Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy

Program Available At Hamilton and Tauranga Campus

The research, which must be the candidate's own work, is written up as a thesis and may include papers published or intended to be published. The thesis is required to present the case for the research, outline the research was undertaken and the findings and conclusions of that research. There is no course work for this degree.

Philosophy is for thinkers and doers. It's about solving real-life problems and applying intellectual rigor to how we understand and interact with others, society and the world. Studying Philosophy at Waikato will teach you how to learn, think and write clearly, argue vigorously, and question deeply held assumptions and beliefs.

The study of Philosophy involves tackling ethical and science-related issues, logic problems and debates about the nature of reality. It asks fundamental questions about what it means to be human, at this time and in this place. Questions such as: what is truth; what is the reality; what is the mind; and what is good?

Employers understand the value of graduates who can think, and decide, for themselves. Waikato Philosophy graduates have the practical and analytical skills needed for careers within the public and private, health, business, environmental, publishing, information technology, and education sectors, among others.

Note:- International Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students enrolled in recognized research programs at New Zealand universities may qualify for domestic student status. To hold domestic student status, international Doctor of Philosophy students must be resident in New Zealand during their study, except for temporary absences for the purposes of their research (conducting research and fieldwork appropriate to their course of study). The University defines a 'temporary absence' as no more than 12 months in total during the period of their candidature. A student enrolled in a New Zealand university but remaining resident overseas does not have domestic student status.