phd sociology new zealand

You are using a very outdated browser, which means that some of the features may not work as intented. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Loading ...

The application is loading, please wait.

Application for MA and PhD Programmes

Application process.

Applying for our MA and PhD degrees involves a two-stage process in which the initial application to the Programme is followed by a formal application to the university.

• Familiarise yourself with staff expertise, by visiting our staff page. Our staff page.
• Tentative project title/topic
• Brief description of the proposed research project, emphasising the theoretical basis, literature to be consulted, and intended methods (750 words maximum, excl. reference list)
• Brief rationale for undertaking the study and an indication of the potential contribution to scholarship (250 words maximum)
• Indication of whether enrolment is dependent on receiving a scholarship
• University transcript
• A brief research proposal, which clearly states your topic and research question; shows familiarity with relevant literature; offers a clear explanation of proposed methods and demonstrates the significance and feasibility of the project. This document is based on your EoI and should be kept to a maximum of 1,500 words (excluding references). It is expected that this initial proposal will be revised and enhanced during your first year of study in consultation with your supervisor/s
• Writing sample (this can include a published output, dissertation chapter or academic essay)
• CV (including names and contact details of up to 3 referees)
• Once your application has been endorsed by your prospective supervisor/s, it will be submitted on your behalf to our Postgraduate Committee for consideration.
• If accepted by the Postgraduate Committee, you will be invited to apply formally to the university.

* If you are unsure of which staff member is suitable as a supervisor, but still keen to pursue your degree with us, please send your Expression of Interest to [email protected]

Scholarships

The University of Otago has MA and PhD scholarships that cover fees and living expenses and are available year-round. There are also a number of other scholarships at the university and nationally. These scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants with A or A+ marks are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please visit the Graduate Research School for more information about scholarships.

More information

• Postgraduate information page
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) information page
• Master of Arts (MA) information page

International students

International students can find out more from the International Office.

We look forward to guiding you through the application process. If you have any questions, please contact the administrator, Alastair Cottle.

Email [email protected] Tel +64 3 479 5076

• Our campus and environment
• Campus maps
• Sustainability Hub
• Canterbury University Press
• Donating to UC
• Partnering with UC
• Corporate information
• Our structure
• Our rankings
• Getting started
• Admission and enrolment
• Study costs
• Qualifications
• Study support
• Scholarships
• Engineering
• Academic study options
• UC Graduate School
• Other study options
• School & community outreach
• Support and wellbeing
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• Communities and clubs
• Financial support
• IT logins and tools
• Jobs and careers
• Safety and security
• Sports, fitness and recreation
• Student ID | Canterbury Card
• Student life
• Sustainability
• About UC's research
• Doing research at UC
• IP and commercialisation
• Research facilities and equipment
• Research and Innovation
• Research groups and centres
• Research specialities and projects
• Field stations

News and Events

Rongo o te wā.

• Regular events and celebrations
• Future students
• Current students
• International students
• Postgraduates
• open_in_new UC Online

PhDs and Doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must show significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge. Studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, enable you to discover new things, and develop new skills. Check out the options and requirements.

Perhaps you have a burning intellectual curiosity about something, wish to advance your career or even change career direction and increase your employability and earning capacity. Either way you can be sure that studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, allow you to discover new things, and develop new skills.

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge.

In addition to your thesis research, UC offers a number of workshops and seminars for thesis students to develop general skills such as career planning, time management, networking, and communication skills. See the 'Further study' section below for more details.

A number of  scholarships and awards  are available for doctoral students.

Qualification options keyboard_arrow_down

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

A  Doctor of Philosophy  involves extensive and sustained original research in a subject of your choice, with the results being presented in a thesis. It is normally the highest academic qualification available and is a mark of intellectual ability and independence, critical thinking, self-discipline, and commitment. PhDs are offered in a wide range of subjects at UC, and are by thesis only.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A  Doctor of Education  is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study. The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

The  Doctor of Health Sciences  offers clinical and non-clinical professionals collaborative research opportunities and contacts with local industry. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The  Doctor of Musical Arts  is a doctoral degree that is specific to advanced research in music composition or performance. It comprises scholarly research in the form of a supervised research thesis and performance practice in the form of public music performance or the presentation of compositions. International students will need to pay international fees for this doctorate.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

The minimum requirements to apply for doctoral study are that you should have completed, or be in the process of completing, a research-focused  honours degree  or  master's degree . For PhD study you must achieve this degree at either the level of First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent).

For international applicants, our International Office, in consultation with your host department, look at your previous qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the necessary background required to complete a doctoral degree at UC. You are also required to meet UC's  English language requirements  for admission.

