What postgraduate research looks like

Get an introduction to PhD and MA thesis research at the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.

PhD

A PhD at the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies is a full research degree with no coursework. It is designed for applicants who have already identified a research topic and who already have (or who are able to independently develop) the necessary analytic and research skills required to complete their PhD.

Working with supervisors is at the core of a PhD at our School. Our PhD students have two supervisors, one of whom is designated as their primary supervisor. Usually, a PhD student and their supervisors will hold regular meetings which vary in frequency depending upon the PhD student’s progress. Additionally, there are twice-yearly reviews which are completed in order to evaluate and ensure progress through the degree.

A PhD typically takes three years of full-time study to complete.  During the first year, the PhD student writes and submits their thesis proposal, which is then sent to the LALS Research Committee for assessment. Upon approval, the student moves from provisional to full registration. The remainder of the PhD registration period is spent completing and defending the thesis. A completed PhD thesis is assessed by one internal and two external examiners.

Part-time PhD study is also possible. See the webpages of the Faculty of Graduate Research for details.

Master's by thesis

A Master’s by thesis is a 120-point research-only degree for applicants who have already identified a research topic. The usual length of time for an Master's by thesis is 12 months of full-time study or 24 months if studied part time. Students will work with one supervisor during this time. A completed Master's thesis is assessed by one external and one internal examiner.

There is mmore information about the Master's by Thesis at this page https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/explore/postgraduate-programmes/master-of-arts-120-points/overview and at this page https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fgr/masters.