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.
