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Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences

New Zealand

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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.

Biological Sciences

The scope of Biological Sciences is extensive. It covers the structure and function of all living organisms, their relationships and evolutionary origins. It also looks at their interactions, and the physical and chemical worlds around them.

The biological sciences have never been more important for preserving New Zealand’s economic prosperity and the natural biodiversity of our islands in the face of global threats such as climate change and population growth.

Discovery in the biosciences has advanced at breathtaking speed. This has led to a new generation of therapies in health and medicine, sustainable consumer-focused products in agbiotech industries, and novel strategies for the protection of fragile ecosystems.

We teach courses that span the spectrum of biology from atoms and molecules to ecosystems, with each of these areas supported by active research groups and well equipped facilities:

  • Biomedicine
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Marine, freshwater and animal biology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Plant sciences

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 Science

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$7,874.40 (US$ 4,721) 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

3 March 2025

Venue

Epsom Campus

74 Epsom Avenue,

AUCKLAND,

Epsom,

1023, New Zealand

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$7,874.40 (US$ 4,721) 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

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.

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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 65th globally (QS World Rankings 2025)
  • New Zealand’s largest research organisation
  • Outstanding student support and excellent facilities
  • 13th in the world in THE University Impact Rankings 2024

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