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. Dance Studies Using your physical, creative and intellectual abilities, Dance Studies explores the artistic, social, cultural and theoretical impacts of dance. There is so much more to dance than moving your body, which is why our philosophy is “Move Your Thinking”. Our programmes have a strong focus on how dance may contribute to and transform society. You can be involved in projects with artists, children, elderly or people with physical disabilities to see the benefits dance can provide. We also have deep respect for Māori and Pacific Islands dance and the place they have in our community and history. Dance Studies immerses you in safe and professional industry practices, dance technology, academic writing and research. Our practical and choreographic classes allow you to express what you discover in your research and refine your performance capabilities. In the Dance Studies programme, you are able to choose one of two ways to complete your doctoral study, depending on your research preferences. The traditional PhD thesis is a formal piece of advanced research, with a final examined thesis of up to 100,000 words. Your thesis serves as a contribution to the field of dance research on both a local and international level. PhD with a creative practice component You can also consider completing your PhD with a creative practice component. This allows you to submit a creative work and a written component as examinable work. 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.