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. Statistics Statistics is the collection, analysis, presentation and organisation of data, allowing us to make predictions for the future based on previously gathered data. We live in an information age. Computers allow us to collect and store information in quantities that previously would not even have been dreamt of; however, raw, undigested data stored on computers is useless until people can start to make sense of it. Statistics is the human side of the computer revolution, an information science, the art and science of extracting meaning from seemingly incomprehensible data. Statistics applies to almost any field; this is why some training in statistics can help make you more effective and more employable, regardless of the career direction you choose. Investigation: asking questions, designing ways to collect data to answer those questions, collecting data, making sense of what the data say to produce sensible answers – this is the subject matter of statistics and a set of general life skills. Where can Statistics take you? Statistics is the ideal partner course for people who want to enhance their quantitative capabilities while pursuing their career choice subject. Some training in statistics can help make you more effective in almost any career. 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.