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. Sociology Sociology pays special attention to questions of power and social justice. It places particular emphasis on theory, research methods and social policy. By studying Sociology you can examine and analyse different aspects of modern society such as popular culture and the media, sexuality, ethnic identities, crime, religion, social justice and the family. Where can Sociology take you? Sociology develops analytical and research skills. Sociology graduates have careers in policy analysis, central and local government, the media and journalism, social and health research, business, marketing and union advocacy. Research opportunities We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as: Critical social theory Critical theories of psychiatry, mental illness, and professional power Cultural sociology Environmental Sociology Ethnicity, national identity, racism and immigration Feminist and queer theory Gender, sexualities and family life Labour, work and organisations Māori and Pacific student success in higher education Marxist sociology Medical Sociology Social policy and citizenship Science and Technology Studies Sociology of disaster Settler colonial studies and decolonisation Social class Youth sociology Youth violence prevention 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.