Academic career pathway

This pathway is for doctoral candidates who are committed to pursuing an academic career path.

An aerial view of the annual SGS Research Showcase at the University of Auckland, featuring academic posters and research images created by doctoral candidates.

Key focus areas

  1. Academic publishing skills 
  2. Teaching and mentoring capabilities 
  3. Understanding the funding landscape and grant writing proficiency 
  4. Networking within academia 
  5. Research impact planning and monitoring 
  6. Leadership in academic contexts 

Flagship programmes

Academic Career Advancement Programme (ACAP)

The year-long Academic Career Advancement Programme (ACAP) provides doctoral candidates at the University of Auckland with the opportunity to explore key aspects of academic life, build interdisciplinary relationships with academics across the University, and get a head start in the academic job market. Applications for 2027 open in August 2026. Learn more.

Doctoral Personal Leadership Programme (DPLP)

The Doctoral Personal Leadership Programme (DPLP) is a powerful foundation for your personal and professional growth, cultivating self-aware, purpose-driven leadership. It includes three group mentorship sessions, as well as six workshops. Applications for 2027 are not yet open. Watch out for announcements in Doctoral News.

These opportunities include a wide variety of on-demand resources, programmes, courses, workshops, and other events.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Notes to remember

  • Balance additional activities with research progress
  • Not all activities will be relevant for every candidate
  • You will likely need to also engage with research methods/technical training relevant for your own project/discipline
  • Discuss plans with supervisors, both during the training needs analysis required as a candidature milestone, as well as regularly throughout your candidature
  • Document all development activities for your CV

Related links