Introduction to Research Degree Programmes

The Department has state of the art fabrication and characterization facilities for wide range of research areas related to materials science and engineering. The faculty members of the Department carry out both fundamental and applied research under the three major targeted areas, namely, Functional materials, Structural materials and Computational materials. For (1) Functional materials, key elements include nanomaterials, organic light-emitting diode materials, photovoltaic materials, energy storage related materials, sensing and detection, as well as photonics and optoelectronics materials. For (2) Structural materials section encompasses phase transformations, SMT solder joints, creep and life assessment, in-service behaviour of materials, stress analysis, structural materials design, surface science and engineering, thin films and coatings, metals and alloys, plastics and composites, shape memory alloys, and electrical ceramics. For (3) Computational materials include density functional theory calculation, molecular dynamics simulation, phase field modelling and multiscale modeling of mechanics of materials. In addition, members of the Department have collaborations around the world and are well-recognized in their research expertise. The ultimate goal of the department is to prepare graduates with professional knowledge, exploring spirit and leadership skills for the future world.


For further enquiry, please contact the Department at mse@cityu.edu.hk


Information regarding applications can be found on the homepage of the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes/steps-and-procedures).

Admission Requirements

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

  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
    • hold a relevant bachelor's degree with first or second class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (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 recognised by the University.

Mode and Period of Study

Research studies can be undertaken in full-time or part-time mode. The University has stipulated the following study periods for research degree programmes, and students are required to complete their studies, including the submission of their theses, within the said periods:

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

Financial Support

Research studies can be undertaken on a government-funded or a self-financing basis, subject to the availability of student quota and funding. Qualified full-time candidates admitted to a research degree programme will be considered for postgraduate studentship supported by government fund or external funds. The application procedures, entrance and English proficiency requirements, and programme requirements for these two types of students are the same. Applicants should indicate their intention to pursue government-funded or self-financing studies in their application form. Tuition fee levels and entitlement to financial awards and services are different for these two types of students, reflecting the different sources of funding. Government-funded students are required to pay tuition fees at a rate set by the government. Quotas for government-funded places for each university in Hong Kong are also set by the government. As self-financing places are not subsidised, these students are required to pay a higher level of tuition fees. In addition, self-financing students are not eligible to apply for financial awards (e.g. postgraduate studentships, research tuition scholarships, conference grants, etc.) financed by government funds. The funding support can be on UGC-funded basis, self-financing basis, or a combination of both. Applicants are advised to contact the Department/School concerned for details of financial arrangements.

Admission Handbook

https://www.cityu.edu.hk/sgs/files/prospective/rpg/handbook.pdf

Appendix - Research Interests of Individual Staff Members