10 PhD programmes offered by the university

The Antarctic Studies course at the University of Canterbury are coordinated by Gateway Antarctica, the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. 

The values of Aotahi have been modelled on the traditions of Māui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga – the Māori demigod famous for obtaining the knowledge of fire and snaring the sun. The Te Ao Māori programme is offered at University of Canterbury.

The European Studies programme at University of Canterbury is focused around the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), which provides unique training and development opportunities for postgraduate students seeking careers in trade, foreign affairs, and policy.

Studying Spanish at the University of Canterbury offers access to a very rich culture, both ancient and modern.

Students in the Cultural Studies course from University of Canterbury develop advanced skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking, while pursuing their own interests in a range of topics exploring the plurality of culture.

The Sociology programme at University of Canterbury helps you gain a deeper understanding of the workings of societies, organisations, and communities.

The Industrial and Organisational Psychology degree at University of Canterbury applies psychological theories and principles to understand individual attitudes and behaviours in the workplace, and how these attitudes, behaviours, and performance can be improved through hiring practices, training programs, leadership, and management systems.

Investigate politics, communities and how we make decisions collectively as governments with the Political Science and International Relations programme at University of Canterbury. 

The Geography course at the University of Canterbury is an exciting and distinctive discipline at the interface between Science and Arts. Its focus is on putting various types of knowledge together to find innovative solutions to problems faced by society such as climate change, poverty, sustainability, health, and inequality. 

Psychology at University of Canterbury is the scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive, and social processes in humans and other animals. It is a rapidly developing field touching on all aspects of human life.