the university of auckland phd in finance

• MyAucklandUni
• Student Services Online
• Class search
• Student email
• Change my password
• MyCDES+ (job board)
• Course outlines
• Learning essentials
• Libraries and Learning Services
• Forms, policies and guidelines
• New students
• Enrol in courses
• Campus card
• Postgraduate students
• Summer school
• AskAuckland
• Student Hubs
• Student IT Hub
• Student Health and Counselling
• Harassment, bullying, sexual assault and other violence
• Complaints and incidents
• Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)
• Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS)
• Rainbow support
• Covid-19 information for our community
• Emergency information
• Report concerns, incidents and hazards
• Health and safety topics
• Staff email
• Staff intranet
• ResearchHub
• PeopleSoft HR
• Forms register
• Careers at the University
• Education Office
• Early childhood centres
• University Calendar
• Opportunities
• Update your details
• Make a donation
• Publications
• Photo galleries
• Video and audio
• Career services
• Virtual Book Club
• Library services
• Alumni benefits
• Office contact details
• Alumni and friends on social media
• No events scheduled for today You have no more events scheduled for today
• Next event:
• Show {0} earlier events Show {0} earlier event
• Event_Time Event_Name Event_Description
• My Library Account
• Change Password
• Edit Profile
• My GPA Grade Point Average About your GPA GPA not available Why can't I see my GPA?
• My Progress
• Points Required Completed points My Progress Progress not available All done!
• Student hubs
• Health and counselling
• All support
• Health, safety and well-being

Breadcrumbs List.

• Ngā akoranga | Study
• Study options
• Find a study option
• You are currently on: Doctoral study

Doctoral study in Finance

Why study with us.

• We are ranked first in New Zealand and in the top 100 globally for Accounting and Finance*
• We are a leading education provider in our subject in the Asia-Pacific region
• Postgraduate Research Student Support (PReSS) funding is available for research expenses

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021

Research opportunities

When you undertake your doctorate in Finance at the University of Auckland Business School, you’ll join a high-calibre research community and have opportunities to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop a network in academia and industry.

Our researchers are currently examining how investors and firms allocate scarce resources over time. This covers corporate financial decision-making, investment analysis, portfolio management and financial instruments, and institutions and markets.

We invite research proposals in any of the following or related topics**:

• Investments, asset pricing, financial anomalies and machine learning applications in finance
• The cost of capital - The factors that determine the required rate of return on risky asset, topics related to capital budgeting, the valuation of firms and the regulation of pricing
• Initial public offerings of equity securities and seasoned equity offerings - The factors affecting under-pricing and the history of the under-pricing phenomenon
• Market microstructure - The impact of "market architecture" on the outcomes of the trading process
• Securities’ market regulation - The regulation of information disclosure in financial markets and its impact on the financial information environment
• Risk management - The identification and measurement of financial risks and the management of these risks using financial instruments
• Banking, financial institutions and regulation - Bank supervision and regulation; the global financial crisis

**Note: this is not an exhaustive list.

Pursue your topic with us and benefit from the support and supervision of internationally recognised researchers.

Professor Norman Wong (Head of Department): Research interests include financial accounting; capital markets and accounting information; governance issues in accounting; accounting policy choice; taxation and accounting; and research methods in accounting.

Professor Henk Berkman : Asset pricing, return predictability, forensic finance and investment management.

Dr Paul Geertsema : Asset pricing, return predictability, financial anomalies and machine learning applications in finance.

Dr Dulani Jayasuriya : Big data, international banking, social media, applications of machine learning in finance, applying deep learning techniques for socio-economic problem solving, blockchain applications in finance, crypto currencies.

Dr John Lee : Empirical asset pricing, return anomalies and beta estimation.

Dr Michelle Li : Corporate finance including CEO board involvement, CEO compensation, minority shareholder protection, and merger and acquisitions.

Dr Helen Lu : Asset pricing, machine learning and executive successions.

Professor Dimitris Margaritis : Corporate finance, financial econometrics, money and banking.

Associate Professor Alastair Marsden : Corporate valuation, cost of capital, impact of regulation on financial markets and equity issues.

Past research topics

• "Investor Decision Making" | Supervised by Professor Henk Berkman and Associate Professor Alastair Marsden
• "The Effect of Earnings Management Constraints on Management Earnings Forecasts: Evidence from Japan' | Supervised by Professor Norman Wong and Professor Steven Cahan
• "An Investigation into the Effects of Weight Constraints, Estimation Error and Taxes on the Benefits from International Diversification" | Supervised by Associate Professor Alastair Marsden and Dr John Lee
• "Essays on Mutual Funds" | Supervised by Professor Dimitris Margaritis and Dr John Lee

Scholarships and awards

There are several scholarships you may be eligible for when you decide to pursue your doctoral studies in Finance.

