Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
- Part-time: 72 months (up to 6 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
First day of any month
Language
English
Credits
360 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Disciplines
History
Overview
The History course University of Canterbury requires the preparation of a substantial thesis that presents the outcome of the research and places it in the broader framework of the discipline or field of study. A PhD thesis is required to make an original contribution to knowledge or understanding in the field of study, and to meet recognised international standards for such work.
A thesis is expected to meet all of the following criteria:
- An original thesis which contributes to the state of knowledge.
- Identification of problem(s) and/or question(s) to be investigated in relation to existing scholarship.
- Familiarity with and ability to evaluate the historiographical literature associated with the project.
- Thorough acquaintance with relevant primary sources and secondary literature.
- Clear and definite evidence of ability in source selection, interpretation and analysis, methodological rigour and other related skills as defined by the specific project.
- Absolute accuracy when citing from and, otherwise, interpreting sources.
- Strict and consistent adherence to scholarly conventions relating especially to citations, referencing, etc.
- Literate in presentation (style, format, grammar, syntax, etc.)
Visit the programme website for more information
Programme Structure
To obtain additional information about the programme, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.
Check out the full curriculum
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
Duolingo English Test: 120
TOEFL iBT: 90
PTE Academic: 58
IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
- Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
- In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International: 7,146 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Domestic: 7,146 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Additional Details
- The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
- International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points
Living costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,084-1,668 AUD / month
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for History.
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship (Grant: 25000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship (Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship (Grant: 7000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Doctoral Scholarship (Grant: 32000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Brownlie Scholarship (Grant: 5000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Master's Scholarship (Grant: 14000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (Grant: 14000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program (Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026) - U.S. government
- ServiceScape Scholarship (Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026) - ServiceScape
- ACES Scholarships (Grant: 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026) - ACES Education Fund
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility (Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based) - OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship (Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based) - IvyPanda
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship (Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027) - Voice Talent Online
- Women Scholarship for International Students (Grant: 5000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026, Merit-based) - educations.com
- The PhD Prep Fellowship (Grant: 10000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026, Merit-based) - Admit Lab
- Dream Chaser Scholarship (Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based) - Salvado Law
- Scholarship for students with disabilities (Grant: 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based) - Anonymous Hope Fund
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria (Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based) - Leopold Figl Foundation
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship (Grant: 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified) - IELTS from 6 to 9
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme (Grant: 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027) - The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme