Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Studies and Demography

New Zealand

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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 Population Studies and Demography?

Population issues are among the most serious challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. You'll explore how such issues impact on a country's environmental, economic and social patterns. At Waikato we provide an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to population studies with our graduate programme in Population Studies and Demography. You'll learn about advanced, empirical analysis of population structure and trends. You'll explore the importance of population research and the need for attention to population trends, their causes and their implications on the environment, employment, work and family, health, population distribution, urbanisation, migration patterns, old age security and refugee movements. This subject is of relevance to students from a wide range of backgrounds, such as sociology, economics, geography, political science and public policy, and provides opportunities to engage in individual directed studies and research for a masters or higher degree on a population-related subject. Note: Populations Studies and Demography was previously known as Demography.

Career Opportunities

Health Sector Analyst

Merchant Banker

Policy Analyst

Social Sciences Researcher

Teacher

Which department am I in?

School of Social Sciences

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 2025

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 2024

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

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

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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