Phd in History, Political Science & International Relations

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON,New Zealand


Supervision for research for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered in most subject areas taught at Victoria. The PhD is examined by thesis after a period of a minimum of three years of supervised research at Victoria. However, PhD theses normally require more time than this.

The PhD thesis is a major piece of original research. Word length varies according to the nature of each project, but something like 60,000 to 100,000 words is typical. According to the PhD Statute, a PhD thesis ‘demonstrates the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research’ and must also be ‘a significant contribution to the knowledge or understanding of a field of study’. As well as intelligence and research aptitude, the degree requires considerable dedication and tenacity.

On completion, the thesis is assessed by three examiners, usually one from Victoria, one from another New Zealand university and one from an overseas university. For some PhDs, in particular those in science, this is followed by an oral examination


Should anyone is interested with the programme, please feel free to leave your feedback here.