It may be possible to upgrade your master's degree to a PhD if you:
- Are undertaking a master's degree by thesis at the University of Otago
- Have been studying for at least eight months full-time (or equivalent)
- Have shown very good progress, including objective evidence such as publication of some of your work
- Have written support of your supervisor
- Have the support of your department to upgrade
Upgrades are not automatic and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applying for an upgrade
To be considered for an upgrade, select Apply now on the PhD qualification page. This will take you to your eVision account, where you can continue to submit your application.
As part of the application:
- Your primary supervisor must complete an assessment in eVision confirming your ability to perform at doctoral level
- Objective supporting evidence is required, in addition to the supervisor's recommendation
How upgrade applications are assessed
In assessing an upgrade application, the Graduate Research Committee will consider whether you have:
- Chosen a PhD research topic of sufficient scope
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of the background literature and the ability to position your work within existing research
- Begun working at PhD level, particularly in terms of theory and conceptual development
- Shown the ability to think independently and critically
- Demonstrated potential to make a significant contribution to knowledge
- Received adequate training in research techniques and methodology
- Planned a viable research programme likely to lead to successful PhD completion
Timing and thesis expectations
Masters' upgrades are not normally considered until at least eight months of thesis work has been completed.
When you upgrade:
- Work completed during your master's thesis is expected to contribute toward your PhD
- Your total period of study across the master's and PhD is normally expected to equal at least three years of full-time equivalent enrolment, unless early submission is formally approved
If you intend to submit your thesis earlier than three full-time equivalent years of combined master's and PhD enrolment, your supervisor(s) and Head of Department must make a case to the Graduate Research Committee. This body meets monthly.
Scholarships and funding
If you are receiving a University of Otago Master's Scholarship (or equivalent named scholarship) at the time of upgrade:
- Your scholarship will be automatically upgraded to a doctoral-level scholarship
Other students:
- May apply for a doctoral-level scholarship at the point of upgrade
Completed master's thesis study is counted toward the total tenure of any doctoral scholarship, which will not exceed three full-time equivalent years from the start of the master's thesis.
For example, a student who has completed 12 months of master's thesis study would be eligible for a maximum of 24 months of doctoral scholarship funding after upgrading.
Further information
Graduate Research School – Admission to the PhD degree
Postgraduate students at the University of Otago