Programme : Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Programme Code : A3D054 / A4D056 / A3D057 / A4D058 / A2M053 / A2M125
Study Mode : Full-time
Programme Director : Prof GU Mingyue Michelle
Medium of Instruction : English
E-mail : rpg@eduhk.hk

As a research student at the University, you will follow a programme of study under the guidance of a principal supervisor and a supervision committee. At the start of your programme you will draw up a plan for your research in consultation with your supervisor for completion of your thesis within the period of registration for the degree. Your work plan and training programme will be reviewed annually in the light of your research needs and progress.

In the first year of study, you will take the core courses, which equip you with a broad coverage of the central skills and ethical and methodological issues of research in education, social sciences, humanities, languages and linguistics, and creative arts and culture. The courses, workshops and seminars provides the opportunity for you to become part of the University’s research community. You will be able to meet and discuss your work with students and staff from different academic departments and learn more about the research taking place at the University. 

MPhil Programme
The MPhil programme is designed to educate students as independent and innovative researchers who are well-prepared to pursue research degrees at the doctoral level. Graduates of the programme are expected to have attained advanced knowledge in their chosen field and professional expertise in research techniques.

PhD Programme
The PhD programme is designed for students wishing to pursue academic or research careers in diversified fields such as education, humanities, social sciences, cultural and creative arts, and science. It focuses on promoting applied research with strong relevance and advancing knowledge for professional improvement, practical innovation, and policy formulation in education and associated areas, both locally and internationally. Graduates of the programme are expected to make significant contributions to the discipline and/or profession through continued quality research and scholarly activities.

PhD

• Normal Study Period: 3-4 years of full-time study*
• The Confirmation of Candidature is expected to be taken after 12 months of study.

MPhil

• Normal Study Period: 2 years of full-time study
• The Confirmation of Candidature is expected to be taken after 12 months of study.
• Application for upgrade from MPhil to PhD will be considered after confirmation of candidature and completion of the coursework requirements. 

* A study period of 3 years applies to PhD students who hold a research master’s degree (i.e. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)) or an equivalent qualification.

Following the programme curriculum, students are required to take all core courses (3 credits for each course) and present their thesis or thesis proposal at the Qualifying Examination and Viva Examinations to complete the programme requirements.

Students admitted in 2024/25 and thereafter:

Students admitted before 2024/25:

*Students who opt out of the ‘Foundation course in research methods’ should take two specialised courses and/or special topics in the primary discipline.

Classes in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.

#Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

General Requirements

PhD
A Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or a Bachelor’s degree with first class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

MPhil
A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

English Language Requirements*
Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a university where the programme was not taught and assessed in English are normally required to demonstrate competency through one of the following minimum requirements:

1. IELTS score of 6.5 (academic module) with no subtest lower than 6.0#; or
2. TOEFL (internet-based test):
   Score of 80 (for tests taken before 21 January 2026);
   Score of 4.5 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards); or
3. Other equivalent qualifications.^

(The test should be taken in test centres, and the result should be valid within two years.)

*Individual fields of study such as the English language may have higher requirements.

#Applicable to the 2016/17 cohort and onwards.

^The College English Test (CET) is not accepted as an equivalent qualification.

Non-local Applicants

• We welcome applications from local and non-local applicants. Starting from the 2019/20 intake cohort, a new definition of non-local students is adopted in accordance with the HKSAR Government policy. Click here to check the definition of “non-local applicants”.
• If you are required to obtain a student visa/entry permit issued by the Director of Immigration in order to study in Hong Kong, you are regarded as a non-local applicant (subject to confirmation from the Hong Kong Immigration Department). Indication of residence status does not form a criterion for selection.
• Non-local applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as it often takes considerable time for the Hong Kong Immigration Department to process your visa applications.
• Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in Chinese Mainland are required to provide Degree verification report (學位在線驗證報告) and Graduation verification report (學歷證書電子註冊備案表) issued by the CHSI (學信網).

Tuition and Extension Fees are provisional and subject to adjustment. Tuition and Extension fees paid are normally not refundable or transferable.

Extension fees will be charged to students who have to extend their studies beyond the normal study period.

Starting from 2018/19 academic year, local students enrolled in full-time UGC-funded RPg programmes are eligible for the Tuition Waiver Scheme. For more information, please refer to: http://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/tws.html

International Outreach Study Programme

The International Outreach Study Programme (IOSP) organised by the Graduate School aims to provide research postgraduate students with opportunities to widen their academic horizons and enhance their global awareness. Through IOSP, students have the opportunity to enhance their research and generic skills by participating in seminars and workshops at overseas partner universities, interacting with scholars and postgraduate students, sharing their study/research experiences, and building academic networks. Since 2012, the Graduate School has organised student visits to prestigious universities in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, etc.

Cotutelle PhD degree with Macquarie University, Australia

Students applying for the cotutelle PhD programme should meet the admission requirements of both EdUHK and Macquarie University. They are required to undertake their studies at both institutions during their period of study.
Upon successful completion of all the graduation requirements set out by the two institutions, students will be awarded two PhD degrees, one from each institution.

Interested candidates are welcome to contact the Graduate School via rpg@eduhk.hk for more details.

Research Students’ Attachment Scheme (RSAS)

The Scheme offers PhD students the opportunity to undertake a research attachment of up to three months at an overseas host university. It aims to foster research, academic, and cultural immersion at prominent institutions abroad, providing students with valuable opportunities to conduct research and establish connections with international researchers. Through this experience, students can build a foundation for future collaborations while broadening their global perspectives.

Eligible full-time UGC‑funded PhD students who have successfully passed the qualifying examination may apply for the Scheme. Successful applicants will be provided with the following financial support:

• Monthly Sponsorship for Living Expenses: Up to HK$7,500
• Travel Allowance: Up to HK$10,000

Students who have completed the Scheme are required to submit a post-visit report and fulfill the publication requirements.

For detailed information and application procedures, please refer to the following documents.

• Guidelines
• Application Form