HKUHKU PortalAlumni
Research Postgraduate Programmes
Research postgraduate programmes offered by the Faculty
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Application and Enquiries
Application Forms
All applications should be submitted to the Online Application System. Please visit the website of the Graduate School at https://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/application/how_to_apply for application details.
Applications are welcome all year round.
Fees, Scholarships and Financial Support
General Enquiries
Professor Zhang, Chengfei (Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) & Chairman of Faculty Higher Degrees Committee)
Tel: (852) 2859 0371 / E-mail: zhangcf@hku.hk
Specific Enquiries
Please visit this page, search for your key area of interest for your MPhil or PhD study, and contact the appropriate academic staff member pursuing research in that area.
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Facts & Figures
22
Research and teaching support staff
(2017)
71
Research postgraduate students
(2019)
129
Research or knowledge exchange awards
(2016)
228
Research postgraduate
alumni
(2019)
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Full-time (2 years) or Part-time (3 years) MPhil programmes are offered in a range of research areas (listed above) and aim to provide basic research training that fosters the development of independent research skills.
Students are expected to be highly self-motivated and to work with a supervisor in reading the literature and conducting research. The MPhil research should display some originality and demonstrate a sound understanding of the field of study and the appropriate research methods. MPhil students will be required to follow an approved course of study and research including coursework. The objective of the coursework component is to aid research work and preparation for writing the thesis.
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Full-time (4 years) or Part-time (6 years) for candidates without a research Master’s degree. Full-time (3 years) or Part-time (4½ years) for candidates holding a research Master’s degree. PhD programmes are offered in a range of research areas (listed above) and aim to provide further research training that fosters the development of independent research skills.
Students are expected to be highly self-motivated and to work with a supervisor in reading the literature and conducting research. The PhD research should be an original contribution to knowledge and worthy of publication. PhD students without a research Master’s degree will be required to follow an approved course of study and research including coursework. The objective of the coursework component is to aid research work and preparation for writing the thesis.
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Joint PhD Programme
The Joint PhD programme between the Faculty of Dentistry, HKU and the Dental Institute of King's College London is now open for outstanding students to apply.
Research Areas
Please click here for the list of intending supervisors and research topics.
Student Recruitment
Academic staff members of both parties who are eligible to be a primary supervisor of PhD candidates in accordance with the regulations of the respective institutions may identify high caliber students for the Joint PhD programme. It is expected that applicants should possess excellent academic qualification (e.g. Bachelor’s degree with 2.1 or first-class honours/and normally a Master’s degree with high standing from a reputable university). Applicants’ research experience will also be taken into consideration.

The annual intake to the Faculty of Dentistry will be small initially with a maximum of two candidates per year.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit the following documents for the consideration:
  • a research proposal;
  • a statement on the applicant’s aspiration/vision for studying the joint PhD programme;
  • a CV detailing the applicants’ academic qualifications, working experience, publications, professional qualifications, prizes and awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and community services.
  • a research plan detailing the study period and dates to be spent at each institution and research training arrangements;
  • certificates/transcripts of the applicant’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degree qualifications;
  • evidence of meeting the English language proficiency criteria stipulated by KCL and HKU; and
  • reference letters from two referees who are able to comment on the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.
Applications will be considered through the normal admission process at HKU and approval must be sought from the Joint Academic Committee (JAC). No offer can be made without the JAC’s approval.
Student Governance
Students should comply with the rules and regulations of HKU in all areas of the candidature:

  • Admission, award of postgraduate scholarship and tuition fees;
  • Leave entitlements, application and approval process and extension of candidature;
  • Graduate School and Faculty coursework requirements; and
  • Probation and confirmation process, progress monitoring, and thesis submission and examination.
Study Period, Probation and Progress Monitoring
Each student is required to spend the equivalent of 50% of the study period at each institution. Flexibility may be allowed, subject to JAC’s approval, that the percentage time be reduced to 40% at one of the institutions. The last six months before submission of thesis should be spent at the lead institution.
Students with HKU being their lead institution are subject to a probationary period and are required to submit progress reports bi-annually in accordance with the HKU Regulations and Procedures for the Degree of PhD. The candidates’ probationary report and bi-annual progress reports should be endorsed by supervisors of both HKU and KCL. The bi-annual supervision report should be completed by the HKU supervisor in consultation with the KCL supervisor.
Students with KCL being their lead institution are subject to the KCL regulations for monitoring and assessment of student’s progress.
Coursework
Students with HKU being their lead institution are required to complete the required Graduate School Core Courses and Faculty Research Postgraduate Courses in accordance with the HKU Regulations and Procedures for the Degree of PhD. Students may be required to take some coursework/training at the partner institution as approved by the joint supervisors and the Faculty/Institute.
Thesis Examination
Thesis examination will be held at the lead Institution in accordance with the examination arrangements as agree by both institutions. The PhD thesis will be examined by a panel as approved by both institutions, which comprises an examiner from HKU, an examiner from KCL, and an examiner external to HKU and KCL. .
Transfer from Joint PhD programme to conventional single PhD degree programme
Students are allowed to apply for transfer from the Joint PhD programme to the conventional single PhD degree programme due to problem arising from studies, or any other reasons deemed appropriate. Permission to allow this transfer rests with the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee.
Research equipment and supplies
The Faculty of Dentistry of HKU and KCL will provide research supplies and consumables, as well as access to library, research equipment, computer and related core facilities for students at their respective institutions. Bench fees will normally be payable at the current local rate but the expectation is that these will be used where the student is working (i.e. transferred by the home department when appropriate on a pro-rata basis).
Note: Students are responsible for paying all the costs incurred from their studies abroad at KCL, including travelling, accommodation, insurance and subsistence, etc., and should ensure there is sufficient financial support before submitting an application.
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Academic Divisions
Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care
- Includes Dental Materials Science; Dental Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Oral Biosciences
Division Coordinator
Professor C.P. McGrath
Tel: 2859 0513 / Email: mcgrathc@hku.hk
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Division Coordinator
Dr. R. Su
Tel: 2859 0267 / Email: richsu@hku.hk
Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Division Coordinator
Dr. Y. Yang
Tel: 2859 0252 / Email: yangyanq@hku.hk
Periodontology and Implant Dentistry
Division Coordinator
Professor W.K. Leung
Email: ewkleung@hku.hk
Restorative Dental Sciences
- Includes Cariology; Endodontology and Prosthodontics
Division Coordinator
Professor M. Burrow
Tel: 2859 0211 / Email: mfburr58@hku.hk
RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Graduate School Information
Please visit HKU Graduate School to learn more about research postgraduate (RPg) degrees.
About Us
The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong is the premier dental school in Southeast Asia and the only institution in Hong Kong that provides undergraduate and postgraduate dental degrees.
Disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Report a Web problem
Follow Us
Faculty Instagram page Faculty Facebook page Twitter Facebook page Faculty LinkedIn page Faculty YouTube page
Copyright© 2023. Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. All rights reserved.
Faculty Instagram page Faculty Facebook page Twitter Facebook page Faculty LinkedIn page Faculty YouTube page
Copyright© 2023. Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. All rights reserved.