The Faculty of Education and Social Work is committed to improving the
quality and understanding of education and social services in Aotearoa New
Zealand and internationally through quality teaching and research. We have
a thriving community of doctoral candidates who are actively involved in
the community, turning knowledge gained through research into tangible
benefits for society. We offer two doctoral programmes:
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education or Social Work
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships are awarded to both
domestic and international students. Domestic students who meet GPA
thresholds from their qualifying programme will be eligible for a guaranteed
scholarship. These are generous postgraduate scholarships valued at
$27,300 per annum (plus the cost of your fees) for three years of full-
time doctoral study. There are no application forms or closing dates: you
apply for your programme and the scholarship is assessed at the same
time. All candidates meeting the scholarship criteria will be guaranteed a
scholarship. For more information and to see if you qualify visit:
Further information about eligibility for the PhD and EdD, scholarships
available, fees and money matters, and English-language requirements can
be found on the website.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education or
Social Work
Three to four years full-time
(six to eight years part-time)*
We welcome the best, brightest and most committed scholars to become
part of our community of doctoral candidates researching in education,
social work, counselling, and community and social services. As a PhD
student, you will be expected to carry out original and advanced research,
and present it as a thesis. An oral examination completes the degree.
You will be supervised by academics with knowledge and expertise in your
area of study and selected research methods. During the first year of the
programme (one year full-time or two years part-time study), you will be
expected to complete the requirements of the provisional year, culminating
in the submission of a full research proposal. It is possible to commence the
programme at any time during the year.
*New international PhD students are entitled to domestic fee benefits subject to supervisory
and residency requirements.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Four to six years (part-time programme for the first two
years, and either part-time or full-time for the remainder)**
The EdD programme is designed with working professionals in mind,
providing a flexible and convenient approach to further study. We are
the only New Zealand university to be a member of CPED, the Carnegie
Project on the Education Doctorate, a global consortium of over 80
colleges and schools of education committed to generating new knowledge
and scholarship about educational practice in the Doctor of Education.
Undertaking an EdD will enable you to generate new knowledge to advance
educational practice and policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This unique, cohort-based doctoral programme is offered with a different
focus or inquiry pathway each year. In 2017 the inquiry pathway was led by
researchers and academic staff in the faculty’s School of Critical Studies
in Education, with a particular focus on “Serving Society: Creating Equity,
Diversity and Justice”.
Students work with cohort lecturers for the first two years of the
programme and then with their own research supervisors who have
knowledge and expertise in their area of study and a range of research
methods.
The EdD has the same status as the PhD, but recognises the professional
experience you bring and your desire to apply research directly to your
professional context.
**The EdD may not be appropriate for international students who need to study full-time to
meet student visa requirements. International students are not entitled to domestic fees for
the EdD – full international student fees must be paid (see pg. 21).
Doctoral programmes
Doctorates are the highest-level qualifications that can be awarded by the University of Auckland. A
doctorate is an advanced course of study and original research lasting the equivalent of three to four
years full-time. It culminates in the presentation of a written thesis (accompanied in some cases by a
body of creative work) and an oral examination. Completion of a doctorate enables candidates to provide
leadership in their communities through the development and dissemination of knowledge, and the design
and conduct of comprehensive research that contributes to new knowledge.
*Source: 2017 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
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