OUR POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Institute offers Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs to students wishing to conduct cross-disciplinary research on (1) science, technology and medicine in Asian societies; (2) hubs, mobilities and the Asian urban; or (3) spirituality and religion in Asia.
- International scholars of top distinction as mentors
- Global exposure such as short-term study stay at partner institutions, language training abroad, involvement in collaborative research
- Strategic location (proximity to Taiwan, China, and the greater Asian region)
- Generous scholarships, studentships and fellowships.
| Program | Coursework* required by Graduate School | Coursework* required by HKIHSS |
|---|---|---|
| MPhil | 4 compulsory modules | 1 compulsory & 2 elective courses |
| 3-year PhD | 1 compulsory module | 2 compulsory & 2 elective courses |
| 4-year PhD | 4 compulsory modules | 2 compulsory & 2 elective courses |
Details are available online at the Graduate School’s and the Institute’s webpages.
Students’ participation in the Institute’s academic activities such as lunchtime seminar series, workshops and public lectures is mandatory. Involvement in tutorials and event organization may be required.
Students are required by the Faculty of Social Sciences to present a paper in a Research Postgraduate Conference at least once during their study period.
HONG KONG PHD FELLOWSHIP (HKPF) SCHEME
The HKPF provides financial subsidies for brightest students across the world to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong. Each awardee will receive a monthly scholarship of HK$25,100 (US$3,200) and a conference and research related travel allowance of HK$12,600 (US$1,600) per year for up to three years. For HKPF awardees who are admitted to a 4-year PhD programme in 2019 – 20, HKU will provide a monthly scholarship and travel allowance at the same level as the HKPF for their fourth year of study.
Eligibility
Candidates who are seeking admission as new full time PhD students in the following eight universities, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply.
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The Education University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability / potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Fellowship Award
The Fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$301,200 (approximately US$38,600) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$12,600 (approximately US$1,600) per year for each awardee for a period up to three years. 250 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2019/20 academic year*. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. For details, please contact the universities concerned directly.
* Universities in Hong Kong normally start their academic year in September.
Selection Panel
Shortlisted applications, subject to their areas of studies, will be reviewed by one of the following two Selection Panels comprising experts in the relevant board areas:
- Science, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Science and Business Studies
Selection Criteria
While candidates' academic excellence is of primary consideration, the Selection Panels will take into account factors as follows:
- Academic excellence;
- Research ability and potential;
- Communication and interpersonal skills; and
The main round of applications for research degrees are invited until December 1, 2018. Clearing round applications may be invited after the main round is completed. Applicants are advised to apply early in case all places of study are filled in the main round.
| Procedures | Period |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (Details) | Initial application to the Research Grants Council: September 1 to December 1, 2018 noon Full application to HKU: September 1 to December 1, 2018 |
| Main Round | September 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018 |
| 1st Clearing Round | December 2, 2018 to April 30, 2019 |
| 2nd Clearing Round | May 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019 |
MPhil candidates may commence their studies on either September 1, 2019 or January 1, 2020 while PhD candidates may commence their studies on the first day of any calendar month during the academic year.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORM AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
All applications have to be submitted to the Online Application System by the respective closing dates.
Supporting documents:
A. Certificates and complete transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate studies
B. Statement of research interest or research proposal
C. Two academic referee’s reports
D. Official score report of one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests:
[For applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English].
E. Writing sample (in PDF format):
- For MPhil applicants: The abstract of Bachelor’s thesis (max. 10 pages) OR a sample research paper (max. 15 pages), written in English.
- For PhD applicants: The abstract of Master’s thesis AND a sample research paper (max. 15 pages), written in English.
F. Documentary proof of proficiency in the language(s) necessary for research OR a written statement outlining current language abilities (including years of formal study), and future course of study.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.hkihss.hku.hk/en/teaching/our-program/