Health Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree available in the College of Health, covering a wide range of health subjects. It is a prestigious research qualification essential for a rewarding career in any research institution or university. The Graduate Research School provides administrative and management services for doctoral degrees. Candidates complete a PhD by thesis. The programme is expected to take three years of full-time or up to six years of part-time study.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest supervised degree Massey University offers. The degree is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out independent research that provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study.

The thesis is an integrated report of supervised work. If it consists of several studies or cases, the candidate shall demonstrate their relationship to one another. The thesis may consist of the candidate's published or unpublished material, or a combination of both.

The PhD normally involves research for a minimum of three years full-time, or four years part-time. Research conducted for the Master's Degree may form part of the doctoral thesis.

Enrolment for a PhD is available to candidates who have completed a Bachelors or Masters degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division I), or those who hold comparable qualifications.

Massey University’s Doctoral Research Committee administers the PhD. The Committee will only allow registration if the relevant Head of School/Centre has agreed to provide supervision and facilities for the candidate’s research.

Candidates interested in this programme should consult with the postgraduate coordinator for the specific subject area.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship

Masterate Scholarships are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree at Massey University.

Massey University Masterate Scholarship for Māori Students

Masterate Scholarships for Māori students are offered for the purpose of encouraging postgraduate research at Massey University. Applicants must be enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time in a 120 credit research programme towards a Masters degree.