Dunedin,
New Zealand
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Chemistry in Dunedin New Zealand | University of Otago
University of Otago
|
Dunedin New Zealand
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
NZD
44,675
(c. USD25,982.53)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
Chemistry plays such a fundamental role in our daily lives that we often overlook its presence. It's central to cooking and nutrition, respiration and vision, the fabrics we wear and the building materials shaping our surroundings. During Chemistry studies at Otago, you'll explore molecular interactions, light-based reactions, and environmental impacts – learning to create innovative materials and detect minute pollutants. The Chemistry Department's research spans nanotechnology, marine chemistry, smart polymer development, and anti-cancer medications. This field drives transformation across healthcare, technology, and ecology. Join Otago's Chemistry program to contribute to these advancements.
Chemistry careers offer remarkable diversity, with New Zealand experiencing a consistent shortage of qualified graduates. Professionals find opportunities across chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food science, textiles, and wood products – working in R&D, quality assurance, business development, or leadership roles. Chemists also lead initiatives in agriculture, aquaculture, water treatment, and medical research laboratories. Government agencies actively recruit chemists for environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and water purification projects. Evolving health, safety, and environmental regulations have expanded career prospects in both public and private sectors. Employers particularly value chemistry graduates for analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to finance, legal, policy, and marketing roles. Additionally, New Zealand schools persistently seek qualified chemistry and general science educators.
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
44,675