The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Research opportunities

You will be supervised by our researchers and have access to a range of resources to assist you in your academic and professional development.

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as: Ancient economies; Costs of archaic states; Accounting in the ancient world; Administration in the ancient world; The rise of archaic states (Near East, Egypt, Asia Minor); Military aspects of the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Asia Minor); Icon and narrative in art of the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece); Ancient Egyptian art; Astronomy and mathematics in the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece); International relations in the ancient world (Near East, Egypt, Greece); Aspects of literary narrative in ancient literature (Near East and Egypt); Personality in ancient literature (Near East and Egypt)

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.