Find out how to  apply for PhD and Doctoral degrees .

See also  Financial and Enrolment Information — Doctorate, Master's Thesis, and Dissertation Students Policy.

Identifying a supervisor

As part of the admissions process, you must  identify a potential research supervisor  before submitting a formal application to enrol in a PhD. A supervisor must be an academic member of staff at UC. Over 500 academics at UC have expertise in a large variety of topics. To identify experts in a given area and to find out about the research interests of staff in your discipline, you can search the school or department website, or the  UC Research Profile database .

If you identify any possible supervisors, please contact them directly to discuss your potential research topic and ascertain whether suitable supervision might be available. When you have identified a supervisor who is willing to support your application to enrol please  complete the admissions documents.

For more information visit the  Find a Supervisor webpage .

Specific qualification entry requirements

If you are applying for  Doctor of Musical Arts  study, you will typically require an audition, interview, and/or submission of previous academic work and recommendation from  Te Kura Puoro | School of Music .

A  Doctor of Health Sciences  requires at least five years of relevant professional practice in the clinical or non-clinical industry.

How do I plan my degree? keyboard_arrow_down

During your doctoral degree you will investigate a research topic and develop your research skills, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis undergoes examination by two independent examiners prior to you having an oral examination.

Your thesis must:

• be an original contribution to knowledge/understanding in its field
• meet internationally recognised standards for doctoral research in its field
• demonstrate knowledge of literature relevant to the field to which it belongs, and the ability to exercise critical and analytical judgment of that literature
• be satisfactory in its method, in the quality and coherence of its expression, and in its scholarly presentation and format.

The doctoral programmes are structured in PhD reporting milestones to track your progress. These must be submitted to the  Dean of Postgraduate Research  and approved every six months.

The exact structure of programme will vary based on the nature of the research being undertaken and agreed to with your senior supervisor.

You can begin a  Doctor of Philosophy  or  Doctor of Musical Arts  on the first day of any month of the year, and should regard study and research as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year. The minimum period of enrolment if you are a full-time student is 3 years (PhD students should normally complete their thesis within 4 years). There are provisions for you to apply for part-time study, in which case the minimum period is 4.5 years, and you should complete your thesis within 6 years.

The first two years of the  Doctor of Education  and  Doctor of Health Sciences  degrees are part-time for all. These doctorates will take 4-6 years to complete, or part-time only for up to 6 years.

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Additional skills and training opportunities.

In addition to providing world-class research supervision and facilities, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is committed to providing PhD students with a range of opportunities to engage in a broader research-based experience, equipping students with research skills, introductions to professional networks, and enhanced career opportunities.

A UC doctoral graduate will not only be recognised for the quality of their research thesis, but will also have additional research skills and experiences.

While doing a doctorate at UC, you will have the opportunity to participate in:

• transferable skills workshops
• research design and statistical analysis workshops
• 'Surviving your Thesis' seminars
• networking opportunities, within and outside the University
• presentation experience
• social events.

Many doctoral students also have the opportunity to undertake teaching assistance work.

For social networking and events,  UC Postgraduate Students' Association (UC PGSA)  is run by students and works closely with the Dean of Postgraduate Research to enhance the UC postgraduate student experience.

Connect with us

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

General enquiries

0800 827 748 (within NZ) +64 3 369 3999

info@canterbury.ac.nz

International enquiries

+64 3 364 3443

Ask a question

More contact details

See all contacts

Emergency contact details

Ext: 92111 (from a campus landline) Direct dial: 0800 823 637

Emergency information

University of Canterbury | A Fair Trade University

Why a New Zealand PhD?

New zealand’s phd package.

International PhD students in New Zealand enjoy the following benefits:

How to apply

Apply now to your preferred university:.

Victoria University of Wellington

The University of Waikato

The University of Otago

Massey University

Lincoln University

The University of Canterbury

AUT University

The University of Auckland

Jessica Patiño-Pérez | Colombian PhD student

Still have questions?

How much are tuition fees, what is the phd structure, what is the length of a phd programme, how will my phd be assessed, how soon are you planning to begin your studies.

I'm ready to start now

Great! Get started by using our course search tool to find a programme that suits you. Then follow our 5 step guide to plan your study experience.

I'm thinking later

No problem. Why not sign up for our email updates? We'll keep you inspired while you consider your study plans.

