FAQS

Answers to all your questions about enrolling for postgraduate study, being a postgraduate student, and finding support during your studies.

Prospective Student FAQs

How do I enrol for postgraduate study?

Domestic students can enrol online by accessing the student enrolment system. International students will need to contact the International Office for the relevant forms.

I've had a break from studying, will I be up to postgraduate study?

Probably. We will assess the best level of study for you. There are courses to develop your research skills which you could complete before you enrol in a master's or doctorate. Also, in some areas you may be able to complete a postgraduate certificate or diploma and credit that towards a master's degree at a later stage.

Do I need an academic background to enrol for postgraduate study?

Normally. When you enrol, your lecturers and research supervisors assume that you already have the ability to understand academic discussions, read the academic work of others critically and write at the necessary academic level. You may need limited help from supervisors and advisers to improve your writing about research, especially as you begin writing at this level. You will need to discuss entry criteria for the qualification you are interested in with your faculty. See our contacts page for more information.

How do I find a supervisor for my thesis?

If you have already studied at AUT, approach a staff member who taught you on an undergraduate degree or postgraduate certificate or diploma for advice. You will also find information about AUT researchers and their interests on the Research section of the AUT website. Individual faculties will also guide you towards an appropriate supervisor. You will have one or two supervisors for your master's thesis or dissertation. You will have two supervisors for doctoral research.

What is the role of a supervisor?

Postgraduate Supervisors guide the learning of students who are engaged in research-based programmes of study. This includes assisting and advising students as they explore their field of interest and plan their research, seeking relevant consent and helping with gathering and analysing data. They also support students to formulate a scholarly discussion of their findings in a format that is appropriate for submission as a thesis or dissertation in the appropriate field of study.

Can I study part-time at postgraduate level?

Yes, in most cases. Your faculty contact will be able to advise you.

Can I study by distance at postgraduate level?

In some cases, components of programmes are available online. Your faculty contact will be able to advise you.

What is a thesis or dissertation?

Both terms refer to a written document from a large research project, carried out over an extended period of time. A thesis is larger and the process of research takes longer than a dissertation. Definitions are found in the Postgraduate Handbook.

Do all postgraduate programmes involve a thesis or dissertation?

No. Some programmes will require them, while others will include only course work. When you look into a particular programme, it will tell you what is required.

Do all postgraduate programmes involve course work?

No. There are some, such as the Master of Philosophy, that require a thesis only. When you look into a particular programme, it will tell you what is required.

What doctoral qualifications does AUT offer?

We offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and named professional, or named doctorates. See What can I study at AUT?

What is the difference between a MPhil and a named masters' degree?

MPhil degree is a one-year research degree and a masters' degree has three types of level qualifications: research only, coursework and research or coursework only. See What can I study at AUT?

What is the difference between a PhD and a named doctorate?

A PhD is comprised entirely of a substantial research project. A professional doctorate or named doctorate includes course work and a research project comprising at least two thirds of the qualification.

What are the entry requirements for a master's degree?

Normally you will need a bachelor's from a New Zealand tertiary institution in your field of choice, to study at master's level. If your undergraduate degree was in a different field, you may have to do some catch-up, discipline-based courses or complete a postgraduate certificate or diploma first. If you have relevant overseas qualifications, you will be individually assessed for entry. If English or M?ori is not your first language you will need to fulfill IELTS requirements. If you have work experience in a relevant area you will be more likely to be accepted into some AUT postgraduate programmes.

What are the entry requirements for a doctoral degree?

The normal entry requirement for an AUT doctoral degree is a master's degree with honours or an undergraduate degree with honours which has included a substantial research component. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at AUT is entirely research-based and the thesis can be undertaken in any topic, provided supervisors can be arranged. Named doctorates are faculty-based and are often more specific in their focus on a practice or work area and they may include papers as well as a research-based thesis.

What is research?

Research is original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding. It typically involves enquiry of an experimental or critical nature driven by a hypothesis. It is independent, creative, cumulative and often long-term activity conducted by people with specialist knowledge about the theories, methods and information concerning their field of enquiry. Its findings must be open to scrutiny and formal evaluation by others in the field, and this may be achieved through publication or public presentation. In some fields, the results of the investigation may be embodied in the form of an artistic work, design or performance.

How much does it cost to study at postgraduate level, as New Zealand resident?

See the Student Fees website.

How much does it cost to study at postgraduate level as an international student?

See the International Students website.

Do I need to speak English to study at postgraduate level?

Normally. Postgraduate students are expected to complete assignments dissertations or theses in English (or Māori as appropriate). International students should check English IELTS requirements when they enrol. There may be further requirements for the demonstration of academic literacy in English before you are accepted into a postgraduate qualification. For example if you are enrolling in a doctoral programme, you may need to provide a copy of your master's thesis or dissertation for staff to read and ask you questions about. You may also be asked to provide evidence of a recent IELTS test.

I need help with finding research information at the Library, what should I do?

Library staff are available to introduce you to library facilities and services and help you find relevant information resources. Postgraduate students may also make an appointment for an individual consultation with a librarian. Ask at the library for a librarian with special responsibility for postgraduate students. For more information see the Library site.

Can I download some of the software from AUT for my computer at home?

Probably not. Most software companies do not let you have software installed in multiple computers. However, AUT is able to supply you with some software for your home computer, while other software may cost a small fee. For more information see IT Support.

I have a question about a policy relating to postgraduate study, what should I do?

Email the University Postgraduate Office on postgraduate@aut.ac.nz and we'll ensure that your enquiry is dealt with by the appropriate faculty.