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. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a well-established discipline that involves communications and control technology, the development and exploitation of electric power systems, the design and implementation of complex signal processing devices on computer platforms, robotics design, the application of modern instrumentation, and high-power electronics. Offered by our Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, this discipline is vital in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of upcoming generations of electricity transmission, industrial automation, communication infrastructure and electric vehicles. Many students pursue this specialisation for its adaptability – the fundamental theories it provides lead to broad applications. Our faculty is also proud to be home to research leaders in many areas of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, including green and renewable energy, and wireless power transfer, which may someday lead to our ability to charge vehicles on-the-go in some cities. Where can Electrical and Electronic Engineering take you? Graduates of this field tend to be recognised as a best bet for future-proofing as the technological world embraces rapid advancement in digital and processing systems. Not many engineering disciplines change as rapidly as Electrical and Electronic Engineering. This opens up possibilities for graduates to envision the types of technological challenges they will pursue – we see them in a wide range of industries, either following traditional pathways as electrical engineers, or seizing new opportunities in robotics, communications, information systems and processing plants. 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.