Keep exploring

Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand

Book Launch: The Shaming State

Sara Salman, Maria Bargh and Steve Matthewman will discuss the impact of structural neglect and shaming on social cohesion, as

2023 Exceptional Service: Cluny Macpherson

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2023 SAANZ Exceptional Service Award. Throughout his many decades in the discipline, Cluny has

Best Student Abstracts

Congratulations to the following winners of a Best Student Abstract prize for SAANZ2023 (listed in alphabetical order): Nicole Ashley (Massey

An open letter to the political leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand

The Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (SAANZ), as a community of academics, social researchers, public and private sector workers

new zealand sociology: phd summaries

As of 2024, New Zealand Sociology intends to annually publish summaries of recently completed PhD theses to showcase and add visibility to

2023 SAANZ Essay Competition Results

Congratulations to Emily Beck (AUT) for winning the 2023 Graduate Essay Prize with her essay titled ‘Built Beyond American Borders:

A Kiwi Myth: The Post-Racial Society by Cherry Sharma & Mikyla Rowe

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural SAANZ Secondary School Essay Prize: Cherry Sharma & Mikyla Rowe from Ōtūmoetai College.

Charles Crothers

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Charles’ peaceful passing on 13th August 2023, at the

Support our students – make NCEA sociology university approved

We want to urge NZQA and the Minister of Education to academically recognise sociology, and make the subject eligible for

SAANZ 2023 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Visit the main conference page here for full details. Calls for papers, panels and student plenary involvement are also still

New Zealand Sociology

Announcements.

New Zealand Sociology is a peer-reviewed journal that aims to showcase a broad range of sociological scholarship of relevance to Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. Published by the Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand, the journal promotes critical engagement with contemporary sociological practice and debates. Reflecting the locale of the journal, we are committed to promoting Indigenous, especially Maori and Pasifika scholarship.

The journal is a platform for empirical, theoretical, comparative, historical and policy-oriented  scholarship. We welcome original research articles drawing on quantitative and qualitative methods, articles that advance sociological theory, research notes and commentaries on timely issues. We also invite book reviews and proposals for special issues.

Special Issue When Mana Whenua and Mana Moana Make Knowledge 

The latest issue of new zealand sociology is now available, welcome to a new editorial team, welcome to sereana naepi and call for themed issue of new zealand sociology: when mana whenua and mana moana make knowledge, goodbye to bruce curtis and hello to alice mills, submit now to publish in 2020 and 2021, send us your article now to publish in 2019, special issue on neoliberalism and tertiary education now out, congratulations to another saanz graduate essay prize winner.

Bruce Cohen Profile page

• Associate Professor Sociology
• +6493737599 Ext.89497 (Work)
• [email protected]
• 58 SYMONDS ST - Bldg 435, 58 SYMONDS ST, GRAFTON, AUCKLAND, 1010, New Zealand
• Apply To Study
• Academia.edu homepage
• Google Scholar

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) (Teesside), MSc (Huddersfield), PhD (Bradford) Biography Bruce studied sociology in the north of England in the 1990s, and worked as a post-doctorate researcher at both the Humboldt University in Berlin and the University of South Australia in Adelaide in the early 2000s, before becoming a full-time academic in Sociology at the University of Auckland in 2008. With thirty years social research experience, he has undertaken empirical work on topics such as mental health user meanings of illness, community-based youth music projects, police perceptions of drug users, alternatives to psychiatric hospitalisation, migrant labour markets, female perceptions of crime and safety, and the criminalisation of ‘legal highs’. He has published over 40 academic books, articles, and chapters to date. Books Cohen, B. M. Z. (ed.) (2018) Routledge International Handbook of Critical Mental Health. Routledge. “An essential tool for all students, researchers, and clinicians” (Professor Allan Horwitz, Rutgers University) “A provocative and enlightening volume” (Professor Andrew Scull, University of California) Cohen, B. M. Z. (2016) Psychiatric Hegemony: A Marxist Theory of Mental Illness. Palgrave Macmillan. “The best book yet linking mental health to the central characteristics of capitalist society” (Professor Howard Waitzkin, University of New Mexico) “Strident and bold” (Anthropology and Medicine) “A fine, fiery piece of public sociology” (New Zealand Sociology) “Highly readable, strongly argued and patently provocative” (Psychosis) Cohen, B. M. Z. (ed.) (2012) Being Cultural. Pearson “A lively and accessible introduction to the key theoretical traditions and topics of current concern” (Professor Tony Bennett, University of Western Sydney) “Essential reading for students of the subject” (Dr Paul Hodkinson, University of Surrey) "Accessible and engaging” (Professor Graham Murdock, Loughborough University) Cohen, B. M. Z. (2008, 2015) Mental Health User Narratives: New Perspectives on Illness and Recovery. Palgrave Macmillan “A must read for all involved in mental health” (Professor John Read, University of Liverpool) “An engaging critical study of the development and treatments of mental illnesses, which successfully demonstrates both the importance and relevance of social scientific approaches to the study of this area of medicine” (Medical Sociology Online) (For a full list of my publications and downloads please see auckland.academia.edu/BruceCohen)

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND APPOINTMENTS

• Associate Professor Faculty of Arts, Sociology, New Zealand

FACULTY / INSTITUTE

• Faculty of Arts

GRADUATE SUPERVISION

• PhD/Doctoral Accredited Supervisor

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

• Available for media enquiries

PhD Sociology programs in New Zealand

Deadline information, best universities with sociology in new zealand.

