54 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 Mechanical Engineering course at University of Canterbury offers you specialised training in research and creative engineering skills.

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.

Earthquake Engineering encompasses a broad range of activities that seek to minimise the damage and disruption communities suffer when hit by an earthquake. The Earthquake Engineering programme is offered at University of Canterbury

There are exciting research opportunities in the Forest Engineering at University of Canterbury. Questions about how best to maximise production efficiency of mechanised operations; or how to minimise the environmental impacts of forest operations, or about how to integrate new technology still need to be addressed.

Big Data! Those two words describe one of the new hot topics in mathematical sciences. The Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences programme at University of Canterbury will give you access to this, and other fast growing areas of computational mathematics and statistics.

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

The Ecology programme at University of Canterbury is designed for those wishing to focus on any combination of ecology, behaviour, or evolutionary biology.

The Cinema Studies programme at University of Canterbury is offered within the Department of English. Our Honours courses are coded as English courses, but the Cinema Studies Honours year focuses on film topics and has specific prerequisites.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music from University of Canterbury follows on from completion of an Honours or Masters degree and is in an approved field of supervised research.

The Biochemistry programme at University of Canterbury has modern state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.

Knowledge of Latin and Greek as well as of the complex natures of Greek and Roman cultures also develops skills in intellectual rigour, critical analysis, and self-expression – all highly prized qualities in the job market today. The Classics course is offered at the University of Canterbury.

The Faculty of Law from the University of Canterbury offers a full range of supervision for doctoral studies.

The History course University of Canterbury involves a sustained, rigorous, and systematic approach to a relevant body of knowledge. 

This Computer Science programme at University of Canterbury emphasises the exploration of new ideas as well as putting what you have learned into context. 

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.

Molecular Biology is the field of biology that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. The study of chromosomes and gene expression of an organism can give insight into heredity, genetic variation, and mutations. The ‌Cellular and Molecular Biology programme is offered at University of Canterbury.

Audiology is the scientific study of hearing, and hearing disorders. Audiologists are highly trained professionals dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and non-medical management of hearing and balance function. The Audiology programme is offered at University of Canterbury focuses on training professional clinical audiologists.

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