Why Study / Key Benefits

• Lincoln's PhD is a research-based doctoral qualification designed to develop advanced ability to analyse situations, evaluate research and develop and test new ideas.
• The University describes its research as contributing to solutions for complex challenges affecting the biosphere and land-based industries.
• PhD candidates work with academic supervisors and can participate in research conducted through Lincoln's faculties, research centres and centres of excellence.
• Research can be undertaken across the University's specialist land-based disciplines, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
• Lincoln's specialist orientation provides particularly strong opportunities for research connected with agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, food and wine, water, commerce, landscape and related land-based areas.
• Candidates are expected to make an original contribution to knowledge through doctoral research rather than simply complete taught coursework.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PhD does not follow a conventional taught-course structure with a fixed list of subjects. It is principally a supervised research programme.

The core components are:

• Development of a research proposal.
• Identification of an appropriate research question/problem.
• Confirmation of suitable Lincoln University supervision.
• Independent and supervised research.
• Analysis and interpretation of research findings.
• Preparation of the doctoral thesis.
• Examination of the completed thesis.
• Contribution of original knowledge to the chosen field.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Lincoln does not present the PhD as a programme with fixed named specialisations. Instead, candidates undertake research within disciplines supported by Lincoln's academic faculties and research centres.

Research areas available through Lincoln include:

• Agriculture and horticulture
• Animal science
• Plant science
• Environment and ecology
• Conservation and natural resources
• Water management
• Soil and physical sciences
• Food and wine science
• Viticulture
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Agribusiness and commerce
• Accounting, economics and finance
• Business management
• Marketing
• Supply chain management
• Tourism and hospitality
• Landscape architecture
• Other related land-based research areas. 

Programme Highlights

• Doctoral-level qualification at NZQF Level 10.
• 360 credits.
• 3 years full-time.
• Campus-based at Lincoln University.
• Research-focused rather than coursework-focused.
• Flexible commencement: PhD students can start at any time during the year.
• Opportunity to undertake original research under academic supervision.
• Access to Lincoln's faculties, research centres and specialist research infrastructure.
• Strong alignment with land-based research and sustainability challenges.
• International PhD students can generally access domestic-level PhD tuition fees when they reside in New Zealand during their study, subject to Lincoln's conditions.
• PhD students at New Zealand universities have unlimited work rights under the applicable New Zealand student-visa conditions.

Career Outcomes

A PhD is designed primarily to develop advanced research expertise and an original contribution to knowledge.

Potential career directions include:

• University academic and lecturer/researcher positions.
• Research scientist positions.
• Government research and policy roles.
• Research positions in Crown research organisations and other research institutions.
• Specialist scientific and technical roles.
• Environmental and sustainability research.
• Agricultural and horticultural research.
• Food and wine science research.
• Water and natural-resource research.
• Agribusiness and economic research.
• Research and development roles in private industry.
• Specialist consultancy and advisory positions.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current official programme page lists the PhD as 3 years full-time, 360 credits and based at the Lincoln University Campus.
• PhD students can start at any time during the year.
• An appropriate research supervisor must be available for the proposed topic.
• The previous qualification must contain a significant research component.
• International applicants must satisfy Lincoln's English-language requirements where applicable.
• English-language test results must generally be no more than two years old.
• International PhD students seeking domestic tuition classification must normally live in New Zealand during their study, except for approved temporary absences for doctoral research.
• International students must have approved medical and travel insurance.
• Accommodation is not included in tuition fees.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student intending to undertake the PhD physically in New Zealand, the relevant immigration route will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the student's individual circumstances and the conditions of the offer of place.

Important requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of funds for living expenses.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of plans to leave New Zealand when the authorised stay ends, where required.

Living-cost funds:

• Immigration New Zealand's current student-visa guidance specifies NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary students studying for a year or more.
• For shorter periods, the requirement can be calculated on a monthly basis.

Work rights:

• PhD students enrolled at a New Zealand tertiary institution are eligible for unlimited work rights under the relevant student-visa conditions.
• This is an important difference from many taught programmes, where student-visa work hours are normally restricted.
• The student must still comply with the conditions recorded on their actual visa.

Insurance:

• Lincoln requires international students to have approved medical and travel insurance.
• Lincoln states that PhD students must finalise their insurance policy within the first month of their programme start date.
• Insurance must cover the applicable period of study/visa and satisfy the University's requirements.

Post-study work:

• New Zealand immigration policy provides a pathway for eligible doctoral graduates to apply for a Post Study Work Visa, subject to the rules in force when they apply and their individual circumstances.
• Current immigration policy distinguishes PhD graduates from many shorter qualifications, but students should verify their eligibility with Immigration New Zealand immediately before applying because immigration settings can change.