Postgraduate Study

The Philosophy Department at Otago University has an outstanding reputation for research. In the most recent Performance-Based Research Funding exercise (the New Zealand equivalent of the British RAE) in 2006, the highest scoring research discipline in New Zealand was Philosophy, and the highest scoring department in New Zealand in any discipline was the Department of Philosophy at the University of Otago.

Our research strengths include Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Science, Philosophical Logic, and Early Modern Philosophy.

The Department has a friendly and open atmosphere, with a lively postgraduate community. Staff and postgraduate students regularly socialise together. We also have a steady stream of visitors from overseas to our weekly seminar programme, so students have the chance to meet and hear papers by a wide range of visiting philosophers.

The Department of Philosophy offers a range of Postgraduate qualifications, from the Diploma for Graduates through to the PhD.

Postgraduate Qualifications

Diploma for Graduates. This is intended for people who have a degree in another subject, but want to get a qualification in Philosophy. It puts a student in the same position as a BA graduate with respect to eligibility for higher degrees.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (Hons)). Students who have completed a BA or Diploma for Graduates in Philosophy may apply for admission into this programme. The student must write a dissertation of approximately 12-15,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff and study three advanced Philosophy papers. It is a one year full-time course.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PG Dip Arts). The same as for BA(Hons) except that candidates may enrol part-time.

Master of Arts (MA). Students who have completed a BA(Hons) or DipArts in Philosophy are eligible to apply for admission into the Masters programme. The student must write a thesis of approximately 30-40,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff. It normally takes one year full time (or the equivalent part-time) to complete.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Students who have completed a BA (Hons), Postgraduate Diploma, or MA in Philosophy are eligible to apply for admission into the PhD programme. The student must undertake a major research project, and write a thesis of approximately 60-100,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff. It normally takes three years full time (or the equivalent part time) to complete.

Staff Supervision Interests

Members of the Philosophy Department provide expert and conscientious supervision in a wide range of areas. These include:

Epistemology

Metaphysics

Philosophical Logic

Philosophy of Natural and Social Sciences

Philosophy of Biology

Moral and Social Philosophy

Medical Ethics

Political Philosophy

History of Early Modern Philosophy

For more on staff supervision interests see the Staff pages.

Benefits of Postgraduate Study at Otago

We currently offer postgraduate students the following support:

• Supervision by two academic staff members who are available for regular consultation.

• Masters and Doctoral Scholarships, which are open to all

• Access to a computer with internet connection and relevant software.

• Own desk in a shared room in or near to the Philosophy Department.

• Funding for research support such as conference travel or specialist research materials.

• The opportunity to work as a tutor on our 100-level papers, gaining valuable teaching experience and remuneration.

• Excellent Library facilities.

• A friendly and supportive postgraduate group who run their own Postgrad Seminars giving students the opportunity to present their own work to their peers.

• Postgraduates attend the weekly Philosophy Seminar. We regularly have visiting speakers from overseas.

• Weekly gathering in the local pub with staff and postgraduates.

• The chance to live and study in Dunedin, a university city with strong social, cultural and sporting traditions. It is situated in the South Island of New Zealand with easy access to outdoor pursuits and stunning scenery.

Useful Links

International Students 

Postgraduate study 

Scholarships 

Enrolment

City & Region 

For further information contact:

Colin Cheyne

Postgraduate Coordinator,

Department of Philosophy

Tel: +64 3 479 8722

Email: Colin Cheyne

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