Leading graduate research study in New Zealand
The Graduate Research School oversees graduate research study at the University of Otago. We provide policy advice for doctoral and research Masters' degrees, have oversight of all administrative matters related to the PhD programme, provide targeted support for Māori postgraduates, have a Graduate Wellbeing Coach to support postgraduate study, have oversight of postgraduate researcher and supervisor development, and work with the University community to enhance the graduate research culture.
The School is part of the University's Research Division. We have a dedicated team of managers, administrators and advisers ready to assist you.
Find out more about our team and how they can assist you
How can we help you?
The Graduate Research School:
- Helps candidates with graduate research study at Otago
- Supports and guides postgraduate supervisors
- Runs workshops, seminars and social events for graduate research candidates and staff
Dean's welcome
Nau mai, Haere mai!
Welcome to the Graduate Research School | Te Kura Rangahau Tāura at the University of Otago. We hope you will find this website helpful: it is designed to provide information about our research degree programmes and the wealth of support available to you as a graduate research student.
The Graduate Research School is a key part of the University community that will support your study. Our role is to provide leadership and oversight of research degrees at the University, and to support graduate research students and staff across the University's three main campuses in Dunedin, Christchurch, and in Wellington. We do this in a number of ways: by providing friendly and helpful advice for candidates and staff, (including how to approach new situations in an ever-evolving world!) by fostering vibrant postgraduate communities across the University, as well as by promoting scholarships, prizes, and publishing bursaries.
At the University of Otago we offer research degrees across a range of disciplines in health sciences, science, humanities, and commerce. Regardless of your discipline, from world-class researchers and research facilities, through to superb library and student services, we aim to ensure that you achieve to the best of your ability. Our research student achievement is high: we pride ourselves on having some of the best submission and completion rates for PhD study anywhere in the world!
As a graduate research student, you will be well supported along your research journey in developing your research skills, including through workshops, courses and resources. These also provide opportunities to develop a host of transferrable skills such as project management and communication skills. Apart from this, we also support a range of research-themed events in a collegial, fun and supportive environment, to ensure you have opportunities to network with your peers and colleagues, as well as to enjoy your time studying.
Many students find that graduate research is a life-changing experience, and that they develop a real passion for their research field. Furthermore, the skills they have developed on their research journey make them well placed for a range of careers, not only within academia but more widely in areas such as business, communities, or the public sector.
If you still have unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Thank you for choosing the University of Otago for graduate research and I wish you all the best with your study.
Professor David Baxter
Dean, Graduate Research School