PhD

The PhD is the highest degree at university and an apprenticeship for an academic career. It requires a major piece of original and independent research which demonstrates the candidate’s expertise in the subject, mastery of the literature, competence with the appropriate methodologies and academic conventions and makes an original contribution to the field. Word length varies but, while usually in the vicinity of 90,000 words, it must not exceed 100,000 words.

Candidates must have at least an MA (40,000 word thesis) in an appropriate subject area, and submit a detailed written proposal before an enrolment for the PhD is accepted. The first step is to consult the Programme Director about the suitability of the topic and the availability of supervisors. Many initial enquiries about doing a doctoral thesis are not carefully thought through. A PhD is not a big MA, and if you want to explore a favourite topic, or just do some research then you may be better doing a book or exhibition rather than a thesis which is a structured exercise that has to meet certain academic requirements.

Think carefully about your ideas – can you frame the topic as a question or problem in relation to a body of literature? How does your research fill a gap in the field in relation to this topic? What theories and methods will you use to investigate the topic? Are there enough sources, material, informants or case studies to gather data on this topic? How will this research make a contribution to the field, and/or to professional practice? The director will provide a template for the proposal, a bibliography and other resources to guide the development of the initial proposal. This process of refining and revising the final proposal may take some time before it is accepted and the candidate’s enrolment can proceed.
In addition, it is sometimes advisable for the candidate to audit some supplementary courses (free as part of the enrolment) in their first year in order to provide a platform in the history and theory of Museum and Heritage Studies (MHST 511), or to get a grounding in methodology and refine the proposal (MHST 513).

The PhD handbook points out that:

‘Experience shows that candidates are unlikely to succeed unless they have a strong interest in a substantial research project and a commitment to complete the project. Other qualities which have been found to be important to success include the following: self discipline; persistence in the face of setbacks; ability to evaluate your own work; willingness to respond effectively to advice and criticism; ability to work independently; willingness to work within the scholarly tradition; and good writing ability. It is particularly important for candidates whose first language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in writing English. Although it may seem obvious, it is essential for a candidate to make sure they have the time necessary to undertake the research. Stable financial and personal circumstances are also important factors in research.’

Because the PhD is such a demanding degree, enrolment is always provisional, and not confirmed until the end of the first year after enrolment. Candidates pursue a course of full-time study for a minimum of three calendar years and a maximum of five calendar years.

The examination of the PhD involves three readers: an internal examiner (not the supervisor) and two external examiners, one from within New Zealand and the other from an overseas university. All examiners will receive a copy of a short report from the supervisor of the thesis, guaranteeing that the work is the student’s own and outlining what advice was given to the student and any other considerations which, in the opinion of the supervisor, should be taken into account by the examiners. An oral examination is not required by this Faculty.

The VUW PhD Handbook gives full details of requirements, and can be viewed online at: www.victoria.ac.nz/postgradlife/