Massey’s Doctor of Philosophy is a prestigious research qualification essential for a rewarding academic career in any research institution or university. It’s the highest supervised degree Massey University offers. To do a PhD you need to have a passion for your subject, and pursue it to the limit. The degree is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out independent and original research that provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study. Candidates can complete a thesis with publications or a monograph, depending on the supervisor’s advice. The programme is expected to be completed within three to four years full-time. Workshops to hone your skills Massey offers a wide range of workshops to PhD candidates. Graduate Research School - develop your research skills from project management to writing a research funding application. The Centre for Teaching and Learning - improve your study skills with writing support workshops. Massey Library - develop as a researcher, including learning strategies for getting published and data management. Natural and Mathematical Sciences The Natural and Mathematical Sciences group at Massey University is comprised of some of the world’s leading scientists. Recent recruits have come from Harvard, Cambridge, Max Planck and other leading institutions. They continue their research in New Zealand at Massey, while collaborating with colleagues across the globe. Our areas of specialisation cross the mathematical and natural sciences disciplines. We disseminate and generate scientific knowledge of the highest quality in our areas of specialisation, producing relevant, globally-influential research. We do research in a range of areas within the biological sciences including genetics and genomics, microbiology and the biological basis of disease. Research expertise in Biological sciences: Biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology; Biomedical science and biological basis of disease; Food biosciences; Genetics and genomics; Metabolic health; Microbiology; Quantitative biology Massey University has some of the highest-ranked mathematics and statistics groups in New Zealand. Our expertise covers a broad range of topics and we have received substantial funding and international recognition for our researchers' work. Research expertise in Mathematics and statistics: Mathematics; Quantitative biology; Statistics Massey has world-leading scientists in the areas of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Research expertise in Physical sciences: Chemistry; Physics At Massey key areas of research in computer science and information technology include programming languages and the human-computer interaction including technology-enhanced environments and informatics. Research expertise in Computer science and information technology: Artificial intelligence; Computational systems and software; Data science and analytics. Our natural resources of land, water and air support our livelihoods, lifestyles and biodiversity. Massey University’s research around our natural environment is focused on understanding and creating a sustainable future for our unique flora, fauna and land. Research expertise in Natural environment: Biodiversity and ecosystem health; Conservation; Earth sciences and volcanology; Ecology; Environmental management; Evolution; Geology; Physical geography; Soil and land management; Water management; Zoology.