The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years. As well as your supervised original research, through your doctoral programme you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal and professional skills. Doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field. This course is also offered at overseas and Manukau location. Anatomy The department comprises the disciplines of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and forms part of the School of Medical Sciences of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. The research activities of staff are similarly wide ranging and multidisciplinary, extending from the molecular level through biological structure to studies on the whole body. The department has developed multidisciplinary approaches to research involving cell biology, histology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, molecular biology, computer graphics and imaging capabilities. Research groups in the department use, for example, cell and organ culture, transgenic models, human tissue studies, gene manipulation, gene expression studies, in situ RT-PCR and advanced biomedical imaging applications at all levels. Programme structure The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree. On entry 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.