Higher Degrees

Enrolment

Admission and enrolment for a research degree depends on satisfying a number of requirements. The process varies slightly depending on the degree. In summary, for the longer degrees, the requirements include the following.

Admission and Conditional enrolment:

• Evidence of meeting academic and English language proficiency prerequisites;
• A suitable research proposal;
• Availability of suitable expert supervision and resources at the university and/or a collaborating organisation.

Confirmation of enrolment:

• Development of an acceptable research plan within a prescribed time;
• A favourable supervisors’ recommendation;
• Evidence of ethical approval, or a statement confirming it is not required;
• Satisfactory completion of first year coursework (EdD/SJD only).

Ongoing annual enrolment:

• Submission of six-monthly reports demonstrating satisfactory progress.

Conferment
A research degree is conferred or awarded on the merits of the thesis presented.

No matter how good the research, it is an essential condition that it be presented in a well-written thesis that clearly justifies the candidate’s research methods and conclusions. A successful thesis demonstrates the candidate has reached an acceptable professional standard in conducting independent, original research and in presenting the findings. The thesis must be presented within the term of enrolment, and comply with the University’s requirements as set out in the Dissertations and Theses Regulations 2006.

The decision to award a research degree is the responsibility of the Postgraduate Studies Committee, which appoints at least two external examiners to assess and report on the PhD thesis and one external examiner for an MPhil thesis. An oral examination is held for PhD, EdD and SJD theses, but not normally for MPhil theses.

Candidates transferring from another University/Tertiary Institution
Candidates wishing to transfer research already undertaken at another institution towards a higher degree at the University of Waikato must apply to the University using the same enrolment procedures as all new higher degree candidates.

Candidates transferring to or from an MPhil
In certain circumstances, students enrolled in an MPhil degree may be permitted to transfer their studies to a PhD degree. A transfer can only take place after a minimum of six month full-time or twelve months part-time study. The transfer may only occur if it is supported in writing by the candidate’s supervisor(s) and approved by the Chairperson of the department as well as the faculty/school PGSC representative.

Candidates enrolled for a PhD or for part 2 of an EdD or SJD may apply to the PGSC to transfer to an MPhil at any time prior to submission of the thesis. It is also open to candidates enrolled in part 2 of an EdD or SJD to apply to transfer to a Masters degree in their specialist area.

An international candidate is one who does not hold a New Zealand passport or permanent residency in New Zealand, or who is not an Australian citizen. International candidates must complete an International Application to Enrol form and ensure that all the correct paperwork concerning entry to New Zealand, and evaluation of qualifications is completed.

Applications from international candidates should be addressed to:
International Enrolments Office
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand

Qualifications
Qualifications gained in institutions other than the University of Waikato are evaluated for equivalence by the University of Waikato Student and Academic Services Division. Original or fully authenticated transcripts and certificates must accompany the Application to Enrol form (translated into English and signed by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public or solicitor).

English language proficiency
It is generally recommended that students whose first language is not English have at least an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall, including 6.0 in the Writing Band, or a TOEFL score of 600 overall, with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better. The English language proficiency requirements for admission are at the discretion of the Dean of the faculty/ school concerned and a higher score may be required in some areas of study and research. 

In particular, research degree candidates must be able to write grammatically correct English, be able to develop ideas and express them in well-structured, accurate and extended written English. Even in papers where mathematical and scientific symbols are the primary means of expression, English writing skills are needed. Candidates must be able to read actively and with understanding, find relevant information, and follow the structure of narrative and analyse arguments without undue guidance.

Research and special skill requirements
Applications for Enrolment must demonstrate (through qualifications already gained) that the applicant is proficient in research skills and/or such other special skills as are required by the degree programme e.g. research methodology for statistical analysis. Candidates may be required to undertake such course work or study that is necessary to help them gain the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake the research planned for their proposed research degree.

Candidate makes contact with potential supervisors within faculty/school of study. Together they discuss topics and refine a research proposal.