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. Exercise Sciences Exercise Sciences focuses on how and why humans move. Exercise Scientists study the mind, muscle, mechanics and metabolism of the human body and the role of exercise in human health. Exercise Sciences is a discipline that focuses on how and why humans move. The dual role that exercise and science play in understanding how physical activity, rehabilitation, sport and movement contribute to sustainable health, provides the foundation for studying Exercise Sciences. There is a growing demand for people who can not only research and analyse performance techniques, but can also work as allied health professionals to maximise human performance to improve general health and wellbeing through exercise. Exercise Sciences ties together and builds on multi-disciplinary courses in human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and computational movement science, exercise and sport psychology, and movement neuroscience. 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.