Doctor of Philosophy

To do a PhD you need to have a passion and commitment for your discipline. The degree is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research. It also needs to provide a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study. Developing effective communication skills are prioritised at Massey. We support you with research communications events such as the 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition. We also place great importance on personal effectiveness. We offer you the opportunity to do the Strengths Massey programme. This supports the building of good relationships with supervisors and peers and informs effective ways of achieving research outputs.

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme you will:

have completed a postgraduate bachelor's (honours) or master's degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division I) B+ equivalent, or equivalent qualification

have sufficient independent research experience to satisfy the Doctoral Research Committee that you have the capacity to successfully undertake the programme.

Massey University's Doctoral Research Committee administers the PhD. Registration must be supported by the relevant Head of School/Centre who will agree to provide supervision and facilities for your research.

Please note that there are more applicants than places on the programme. If you meet the above conditions you will also go through a selection process including an interview. If successful in this process, you will be offered a place.

English language requirements:

Academic IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 - this must be achieved in one sitting; or a minimum TOEFL iBT of 90 overall (minimum of 20 in writing). These tests are valid for two years. The Institute of Education requires a higher score.

International English Language Requirements:

• IELTS - 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL iBT – Overall score 90, minimum 20 in Writing
• Cambridge English - C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176. No less than 169 in each skill.
• NCEL - Level 5
• PTE - 58 overall and minimum 50 in each communicative skills
• LanguageCert - C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with HIGH PASS and no less than Pass in each skill or C2 Mastery IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill