Experiences of Doctoral Students in Mathematics in New Zealand
by
Gillian Thornley
Massey University
Coauthors: Margaret Morton

New Zealand universities are placing a greater emphasis on graduate teaching and research and are encouraging recruitment of overseas students. This, along with other factors, has led to a marked increase in the number of doctoral students in mathematics departments over recent years. In fact the number of completed doctorates in mathematics in the period 1992 - 1997 is more than double that in any previous six year period. While this is undoubtedly good for research activity and signifies a certain maturing of mathematics in New Zealand, there is a need to monitor the development from a student viewpoint and to consider the longer term sustainability of it. In 1997 we surveyed all doctoral students based in mathematics departments. This sample excluded statistics students but included some students in mathematics education and in operations research who were housed in mathematics departments. The results of this survey will be presented. The survey does indicate some areas of concern but the majority of the responses were positive and enthusiastic. Margaret Morton Gillian Thornley University of Auckland Massey University

Date received: May 24, 1998