PhD Forms & General Information
General Information
The Department of Geography at the University of Canterbury has a strong reputation for undertaking high quality research at PhD level across a range of areas within the discipline, and as a result many of our PhD graduates hold senior positions in leading universities and other institutions throughout the world. The department is one of the strongest Geography departments in New Zealand and has an internationally recognised record of academic research by staff with wide ranging interests in both human and physical geography
In order to maintain this high quality, we provide excellent facilities and resources for our PhD students. This includes access to very good library resources, office space, extensive computer and GIS/remote sensing facilities, a modern physical geography laboratory, a wide range of field equipment and access to field stations around the South Island of New Zealand. Our PhD students also receive excellent support from academic supervisors who are leaders in their fields, and a large number of highly qualified and motivated technical staff.
In addition to our domestic students, we have attracted PhD students from many different countries, including Canada, Great Britain, United States, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany and Russia. Many of these students receive scholarships from the University of Canterbury, while others are supported by New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships or by research contracts obtained by academic staff.
Goals of PhD Research
The main aim of the PhD programme in Geography is to provide graduates with the skills to conduct independent research at the highest level. As described in the University’s PhD Guidelines:
‘The degree of Doctor of Philosophy comprises an advanced course of study and research, the results of which are presented in a thesis. The thesis is a systematic exposition of a piece of independent research carried out over the period of enrolment. It makes an original contribution to knowledge or understanding in the field of study, and meets recognised international standards for such work.’
Each PhD student is allocated a principal supervisor and at least one other associate supervisor to guide them through the process. However, the Department also has a PhD Convener, Dr Peyman Zawar-Rezar, who is always happy to answer general enquiries about the programme and to help you find an appropriate supervisor.
In the first instance, please browse through our web pages and try to identify potential supervisors based on the research interests of our academic staff. When you are ready to enquire about PhD opportunities in our Department, please provide the following information:
- an electronic copy of your academic transcript
- a copy of your CV
- a paragraph outlining your research interests
- If English is not your first language, please also provide your latest English language test score.
You may also want to look at the following University web pages:
- Apply for Admission
- Postgraduate Admission
- Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
- Scholarships funded by University of Canterbury
Thinking of doing PhD research in Geography?
- Conditions of entry and Structure of the Doctoral programme
- University PhD Guidelines and Forms - contains forms and guidelines including progress reports, extensions, submission, examinations, policies, costs, enrolments etc
- Guidelines for preparing research proposals
- Joint Publications
- Helpful documents
- PhD Fund
- Current Doctoral theses
- Photocopying and Interloans
- Access to Computer Software
- Geography Safety Manual
- Research Funding