Doctoral study in Forensic Science

Why study with us?

New Zealand’s leading and 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.

*www.science.auckland.ac.nz/excellence

Research opportunities

We welcome PhD proposals in areas including:

  • Field Science
  • Physical Evidence
  • Forensic Biology
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Environmental Forensic Science

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:

  • The interpretation of forensic DNA evidence | supervised by James Curran
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis | supervised by Douglas Elliot
  • Enhancement of RNA-based methods for body fluid and cell type identification | supervised by  Douglas Elliot
  • Studying the Aging of Injuries and Injury Age Estimation using a Gene Expression Approach | supervised by Douglas Elliot
  • New technologies for the identification of body fluids utilizing RNA Methods | supervised by Douglas Elliot

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.

Apply for doctoral study