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. Health Sciences Health Sciences focuses on the socio-economic and behavioural factors affecting health, along with the role the health system, governments and policy play. A non-clinical subject, Health Sciences offers a multidisciplinary understanding of health in New Zealand. You’ll learn about the biological, social and behavioural bases of the Western medical system as you prepare for a career in the health sector and related industries. Taken into consideration will be socio-economic and behavioural factors, as well as the role governments play in determining the health of our communities. Topics include health and society, epidemiology, behaviour and health, health systems, healthcare ethics, Māori and Pacific health and human biology. Health Sciences is a great choice for students who want to prepare for a broad range of health-related careers. When you join the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences or the Liggins Institute for your doctorate in Health Sciences, you'll become part of a high-calibre research community and have the opportunity to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop your network in academia and industry. You’ll be undertaking an advanced course of independent study and original research, presented in the form of a thesis. There is much support available, including from outside the university, and we have strong links to the Crown Research Institutes of New Zealand. Financially, you’ll have access to PReSS, which offers our doctoral candidates funding above and beyond scholarships or grants. 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.