PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Nature of the Degree

Candidates for the degree of the Doctor of Philosophy are required to pursue an approved program of advanced study and research under supervision as enrolled students of the University. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of the submission of a thesis. The thesis, which may include a nominated creative component, should give evidence of the candidate’s ability to carry out research, that the candidate has shown originality and independence, and that the candidate has made a significant contribution to the advancement of their particular field. The research should be of a kind which a diligent and competent student might reasonably be expected to complete within three years of full-time study.

There are a number of research groups based in the Department of Medicine. Successful grant applications can run from one to three years, and can have a total value of several million dollars.

Collaborative research projects link the Department of Medicine with others in the Division of Health Sciences, as well as other universities in New Zealand and around the world. Areas of particular research strength include: Kidney, rheumatic, cardiac and gastroenterological diseases, endocrinology, diabetes, ophthalmology, older person’s health, sport and exercise medicine, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.

This program mainly focuses on Medicine.