32 PhD programmes in Humanities in New Zealand

Experience the intellectual satisfaction of specialised study as a postgraduate student of PhD in English literature at Victoria University of Wellington.

Understanding the past provides a compass that helps you navigate the present and shape the future. Regardless of geographic area or time period, studying history provides an unrivalled basis for making sense of an increasingly complex and unstable world. We offer a History degree at the University of Otago. 

Linguistics is the scientific and systematic study of language. Language is probably unique to human experience, and so it has interested people throughout history. You’ve probably thought about it, too. We offer a Linguistics degree at the University of Otago.

There is no limit to the issues to which philosophers apply their reason: from knowledge (Are scientific claims certain?), to language (What is meaning?), from ethical and social problems (How should we run the country?), to metaphysical issues (Is the future less real than the past?). We offer a phd degree in Philosophy at the University of Otago. 

The Philosophy program at Lincoln University Canterbury creates opportunities to challenge yourself with new ways of thinking and problem-solving, absorbing research and innovative ideas from leading scientists and professional organisations in New Zealand and internationally.

Candidates of the Philosophy PhD at University of Auckland will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders.

A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field. We offer a Philosophy degree a the Massey University.

Bioethics at University of Otago explores the current and future impacts of the biosciences and healthcare on people and society, animals and the environment. It determines the right way for us to respond to these as individuals, professionals and a society.

Classics at the University of Otago is the study of the civilisations of ancient Greece, Rome and the Mediterranean world. These civilisations have had an immense influence on the development of the modern world – on words and ideas, religion, literature, art and architecture, drama and philosophy. 

Theatre Studies at University of Otago helps unlock such skills as self-confidence, teamwork, communication and creative expression, as well as giving you the chance to reflect on and inhabit lives vastly different from your own.

Maori Studies at University of Otago is an entry point for students wishing to engage with knowledge about the Māori world. It is a broad programme dedicated to the study of te reo Māori (Māori language), tikanga Māori (Māori customary lore) and aspects of te ao Māori (the Māori world).

Studying English at University of Otago also helps to develop writing skills for your own communication, whether for creative pleasure or for your profession.