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PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science

New Zealand

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3

What will I learn?

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Nature of the Degree

Candidates for the degree of the Doctor of Philosophy are required to pursue an approved programme of advanced study and research under supervision as enrolled students of the University. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of the submission of a thesis. The thesis, which may include a nominated creative component, should give evidence of the candidate’s ability to carry out research, that the candidate has shown originality and independence, and that the candidate has made a significant contribution to the advancement of their particular field. The research should be of a kind which a diligent and competent student might reasonably be expected to complete within three years of full-time study.

Information Science

Information Technology underlies many major innovations. The Department of Information Science at Otago is excited to be part of a field that shapes our future. This discipline focuses on solving business problems, making it one of the most versatile study options available.

We are working in some of the most exciting fields of research, including Artificial Intelligence (various sub-fields) and cutting-edge Human-Computer Interaction. These (and other) fields are developing very quickly – and are changing the world.

The Department of Information Science has a number of areas of research strength:

  • AI (or data science), including computational modelling, evolutionary computing, pattern recognition, machine learning and data mining
  • Autonomous Systems, including distributed information systems, multi-agent systems
  • Human-Computer Interaction, including multimedia systems, augmented and virtual reality, and mobile and pervasive computing
  • Information systems development and management, including software engineering, organisational computing and decision support

Duration of the Programme

A candidate shall pursue a programme of study and research under supervision for a period normally equivalent to 3 full-time years.

The minimum period of study shall be equivalent to 3 full-time years and the maximum period shall be equivalent to 4 full-time years. Exceptions shall be permitted only with approval of the Senate.

No programme shall exceed the equivalent of six years of full-time study from the date of first admission.

A candidate shall be enrolled continuously for the entire period of the candidacy, up to the submission of the thesis, except that a candidate may apply to the Senate for permission to withdraw temporarily from study.

Location of Study and Research

Candidates are normally expected to be resident and studying in New Zealand while enrolled for the degree. Exceptions shall be permitted only with approval of the Senate.

Candidates proposing to study overseas may be approved to do so on a case-by-case basis by the Senate. Normally such study must be deemed necessary for the candidate's research. While overseas, the candidate must continue to be enrolled at the University.

Which department am I in?

Otago Business School

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$8,691.00 (US$ 5,211) per year

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

Application deadline

Expected May 2025

More details

Start date

24 February 2025

Venue

Christchurch Campus

2 Riccarton Avenue,

CHRISTCHURCH,

Christchurch Central,

8011, New Zealand

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$8,691.00 (US$ 5,211) per year

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

Application deadline

Expected May 2025

More details

Start date

24 February 2025

Venue

Wellington Campus

23A Mein Street,

WELLINGTON,

Newtown,

6021, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For students from United States

Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include: a Bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component) with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago;)

For international students

Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:

  • a Bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component) with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago;) or
  • a Master’s degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or
  • appropriate research experience; and
  • for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.
  • IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
  • C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169).
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
  • Language Cert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill.
  • NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
  • English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
  • APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher.

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

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About University of Otago

The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and is often regarded as the best in New Zealand.

  • Top 5 most beautiful campuses globally
  • New Zealand’s No.1 university for educational performance
  • 95 percent of Otago graduates go into work or further study
  • Opportunity to apply for a three-year post-study work visa

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