University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships

Barry Spicer and Owen G Glenn PhD Scholarship

Phone the University

• 923 7186 (within Auckland)
• 0800 61 62 63 (outside Auckland)
• +64 9 373 7513 (overseas)

Apply for doctoral study

Doctoral programmes.

• Doctor of Philosophy

Related subjects

• Commercial Law
• Information Systems

Related links

• Doctoral applications
• Find a scholarship

Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting

This course is available

Level of Study

Doctoral Degree

Next start date

Expected Jul 2024

Newmarket Campus

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Research opportunities

When you undertake your doctorate in Accounting at the University of Auckland Business School, you’ll join a high-calibre research community and have opportunities to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop a network in academia and industry.

We welcome research proposals in topics relating to our two key research specialisations:

Financial accounting

• Financial reporting and its impacts
• External auditing
• Social and environmental accounting
• Accounting policy decisions
• Integrated reporting

Financial management

• Management control
• Diffusion of innovation in management accounting
• Management accounting systems and behaviour in organisations
• Transfer pricing in multinationals
• Performance measurement

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own start up. With focused development opportunities available throughout your PhD study, and dedicated postgraduate career advice, we can help you to explore and meet your own career goals, no matter what direction you take.

Entry criteria

Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours

Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL - Overall score of 68 and a writing score of 21
• C1 Advanced (previously - Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• C2 Proficiency (previously - Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Grade of B-
• University of Auckland English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) - Grade of B-
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE Communicative score below 50
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 85
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - ISE III with a pass in all 4 components
• LanguageCert - International ESOL - C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
• AEMG English for Academic Purposes Direct Entry Program (AEAP DEP) Final Exam - Overall score of 70% with no section below 65%
• English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 overall and no skill below Level 2

Studying in NZ

Share this course

• About New Zealand
• Creative Arts & Industries
• Education & Social Work
• Engineering
• Medical and Health Sciences
• Accommodation
• Career Development and Employability Services

Doctoral Study

• Entry requirements
• Find an agent
• How to apply
• International Student Support
• Life on campus
• Pathway studies
• Scholarships
• UoA Key dates
• International Student Ambassadors
• Alumni stories
• Current student stories
• Study Abroad and Exchange

Apply to study

EN     CN

Find out about pursuing an advanced research degree at our world-class University.

100 Different PhD Subjects

The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects.

Doctoral Scholarships

Find information about the doctoral scholarships offered by the University of Auckland.

Our Research

Learn about the exciting research taking place across the University.

Doctoral Applications

If you are applying for a PhD, here’s our step-by-step guide for doctoral applications, admission and enrolment.

Our Doctoral Candidates

Meet doctoral candidates and graduates from across the University.

Three Minute Thesis Presentations

The annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition provides a chance for doctoral candidates to share their research with a broad audience. It is also a lot of fun for the audience.

About the University

Our Facilities and Institutes

About our research

Our campuses

Help and Support

AskAuckland

Provide Feedback

• Auckland: (09) 923 5025
• Outside Auckland: 0800 61 62 63
• International: +64 9 373 7513

Email: [email protected]

The University of Auckland

Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142

New Zealand

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main navigation
• Tāwāhi International
• Oranga Tauira Student Life
• Rangahau Research
• Ākonga o Mua Alumni
• Ahumahi me ngā Kaiwhakawhiwhi Mahi Industry & employers
• Mō Mātou About
• Apply Enquire
• MyAUT Staff intranet

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's highest qualification. The degree is undertaken by research only and leads to advanced academic and theoretical knowledge in a specialist area.

The PhD is suitable for students who want to pursue an academic or research career, or a senior position in the public or private sector. Doctoral studies present you with the opportunity to generate new ideas that can benefit business and society. You will make a significant original contribution to knowledge and understanding in your field of study and meet recognised international standards for your work.

Explore our research expertise

AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge in their fields to guide you throughout your studies.

Browse research expertise

Download programme guides

• Architecture & Built Environment (2025)
• Go further with a Doctoral Degree
• AUT Prospectus (2025)

Applications received after the application date will be considered on a case-by-case basis otherwise the application will be held over for the subsequent start date.

• Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
• Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
• There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay .
• International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Indicative 2024 international fees

Scholarships

• Entry requirements
• Application process
• What you study
• Career opportunities

Minimum entry requirements

Must normally have completed the following in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research:

• Master’s degree with honours OR
• Bachelor’s degree with honours (equivalent to 4 years of study)

The degree must normally have been gained at the standard of first class or second class (first division) honours from this University or a recognised equivalent. The degree should include advanced learning in research, execution of a research project and a written report on the research.

