Doctor of Philosophy in English

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate. Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include: Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS) with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or appropriate research experience; and for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice. A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study. If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree.Not with standing regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.