Study Doctor of Philosophy - Physical Geography at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand,
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Doctor of Philosophy - Physical Geography

New Zealand

What will I learn?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree involves original and sustained research, mentored by an academic supervisor. It’s an opportunity to make new discoveries, address some of the big issues of our time, challenge yourself, and develop a mix of transferable and specialised skills. Our physical environment is constantly changing and being shaped by natural processes of the atmosphere, oceans and the Earth. Physical Geography is the study of these processes-the ways they have formed the Earth's surface, how they interact with one another and the way that humans interact with them. The School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences offers New Zealand's only postgraduate major in Physical Geography. You'll learn from dedicated researchers and teachers who are internationally recognised for their work in the area, and have the opportunity to hear from members of the wider Wellington geoscience community. You'll hone your knowledge of the Earth's processes through work in the field and the laboratory, and gain further skills in written and spoken communication. Develop your understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how it can be used to map the way our Earth has been made and is changing.

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$41,850.00 (US$ 24,964) per year
Books & Stationery – 1000 (1 year of study)

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

Start date

December 2026

Venue

Kelburn Campus

Kelburn, Wellington,

Wellington,

6012, North Island, New Zealand

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$41,850.00 (US$ 24,964) per year
Books & Stationery – 870 (1 year of study)

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

Start date

December 2027

Venue

Kelburn Campus

Kelburn, Wellington,

Wellington,

6012, North Island, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Research degree such as Honours or Master's by thesis from a New Zealand university with an average grade of B+ or higher, an approved international equivalent, or other approved evidence of adequate training and ability.If you have a four-year Bachelor's degree graded in a four-point GPA system, you will need to have a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.If you have a Bachelor's degree graded in the British system (including from India), you must have been awarded the degree with first or upper second-class Honours.Either a Bachelors degree with Honours or a Masters degree from a New Zealand university, with an overall GPA of no less than 6 (letter grade B+);Or to be currently enrolled in a Masters thesis at the Victoria University of Wellington and meet the requirements for conversion to a PhD;arrange references from two refereesupload a sample of your academic writing in Englishprepare an overview of your intended research project.

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

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About Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top one percent of the world’s universities in 14 subject areas.

  • 5-Stars Plus from the QS Stars Rating of Excellence
  • Number one in New Zealand for research intensity
  • 92 percent of graduates are employed or furthering their stu
  • Located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city

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