Doctoral study in Mathematics
Why study with us?
New Zealand’s largest Faculty of Science* brings together 10 diverse schools and departments to provide outstanding quality teaching and research opportunities. Our doctoral students work with some of the nation’s leading researchers and benefit from the faculty’s connections with international universities and industry. You will also have access to high-quality laboratory and field research facilities.
Research opportunities
We welcome PhD proposals in a wide range of areas including Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Mathematics Education. For more details see our Research pages.
Our people
Many of our knowledgeable scientists are major contributors in their field.
(and search for relevant topics)
Research topics
See a selection of past and present research topics:
Applied Mathematics
- Noise-induced memory in heteroclinic networks | supervised by Claire Postlethwaite and Vivien Kirk
- Modelling cognitive functions using heteroclinic networks | supervised by Claire Postlethwaite and Vivien Kirk
- Dynamics of climate models | supervised by Anna Barry
- Manifolds of systems with multiple time scales | supervised by Bernd Krauskopf and Hinke Osinga
- Mathematical modelling of circatidal rhythms | supervised by Claire Postlethwaite
Pure Mathematics
- Determining the symmetric genus of particular classes of groups | supervised by Marston Conder
- Computational problems in lattices and applications to cryptanalysis | supervised by Steven Galbraith
- The geometry of partial differential equations | supervised by Rod Gover
- Generalised inverse limits investigating open questions on inverse limits with upper semi-continuous bonding functions | supervised by Sina Greenwood
- Weighted pluripotential theory and complex analytic geometry | supervised by Sione Ma’U
- Algorithms to decide isomorphism among groups | supervised by Professor Eamonn O’Brien
- Parameterized complexity in game theory and social choice | supervised by Arkadii Slinko
- (analytic) semigroup theory, elliptic operators with applications to PDE | supervised by Tom ter Elst
Mathematics Education
- Exploring new modes of teaching and learning in a university environment | supervised by Tanya Evans
- Non-routine problem solving to improve graduate attributes such as creativity and innovative thinking | supervised by Tanya Evans and Igor Kontorovich
- Design-based research to develop new teaching and learning approaches/resources | supervised by Tanya Evans
- Olympiads and gifted students | supervised by Igor Kontorovich
- Public-generated mathematical content | supervised by Igor Kontorovich
- Undergraduate mathematics learning | supervised by Caroline Yoon and Igor Kontorovich
- Mathematics learning and teaching in secondary school and university | supervised by Igor' Kontorovich and Caroline Yoon
- Mathematicians' research and teaching practices | supervised by Igor'Kontorovich
- Online mathematical communication | supervised by Igor' Kontorovich
For more information about PhD theses and topics you may be interested in, or supervisors and their past research, please use the search function on the Libraries and Learning Services catalogue.
Scholarships and awards
See our University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship page for scholarship opportunities. Or search our database for scholarships that may be available.
Help and advice
Please see our Doctoral students section for further information, advice and contact information.