science
Master of Strategic Communication
Master of Strategic Communication
Master of Te Reo Māori
Master of Te Reo Māori
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Teaching and Learning
Master of Teaching and Learning
Full-Time MBA (1)
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Arts and Humanities (3)
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Life Sciences and Medicine (3)
Doctor of Health Sciences
Doctor of Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Management (3)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD)