What will I learn?

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded by the University for research carried out under the supervision of at least two staff members. A PhD can also be presented as a PhD with Publication or a PhD with a Creative Practice Component.

Why study a PhD?

The research, which must be the candidate's own work, is written up as a thesis, and may include papers published or intended to be published. The thesis is required to present the case for the research, outline the research undertaken and the findings and conclusions of that research. There is no course work for this degree.

Why study English?

Literature encompasses the total human experience and comes forth in stories, songs, laments and praise. It draws out the nuances of human nature and imagination and compliments the other arts. English at Waikato stays relevant by constantly evolving and adapting to newer art forms including film, graphic novel and creative non-fiction. No matter if you're an English major or just taking a few papers, you'll discover English is about answering deep artistic and aesthetic questions. And the quality you'll get at Waikato is excellent – we're a top 250 QS-rated subject. You'll be immersed in fiction, plays and poetry and explore their potential to shape our world. You'll also have the choice to specialise in creative writing and learn from award-winning writers as well as have the opportunity to publish in Mayhem, our online literary journal. Your writing will gain clarity and subtlety as you develop your unique voice. Our teaching staff come from a variety of literary backgrounds and contribute to course learning and cultural life on campus. We also host the annual Frank Sargeson Memorial Lecture to commemorate one of New Zealand's most important writers, as well as the Sargeson Prize, New Zealand's richest short story prize. English at Waikato will develop your critical thinking skills and appreciation for English, as well as prepare you to be a creative problem solver in your future career.

Career Opportunities

Creative Writer

Editor

Freelance Writer

Journalist

Librarian

Marketing Executive

Public Relations Executive

Which department am I in?

School of Arts

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees

NZ$38,995.00 (19,62,605) per year

College Hall accommodation 17037 Total Annual Cost

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

December 2024

Venue

Tauranga CBD Campus

101-121 Durham Street,

Tauranga,

Bay of Plenty,

3110, North Island, New Zealand

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees

NZ$38,995.00 (19,62,605) per year

College Hall accommodation 17037 Total Annual Cost

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

December 2025

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

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Entry requirements

For international students

To qualify to enrol for the PhD, an applicant must

have qualified for the award of a New Zealand bachelors degree with honours or master's degree, in a field relevant to the proposed research with at least second class honours (first division) or distinction, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
have qualified for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in a field relevant to the proposed research, or
have enrolled for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in a field relevant to the proposed research and demonstrated that they are able to transfer to the PhD, or
have passed qualifying papers at a satisfactory level in a field relevant to the proposed research, and
have demonstrated research ability, normally at least 30 points of research in an honours or master's degree, or significant professional research experience, or equivalent, or
in exceptional circumstances have produced other evidence to the satisfaction of the Postgraduate Research Committee that they have adequate skills and knowledge to proceed with the proposed research.

English Language Requirements

an Academic IELTS Overall score of at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band), or
a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
a TOEFL iBT Home Edition overall score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
a PTE Academic overall score of 56 with no band less than 46, or
a B2 First (formally known as Cambridge English: First (FCE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or
a C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or