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.

There are a number of research groups based in the Department of Medicine. Successful grant applications can run from one to three years, and can have a total value of several million dollars.

Collaborative research projects link the Department of Medicine with others in the Division of Health Sciences, as well as other universities in New Zealand and around the world. Areas of particular research strength include: Kidney, rheumatic, cardiac and gastroenterological diseases, endocrinology, diabetes, ophthalmology, older person’s health, sport and exercise medicine, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.

This programme mainly focuses on Medicine.

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.

The Dunedin School of Medicine has a thriving research community, with active participation from all seven of our academic departments. Many of our staff are world leaders in their areas of clinical or laboratory research.

An integral part of our culture, research at Dunedin School of Medicine takes a variety of forms: from supervision of short-term projects and postgraduate degrees, to overseeing major international research projects. Much of our research is undertaken in partnership with other organisations - including the Southern District Health Board, Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust, and the Otago Medical Research Foundation—and is administered by Health Research South.