Doctoral Study in NZ

Doctoral Degree

The Doctoral Degree is a research degree whereby the individual becomes an increasingly independent scholar who makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge.

It is normally the culmination of study which begins at the bachelor level and reaches a stage beyond the masters. For the PhD/DPhil and the named doctorate (e.g. D Mus), the development takes place under the guidance of recognised experts in the field of study and under circumstances that allow the individual access to appropriate research resources.

The contribution to knowledge is judged by independent experts applying contemporary international standards of the discipline. The hallmark will be the individual’s capacity for substantial independent research or scholarly creative activity as attested by his/her educational institution and/or as demonstrated by submitted work.

The major component of all doctorates is original research. The body of work that leads to the award of a doctorate will be one or more of the following:

• a thesis (the PhD/DPhil)
• creative work in the visual or performing arts (the PhD/DPhil)
• a thesis or equivalent creative work in combination with coursework (the named doctorate)
• a creative work in the visual or performing arts (the named doctorate) with a thesis (the named doctorate)
• published work.

Credit requirements

A Doctoral Degree requires at least 360 credits and is listed at level 10.