Research Degree
PhD/MPhil Programmes
The Department of Chinese and History offers research degree programmes leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)/ Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in both full-time and part-time mode. The programme consists of coursework, research studies, and qualifying examination leading to the submission of a thesis.
Staff members in the Department are actively engaged in a number of research areas and candidates interested in the following broad areas are particularly encouraged to inquire further about the programme.
Areas
1. Chinese Language and Literature
- Classical Chinese Literature
- Modern Chinese Literature
- Chinese Classical Studies (jingxue)
- Chinese Literary Criticism
- Chinese Philosophy
- Classical Chinese Language
2. Cultural Heritage and Cross-cultural Studies
- Art History
- Anthropology
- Cultural Heritage
- Digital Humanities
- Comparative Literature
3. Chinese History
- Archaeology
- Tang-Song-Yuan Studies
- Ming-Qing Studies
- Modern History
- Urban History
- History of Buddhism
- History of Medicine
- History of Cultural Exchange
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to a research degree programme should satisfy the following minimum entrance requirements:
(a) Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.
(b) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- be a current MPhil student in the University who seeks transfer to PhD candidature; 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 and other scholarly achievements recognised by the University.
English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants whose entrance qualification was obtained from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University and individual Colleges/Schools. The University’s minimum English proficiency requirement for research degree programmes is a total score of 79 (in one single internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band score of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date and must be valid at the time of submission of application.
In addition to the University’s requirement given above, our College has set a higher standard, as appropriate for our discipline as follows:
- a minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based test), with a minimum of 21 for Reading, 21 for Listening, 25 for Writing, and 21 for Speaking; or
- a minimum IELTS 6.5 for overall band score and for the sub-categories of Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading.
Study Period
Research degree programmes normally start in September. Students must complete their programmes within the study period specified by the University:
| Programme of Study | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MPhil | 2 years | 3 years |
| PhD | 4 years | 6 years |
Application
Applications for admission should be made online at Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies (SGS) website: (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes)
For application period and procedures, please visit https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes/steps-and-procedures
For major fees and points to note, please visit https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes/apply-now
Stream Requirements
The Programme is divided into two streams (Stream 1 the Chinese Module and Stream 2 the English Module) and the contents of both streams are identical. It should be noted that students, by default, should enroll in Stream 2 (the English module). Applicants have to satisfy the minimum entrance requirements and English proficiency requirements as stated in the Admissions Handbook.
Students who wish to take Stream 1 (the Chinese module) will have to fulfil the “Chinese Proficiency Requirements” as stated below and the Department will consider the applications on a case by case basis.
- Students who enroll in Stream 1 (Chinese Module) are required to hold a degree in Chinese, Chinese Literature, History, Philosophy, Archaeology or Art from any university Mainland China or Taiwan.
- Students with qualifications from a university or comparable institution outside Mainland China and Taiwan where the language of teaching or examination is not Chinese are required to obtain:
- Level 6 (a score of 210 or above) in the New Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, New) (in or after 2010), in which a score of 65 or above in the Test of Written Chinese or
- Advanced Level (score 9 or above) in the Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) (before 2010) or
- Level 4 or above in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)
Other qualifications will be subject to the Department’s approval.
Programme Video
Download
Programme pamphlet for 2025/26 entry
Graduate Handbook
Enquiry
For general enquiries, please contact the Research Degree Committee via email at cah@cityu.edu.hk or the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies at sg@cityu.edu.hk
For admission details: please go to website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes