Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

New Zealand

2

What will I learn?

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Theology

Religion is complex, always changing, and is key to understanding how people think and act both locally and globally.

Subject overview

You can gain specific insight into particular religions, and develop a broader knowledge of religion as a whole. You can also look at how historical, social, political and cultural trends are shaped by religion today.

Not all students who study theology and religion are religious themselves; all you need is an inquiring mind and a passion to learn more about the impact and significance of religion in the world around us.

Research opportunities

You will be supervised by our researchers and have access to a range of resources to assist you in your academic and professional development.

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:

  • Feminist and postfeminist engagements with religion
  • Religion and LGBTI+ identities
  • Queer theory and religion
  • Religion in popular culture, including art, film, advertising, music and literature
  • Evolutionary dynamics of religions
  • Quantitative ritual studies
  • Historical databases of religion
  • Religion and health and wellbeing across the lifespan
  • Religion in contemporary New Zealand society
  • The interplay of religion and virtue
  • Sociology of religion
  • Religion in modern Japanese society
  • Christianity in Japan and East Asia
  • New religious movements
  • Religion-state issues in modern Japan
  • Asian religions in diaspora
  • History of Christianity — especially in late antiquity, the Middle Ages and early modernity
  • History of Christian theology, art and ritual
  • History of religion in New Zealand
  • Christianity, secularity and religious pluralism

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.

Which department am I in?

Faculty of Arts

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$7,874.40 (3,94,529) per year
NZ $7,874.40 Annual tuition fee based on 120 points

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

Start date

15 July 2024, 3 March 2025

Venue

Epsom Campus

74 Epsom Avenue,

AUCKLAND,

Epsom,

1023, New Zealand

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$7,874.40 (3,94,529) per year
NZ $7,874.40 Annual tuition fee based on 120 points

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

Start date

15 July 2024, 3 March 2025

Venue

Newmarket Campus

314-390 Khyber Pass Road,

AUCKLAND,

Newmarket,

1023, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours

Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0
  • Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21
  • Paper-based TOEFL - Overall score of 68 and a writing score of 21
  • C1 Advanced (previously - Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
  • C2 Proficiency (previously - Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
  • University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Grade of B-
  • University of Auckland English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) - Grade of B-
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE Communicative score below 50
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 85
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - ISE III with a pass in all 4 components
  • LanguageCert - International ESOL - C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
  • AEMG English for Academic Purposes Direct Entry Program (AEAP DEP) Final Exam - Overall score of 70% with no section below 65%
  • English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 overall and no skill below Level 2

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

ADD TO MY FAVOURITES

About University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most highly ranked university, with a global reputation for academic excellence.

  • Ranked 87th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • New Zealand’s largest research organisation
  • Outstanding student support and excellent facilities
  • 12th in the world in THE University Impact Rankings 2022