SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

PhD Programme

If you are considering doctoral study we offer the PhD and the Doctor of Government (DGov). PhD applications are made centrally via the Faculty of Graduate Research while DGov applications are made via the School of Government. The DGov is offered as a six year programme on a part-time basis and DGov students are not eligible for PhD scholarships.

The PhD programme is a selective, moderate-size programme for exceptionally able scholars.

The Key Benefits of the PhD

We believe the PhD, both as a process of learning, and as an internationally recognized credential, offers numerous intrinsic and extrinsic benefits, including:

  • The opportunity to make a significant contribution to both scholarship and practice
  • The rewards of pursuing a topic of deep personal interest to you, building on your prior education and experience through an individualised course of study
  • The development of skills in research, analysis, theorising, methodology and communication
  • The opportunity to develop close networks with the School's academic members, who have degrees in more than 10 disciplines, and the other PhD candidates
  • Inclusion in the academic life of a vibrant School, which includes several research centres, and teaching and research programmes in Public Policy, Public Management and Strategic Studies

Who is the PhD for?

Our current (and growing) PhD cohort includes 16 women and 7 men, many of whom combine half-time PhD study with work and family obligations. Our 'typical' student is older and more experienced than those in many discipline-based PhD programmes. Our students are passionate about the real-world application of their work.

We look for candidates who:

  • Have a solid preparation for advanced study through prior academic training and/or significant, relevant work experience, often at senior levels
  • Appreciate the challenges of and gains to be achieved from intensive scholarship, and can commit to striving for excellence in their work
  • Have developed a feasible and well-scoped plan for the doctoral thesis

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2012 PhD Research Topics

The School of Government has an expanding PhD Programme, offering opportunity for graduates with Master's-level degrees to undertake doctoral-level research.

In 2012, the School of Government is especially interested in recruiting PhD students whose interests fall into one of the following topic clusters:

  • Policy decision making; public engagement; capability; sustainability; applications to environmental, climate change and science and technology topics
  • Health economics and health services policy
  • Public management/administration and governance, including performance management and accountability, e-government, local government and comparative government

To learn more about current PhD Research topics taken by students, click here.

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For more information

For more information about any of the topics, or to discuss an idea that may not fit directly in these areas, please contact:

Dr Amanda Wolf
Director, Graduate Research Programmes
Phone: (04) 463 5712
Email: address

Dawn Yeabsley
Administrator
Phone: (04) 463 6966
Email: address