Science

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 The thesis may consist of the candidate's published or unpublished material, or a combination of both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.

Supervision

There shall be one supervisor, who shall be a member of the academic staff at the University, and normally at least one co-supervisor. At such times as may be deemed appropriate and at least twice each year the supervisor(s) shall report to the Academic Board on the candidate's progress. If the candidate's progress is considered to be unsatisfactory the Council may on the recommendation of the Academic Board and subject to any appeal or submission from the candidate, terminate registration.

Conditions of Studentship

The Academic Board shall determine the minimum period of registration and conditions of studentship for each candidate. Normally a full-time candidate will be registered for a minimum period of three years (36 months) and the maximum will be four years (48 months). In determining the maximum period of registration for other cases, the Academic Board shall consider any employment or other regular activities in which the candidate is engaged and shall not approve registration unless satisfied that the nature and extent of these commitments are such as to justify the expectation that the candidate will present the thesis within a period of six years (72 months) from registration. The minimum period of registration for such candidates will normally be four years (48 months). Research may be undertaken outside the University for specified periods of time with the approval of the Academic Board. For the purpose of this regulation candidates and their employing authority will be required to provide formal acceptance of such conditions of studentship as may be required by the Academic Board before provisional registration is approved.

Thesis

The degree is awarded for a thesis which demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out independent research which is a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study. The thesis shall be an integrated report of supervised work and if it consists of several studies or cases, their relationship to one another shall be demonstrated. The thesis may consist of the candidate's published or unpublished material or a combination of both.

A candidate for the degree shall have qualified for admission to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with First or Second Class Honours, Division I, or the equivalent.

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.