Research Postgraduate Programme

Joint PhD Programme

Introduction

The HKU Faculty of Dentistry offers Joint PhD Programmes with the Dental Institute of King's College London and the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory.

Student Recruitment

Eligible staff members from both institutions may identify high caliber students for the Joint PhD programme. Applicants should possess excellent academic qualifications (e.g. Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours or second-class upper division honours, and preferably a Master’s degree with high standing from a reputable university). Applicants’ research experience will also be taken into consideration.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit application through the HKU Application System for PhD and MPhil Admission:

  • 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 the partner institution and HKU
  • 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 their candidature, including:

  • Admission, award of postgraduate scholarship and tuition fees
  • Leave entitlements, application and approval process and extension of candidature
  • Graduate School and Faculty coursework requirements
  • Probation and confirmation process, progress monitoring, and thesis submission and examination

Study Period, Probation & Progress Monitoring

Each student is required to spend 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 the partner institution. The bi-annual supervision report should be completed by the HKU supervisor in consultation with the partner institution’s supervisor.

Students with the partner institution being their lead institution are subject to the partner institutions’ 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 normally comprises an examiner from HKU, an examiner from the partner institution, and an examiner external to HKU and the partner institution.

Research Equipment & Supplies

The Faculty of Dentistry of HKU and the partner institutions 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.

Note: Students are responsible for paying all the costs incurred from their studies abroad at KCL, including travelling, accommodation, insurance and subsistence, etc.

Enquiry

Associate Dean (Research & Innovation)

Professor Chengfei Zhang
zhangcf@hku.hk