Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Research Areas

Research focus/expertise in the Department include: (1) Computational Statistics: Bayesian hierarchical models, empirical Bayes, large-scale data analysis, Markov chain Monte Carlo, statistical machine Learning; (2) Functional Data Analysis: Bayesian inverse problems in physical oceanography, oceanography, trajectory analysis in life course epidemiology ; (3) Inferential Statistics: efficient estimation for semiparametric models,  empirical likelihood, knockoff statistics, model selection, non-standard asymptotic theory, post-selection inference; (4) Statistical Genetics Genomics Omics: analysis of whole-genome sequencing data, integrative analysis of multi-omics data; (5) Survival and Event History Analysis: competing risks models for HIV/AIDS data, counting process and martingale methods, network survival model; (6) Time Series Analysis: inference for stochastic processes, risk management, statistical finance.

For research interests of individual staff members, please visit the “Academic Staff” page.

Programme Aims

This programme aims to prepare students who have an excellent background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, social sciences, or other quantitative disciplines to become expert biostatisticians in academia, government or industry. The programme will provide comprehensive and rigorous training in biostatistics methodology and practice and produce independent and innovative researchers who can make original and important contributions to knowledge.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOS)

Upon successful completion of this Programme, students should be able to:

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and theories of their research areas.

Relate methodological and ethical principles to conduct independent research, with demonstrated ability to publish scholarly work in reputable journals.

Generate strategies to develop innovative and internationally competitive research in their fields of expertise.

Gather effective communication skills for academic and professional audience.

Programme Requirements

Coursework Requirements

Students are required to fulfill the following coursework requirements within their study period:

MPhil :
7 credit units (including at least 2 credit units of research methodology and ethics course at postgraduate level).

PhD:
(i) 14 credit units (including at least 9 credit units of core courses and at least 2 credit units of research methodology and ethics course at postgraduate level);
(ii) 1 credit unit compulsory course (SG8001 Teaching Students: First Steps); and
(iii) Training on Research Integrity (CITI Programme)

Qualifying Examination

PhD students are required to take and pass a qualifying examination within 10-24 months (full-time) or 20-48 months (part-time) after commencement of PhD studies. The qualifying examination aims to test students' knowledge of major subject area of their research disciplines and assess their readiness to conduct research in their specific research discipline.

The qualifying examination shall consist of a written examination. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed. Those who fail the qualifying examination after two attempts will be recommended for termination of study.

Thesis

An MPhil thesis should present the results of research investigation, give evidence of a sound understanding of the area of study, its context and applicability, and make a contribution to knowledge. A PhD thesis, in addition to the above, should make a substantial original contribution to knowledge in the subject area concerned.

Period of Study

Programme of Study	Full-time	Part-time
MPhil	2 years	4 years
PhD	4 years	8 years

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to a research degree programme should satisfy the following minimum entrance requirements:

MPhil

hold a relevant bachelor's degree with first or second class honors (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

PhD

be a current MPhil student in the University who seeks transfer to PhD candidature; or

hold a higher degree by research (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or

hold a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or

hold a Bachelor's degree with first class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

Equivalent qualifications mentioned above include relevant professional qualifications or other scholarly achievements recognized by the University.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University and the College. In general, applicants should obtain:

a minimum total score of 550 (paper-based test); or 79 (internet-based); or 59 (revised paper-delivered test; sum of Reading, Listening and Writing section scores) in TOEFL; or

a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; or

other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Internet-based) or 59 (revised paper-delivered test); or

a minimum score of 490 in the Chinese mainland’s College English Test Band 6 may be accepted.

To learn more about the entrance requirements and English proficiency requirements, please visit the website of Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies.

Admission Handbook

Detailed information can be obtained from the Admissions Handbook or Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies.

Research Degree Coordinator

Dr Jinfeng XU  
Tel: 3442-4183  
Email:  jinfenxu@cityu.edu.hk