Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design

Overview

Internationally, the award of a PhD from the University of Auckland is seen as recognition of real distinction in a specific area of study.

The PhD thesis is a formal and sustained exposition of a piece of advanced research work generally carried out over a period of three years. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge in a specific field, and are required to meet internationally recognised standards for such work. A PhD is normally the foundation for an academic career.

In addition, the introduction of creative practice within the PhD gives students the opportunity to incorporate creative work such as fine art, design, performance or film into their research. A creative practice PhD differs from a standard PhD in that it allows new cultural and artistic knowledge to be embodied or expressed through media other than text, along with a rigorous scholarly analysis of the significance of this knowledge in a 60,000 word thesis.

You will work under supervision to produce a substantial thesis representing original research into an approved topic that contributes significantly to knowledge and understanding or application of knowledge.

A doctoral degree is normally carried out over a minimum of 3 full-time years, with candidates preparing a thesis on the conduct and results of their research.

The doctorate is directed by an appointed supervisor and an academic committee and usually takes 3 years of full-time study. Your thesis is then assessed by a panel of examiners (including at least two external to the University) appointed by the University’s Senate. In most cases, this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and your knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded.

Acceptance into a PhD is based on academic merit, but you must also demonstrate a proven ability to carry out research independently, and possess a high level of critical research skill and theoretical understanding.

Normally, admission to doctoral study requires a first class honours or second class honours first division bachelors degree; or a masters degree with first class honours or second class honours first division standard; or comparable qualifications. Acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision, and appropriate facilities.

English language requirements 

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5 and all bands 6.0 or better
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 90 plus a written score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 575 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 and all bands 169 or better
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50. 
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 85

You will also need to have the following information to hand, including some documents in electronic format ready for uploading:

• your IELTS, TOEFL and TWE test scores if you have taken such tests within the last two years
• relevant academic reports – GPA B+
• two letters of academic recommendation from your previous professors
• curriculum vitae and/or resume (optional)
• Statement of Research Intent – you'll need to write a 1000-word summary of your intended topic of interest for doctoral study, including your reasons for choosing this topic and an explanation of what you hope to achieve during your studies at The University of Auckland

There are several types of postgraduate scholarships: 

• University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships