Student research

Student research is a fundamental component of the postgraduate programmes offered by the School of Government.

Research plays an important role in our professional postgraduate qualifications:

  • Master of Public Management (MPM)
  • Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Our PhD and Master's by thesis programmes began in 2002, when the School of Government was launched by the then Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark.

  • Master of Commerce (MCom)
  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Student research contribution in our professional postgraduate programme is celebrated each year at a School of Government event where prizes are presented for academic achievement.

Thinking about a research project?

We are currently recruiting research students to undertake PhD and Masters by thesis qualifications with interests in the following areas:

  • Policy decision making; public engagement; sustainability; applications to environmental, climate change and science and technology topics
  • Health economics and health services policy
  • Public management/administration and governance, including performance management, e-government, local government and comparative government

Hear from our PhD students

What research have our PhD students undertaken? What brought them to study with the School of Government? Watch these short videos to give you a snapshot of PhD life from some of our former students.