Bachelor Sociology programs in New Zealand

Master Sociology programs in New Zealand

Most Popular Sociology programs in New Zealand

PhD Sociology programs in New Zealand

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Their use improves our sites' functionality and enables our partners to advertise to you. By continuing to use our website or clicking on the I agree button you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Details on how we use cookies can be found in our Cookie Policy

Don’t miss out!

Sign up or Log in now to save your favorites.

Get updates on your chosen subjects and programs

Wishlist your ideal programs

Save time sending enquiries to programs providers

• Program Finder
• Internships
• Scholarships
• Collections
• Bachelor programs
• Masters programs
• PhD programs
• MBA programs
• PostDoc programs
• Norway programs
• US programs
• UK programs
• Canada programs
• Germany programs
• Italy programs
• Netherlands programs
• Australia programs
• New Zealand programs
• Applied Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Clients and Partners
• Public relations

Department of Sociology College of Social Science

Msu soc phd candidate hired as new assistant director of the center for gender in a global context.

April 8, 2024 - Karessa Weir

Soma Chaudhuri, Co-Director of the GenCen says, "This is an important administrative leadership position that is crucial for the success of GenCen’s global research impact and reputation within the university and beyond. Alaina brings with her extensive international firsthand field experience in Kenya, and expertise on Africa. GenCen is thrilled to welcome Alaina to their leadership team...This was a very competitive search, and Alaina was the unanimous top choice for the position."     

The position was announced by Sociology Associate Professor Jennifer Carrera who said:      

  “In recent years, Alaina has expressed to me that her ideal position after completing her PhD would to be work in a capacity to support the success of international research and development projects, particularly those focused on gender and natural resources.  When the opportunity for this position arose, it was clear that there could not have been a more ideal fit.  I'm very proud of what Alaina has accomplished and excited to see what new frontiers await her.”

Bur, who also has a dual major in Environment Science and Policy Program and specializations in Gender, Justice and Environmental Change from the GenCen, will complete her dissertation this summer. Her job includes supporting research on gender and sexuality. She began working full time at the GenCen as assistant to the co-directors Dr. Chaudhuri and Dr. Aminda Smith until she passes her defense.  

“I’m very, very happy to be staying at MSU. I’m grateful for the position, but even more so for the outstanding mentorship that prepared me for it.,” Bur said.  

“ In the position, I will be helping the center to apply for external grants so that we can grow our center's capacity to provide training for research and outreach skills, as well as institutional capacity building with our global partner organizations, as well as to support GenCen faculty and student research at MSU. At the moment, we are deeply invested in building a "hub" for research, outreach, and training on gender and sexuality in India. We hope to build a similar hub with our partners in Africa in the coming years. I have so much to learn from our co-director and affiliate faculty in the coming years, but I am excited to bring my personal expertise and connections in Africa to the team. "  

Bur’s dissertation research focuses on community-based natural resource management in West Pokot County, a rural county in western Kenya.    

“B efore I came to MSU, I worked as an intern for a grassroots (non-governmental organization) in that area helping them to evaluate their borehole drilling program. My connection to that NGO and my experience interviewing folks about how they access and manage water is what brought me to sociology, my masters and PhD program, and my dissertation topic. When I started learning from GenCen faculty during my studies about feminist research ethics, standpoint epistemology, and methodology, that framework fit my work so well,” Bur said.   

 “I am studying transformative tools like community-based natural resource management and empowerment policies, but it does not follow that I should be the person choosing or implementing those tools. As a white women coming from a relatively privileged background to do research in a very poor, remote region of Kenya, a feminist approach to research provided both the higher standard of accountability to research participants and the practical tools I needed to investigate transformative tools in a way that does not further the neocolonial system that I am trying to critique. So although my research is on environmental policy, feminist epistemology, methodology, and intersectional gender analysis is woven into everything I do.”  

“I'm thrilled to be working with the GenCen, which is attempting to support faculty and students doing research on transformative tools and global community partners who bring truly invaluable expertise in implementing and practicing these tools. "