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with 6.5 in Writing and no band less than 6.0

All other study areas

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and no band less than 6.0

Other requirements

Acceptance is subject to the availability of staff for supervision, prior research preparation and appropriate facilities.

How to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy

• Apply online and submit all required documents at least three months prior to the intended start date
• The Graduate Research School will assess your eligibility and forward to the relevant faculty to confirm possible research areas and supervisors
• Where the faculty confirms the availability of resources, including supervision, they will request for you to complete the formal research proposal (PGR2). Your PGR2 Research Proposal, including supervisory signatures, must be submitted to your Faculty Postgraduate Office a minimum of four weeks prior to your intended start date. If you are planning to start on 1 February, submit your signed PGR2 by 15 December.
• Once the research proposal is confirmed by the faculty, it will be sent to the Graduate Research School for approval and to issue an Offer of Place

For general enquiries for the Doctor of Philosophy programme please contact [email protected] .

Preparing a PhD research proposal

Prospective PhD applicants are required to prepare a formal research proposal, specifying the field of research and a general research question you wish to investigate.

Admission to a doctoral programme

Guidelines for the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law

Guidelines for the Faculty of Culture and Society

Information we need to assess your application

We require the following information:

• Faculty and/or field you wish to conduct your study in
• Academic transcripts
• Grading scale for postgraduate qualification
• Degree certificates (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Title of the thesis/dissertation/research project
• 1-2 page document (maximum) outlining your proposed research project
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• If English is not your first language you need to provide evidence of English language proficiency – IELTS (Academic) test results or recognised equivalent. If your postgraduate study was completed in English within three years, this may be waived

Once the required information is received, we will forward your enquiry to the relevant faculty who will communicate to you about the outcome of your application, possible research areas and supervisors.

Requirements for specific subjects

Art & design.

We require a portfolio (between 10-15 annotated images as a pdf or PowerPoint file or a URL for a website)

Provide evidence of completing the courses Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics at postgraduate level. Course syllabus or similar is required for assessment of comparability of those courses to those taken in New Zealand

Doctoral students will attain the knowledge, values and attributes to make significant contributions to their professional communities and societies through further high-quality research, and developments.

You put together a proposal that critically reviews work done in your area of research. This requires a suitable research methodology and a timeframe for completion of the degree. You are expected to publish one or more papers for a reputed international conference in your chosen area of research.

Once you have completed your research proposal, you refine your design, collect data and conduct your research as appropriate. Data is collected and analysed and the results are published at international conferences. A journal publication is also encouraged at this point.

The first step in the final stage of the PhD is finalising the data collection and analysis. You then write your PhD thesis and submit it to the supervisor for feedback. It could take two or three drafts before the thesis is ready for submission and examination.

Skills you will develop as part of the PhD

The outcomes for graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

It is expected that graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy will have gained the necessary skills and qualifications to follow an academic or research career. Alternatively, your research topic may lead you to a position of expertise in your chosen field. The opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you gain through a PhD will be extensive, both in industry and academia.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar .

Helen Lu Profile page

• Senior Lecturer Accounting and Finance
• +6493737599 Ext.83326 (Work)
• [email protected]
• SIR OWEN G GLENN BUILDING - Bldg 260, 12 GRAFTON RD, AUCKLAND CENTRAL, AUCKLAND, 1010, New Zealand
• Apply To Study

Helen Lu joined the University of Auckland in January 2014. Her primary research areas are empirical asset pricing and valuation. She is interested in issues related to applications of machine learning techniques to finance, recent advances in FinTech, and financial impacts of climate risks. Helen worked in investment banking at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank prior to her PhD. Qualifications: MBA (London), M.Econ (Peking), B.Eng (Northern Jiaotong), PhD (Massey)

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND APPOINTMENTS

• Senior Lecturer Business School, Accounting and Finance, New Zealand

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

• Senior Lecturer The University of Auckland, Accounting and Finance, New Zealand 1 Feb 2020 - present
• Lecturer The University of Auckland, Accounting and Finance, Auckland, New Zealand 6 Jan 2014 - 31 Jan 2020
• Lecturer The University of Otago, Accountancy and Finance, Dunedin, New Zealand 1 Feb 2013 - 7 Dec 2013
• PhD, Finance Massey University, Economics and Finance (Albany), Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
• MBA London Business School, London, United Kingdom
• Masters of Economics, Macroeconomics Peking University, Guanghua Management School, Beijing, China
• Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Science Northern Jiaotong University, Computer Science, Beijing, China
• English Can read, write, speak, understand and peer review
• Chinese (Mandarin) Can read, write, speak, understand and peer review

FACULTY / INSTITUTE

• Business School

GRADUATE SUPERVISION

• PhD/Doctoral Accredited Supervisor