Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Conflict Studies , National Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies

General Information about PhD study

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) enables a student with a particular interest to carry out independent, original research culminating in a thesis.

Please direct all enquiries to peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz

Requirements for a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies

This programme is usually completed within three years. A PhD thesis should not exceed 100,000 words and must be a thorough, comprehensive and original study of a topic or issue which makes a significant contribution to the knowledge of the particular field.

Eligibility for the PhD programme

Prospective candidates must have completed either:

a four‐year Arts degree with a substantial research component (equivalent to an Honours dissertation at Otago), and must have achieved at least an upper second class Honours (75% plus) for their fourth year of study; or
an accredited Masters programme with an appropriate research component.

Acceptance as a candidate for the PhD degree depends upon the University being able to provide adequate expert supervision in the intended area of research.

How to apply for the PhD programme

Acceptance to the PhD programme is highly competitive and we unfortunately have to turn down many well-qualified candidates.

Applications are considered by the Director of PhD programme in conjunction with Faculty in February, April, July and September. You will be informed of their decision on your application by the end of the month of consideration, or shortly thereafter.

Before making a formal application, we strongly recommend that prospective students first contact the PhD Programme Director in order for your proposal and academic records to be evaluated and for Faculty to determine supervisory capacity. After this assessment (which can take up to two months), we may then encourage you to make a formal application for admission to the PhD programme.

The following criteria are used when making an internal assessment:

Academic standard: Prospective students must meet the highest academic standards. A first class Honours degree or Masters degree including a significant research component is required; research publications (peer-reviewed articles in academic journals or book-chapters) are desirable.
The project proposal must fit well with our research profile and appears manageable and feasible within a three-year time frame and given financial and other constraints.
The project must be likely to generate high-quality, publishable work in peer-reviewed journals.
A master's degree with a focus on peace and conflict studies is highly desirable.
Our research problematique is peace and conflict issues; and our geographic focus is open.

In order for us to make our internal assessment, we need four things from the applicant:

Full academic transcripts highlighting which course is your thesis or dissertation and / or details of your research publications (see above).
Where possible, an electronic copy of the piece of independent research which you submitted for examination.
A curriculum vitae which includes publications, at least one reference letter and the contact details of referees (a minimum of two).
A preliminary research proposal (about 5 pages) which identifies the contribution of the project to the discourse, a description of its theoretical framework, research design, methodology and time plan.
The completed rubric document which helps us to clarify the key points in your application.

Rubric for PhD application (PDF)

Please forward all these documents as attachments in one email to peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz

Rei Foundation scholarships

Since 2013, Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, in partnership with Rei Foundation Limited, have offered two new doctoral scholarships per year.

Applications are normally called in July for study beginning the following year. Theses completed by Rei Foundation scholars are noted below.

Rei Foundation Limited (RFL) aims to attain social change through sustainable human development as a means of expanding people's life opportunities and their capacity to make responsible decisions as members of the global community. Scholarships such as this expand not only the opportunities for the students concerned but also for the wider communities that will benefit from their research.
It is RFL's aim that by offering this scholarship, we will be able to nurture capable individuals who will go on to contribute to conflict resolution and peace activities around the world through their research into a multitude of areas. We also hope that these individuals will be able to apply the skills and knowledge gained through this programme to contribute to their local and the global communities.