Dunedin,
New Zealand
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Biochemistry in Christchurch New Zealand | University of Otago
University of Otago
|
Christchurch New Zealand
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
NZD
46,909
(c. USD27,189.72)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
Biochemists utilize molecular techniques to explore the mysteries of life and death, transforming cells into biological factories, enhancing agricultural yields, deciphering how countless cells unite to create complex organisms, unraveling the aging process, and identifying the roots of illnesses such as cancer. Biochemistry is a fast-evolving molecular discipline that examines life processes by analyzing an organism's biomolecules: their roles, their interactions (both internally and with environmental molecules), and their responses to external influences. This field drives innovation in molecular medicine and biotechnology. Molecular medicine is set to transform healthcare, with advanced diagnostic tools, precision drug development, and targeted molecular therapies promising better societal health. Biotechnology will deliver enhanced food production, alternative energy solutions, and novel engineering materials.
Biochemists enjoy a wide range of career paths, with Otago graduates working globally. Opportunities span research, product innovation, forensic science, public health, bioinformatics, agricultural business, intellectual property law, policy-making, publishing, education, science communication, business, and marketing. New Zealand's biotech sector offers roles in livestock enhancement, crop development, viticulture, conservation of native species, pharmaceutical research, and industrial product design.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate. Note: Applications may be made at any time. Applications must be approved before the candidate begins the research work.
Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:
a Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
appropriate research experience, and
for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.
A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate.
Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study.
If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree.
Notwithstanding regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.
IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:
a Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago), or
appropriate research experience, and
for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.
A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate.
Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study.
If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree.
Notwithstanding regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.
IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
Tuition
NZD
46,909