Life cycle of PhD study

On this page you will find detailed information about the life cycle of PhD doctoral study, from enrolment and initial research proposal through to graduation.

If you have any questions, the University of Waikato's School of Graduate Research staff are more than happy to discuss your options with you.

1. Conditional enrolment (6 months full-time)
   This period of time focuses on developing the initial research proposal into a full research proposal and gaining ethical approval

2. Confirmed enrolment
   After six months of full time equivalent enrolment, you will present your full research proposal and apply to reach confirmed enrolment

3. Progress reports
   All full-time and part-time doctoral and Master of Philosophy candidates are required to compete six monthly progress reports

4. Annual re-enrolment
   All higher degree candidates must re-enrol annually; this is usually on the anniversary of your first enrolment in the degree

5. Submission for examination (Soft bound submission)
   After three years minimum full time equivalent enrolment, you will submit your soft bound thesis for examination

6. Written examination
   Candidates remain fully enrolled under zero fees while they wait for their examiners to provide reports and recommendations

7. Oral examination
   Where both examiners recommend that the candidate proceed to oral exam, the Chief Supervisor will make arrangements for the oral to take place

8. Submission for completion (Hard bound submission)
   Following the oral exam and attending to any indicated amendments to the thesis, a candidate will submit their final thesis for completion to the School of Graduate Research

9. Graduation
   Congratulations on completing your doctoral study