Course details

Summary

Massey’s Doctor of Philosophy is a prestigious research qualification essential for a rewarding academic career in any research institution or university. It’s the highest supervised degree Massey University offers.

To do a PhD you need to have a passion for your subject, and pursue it to the limit.

The degree is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out independent and original research that provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study.

Candidates can complete a thesis with publications or a monograph, depending on the supervisor’s advice. The programme is expected to be completed within three to four years full-time or six years part-time.

Opportunities for research and career development

PhD candidates can access the UK Vitae platform which is a world leader in supporting the professional development of researchers. Massey is the only New Zealand university that subscribes to Vitae.

We support and provide training for all candidates to participate in the annual university 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition and offer lucrative prize money for the winners.

Workshops to hone your skills

Massey offers a wide range of workshops to PhD candidates.

• Graduate Research School - develop your research skills from project management to writing a research funding application.
• The Centre for Teaching and Learning - improve your study skills with writing support workshops.
• Massey Library - develop as a researcher, including learning strategies for getting published and data management.

Accessible lecturers and supervisors

Massey University academic staff provide quality and caring supervision and are easily accessible. We limit our PhD enrolments to high-achieving candidates, so you’ll receive close attention and regular interaction with staff. You’ll have at least two supervisors, allowing you to benefit from a range of expertise.

Great connections and facilities

Massey has close relationships with leading research organisations worldwide, and we regularly host visiting researchers and experts in many fields.

You’ll have access to excellent research facilities and equipment, and benefit from Massey’s connections with industry.

Regular feedback and support

Start your research journey as part of the Massey researcher community. We place a strong emphasis on pastoral care and creating social networks.

The School of Aviation conducts and supervises research in many different areas of aviation. Our staff and postgraduate students present their findings at domestic and international conferences and publish articles in leading journals.

Research topics
Recent or current research topics include:

• Decision-making
• Low-cost flight training devices (including building one with a motion platform)
• Mild-hypoxia
• Industrial relations
• Alternative aviation fuels
• Modelling airport efficiency
• Modelling performance of airline alliances
• Investigating non-technical skills of pilots
• iPads as electronic flight bags
• Performance of NZ airports
• Predicting airport reviews
• Flight crew and engineer interactions during line maintenance and hand-overs
• Employees' intentions to report safety concerns
• Perceived invulnerability in pilots and air traffic controllers
• Flight from VFR into IMC
• Effect of caffeinated drinks on student pilots
• Hypo-hydration in pilots and air traffic controllers.

Entry criteria

Enrolment for a PhD is available to candidates who have completed a Bachelors or Masters degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division I), or those who hold comparable qualifications.

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL score of 575 paper based test along with a minimum TWE score of 4 (Essay Rating 4.0 or Writing 20)