Research Postgraduate Programmes

Introduction

The School offers full-time and part-time postgraduate studies leading to MPhil and PhD degrees. Students can select areas of study and research based on their interests. The main part of the MPhil and PhD programmes involves conducting an independent research in both applied and basic Chinese medicine and pharmacy in Chinese medicine. Students are expected to present and defense a thesis at the end of the programme.

Please refer to the Academic Registry and Graduate School for details on application and admission procedures of postgraduate research studies.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences/ Chinese Medicine/ Translational Medicine/ Pharmacy in Chinese Medicine

The mission of the PhD programme is to nurture independent medical and health care researchers in the field of Chinese medicine and pharmacy in Chinese medicine in both basic and applied sciences. We particularly encourage students with deep understanding in Chinese medicine or pharmacy in Chinese medicine and keen interest in research to join the programme. We expect graduates to be the new generation of medical scientists who will lead the evidence-based Chinese medicine research, and eventually translate scientific findings from the bench to clinical application and drug development.

In fulfilling the programme requirements, students are required to conduct thesis research under the supervision of a principal supervisor and co-supervisor(s). The thesis shall develop original contribution to knowledge in the given discipline and suitable for publication. In addition, students are required to attend and present seminars, and to fulfill approved course work. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit thesis to the Graduate School through the SCM, and subsequently to present and defend it.

Specific programme requirements:
 For students admitted before AY2019/20For students admitted in AY2019/20 and thereafter
CommencementAll-year round1st September
Normal Study Period36 months48 months
Qualifying ExaminationNilBetween the 13th and 18th month
Confirmation of CandidatureBy 18th monthBy 30th month
Coursework Requirements

A minimum of 15 units, including:

  • MCCP* courses (3 units);
  • other courses (12 units); and
  • achieving a minimum GPA score of 2.67. 

A minimum of 22 units, including:

  • MCCP* courses (3 units);
  • SCM7030 Mandatory Course on Research Methods (3 units);
  • SCM7040 Research Seminar (0.5 unit x 8 semesters);
  • other courses (12 units); and
  • achieving a minimum GPA score of 2.67.
Other mandatory requirementNil
  • 1-6 months non-local international research learning experience: Students may choose to (i) undertake one-month physical non-local international attachment or research internship, or (ii) attend two physical reputable non-local international conferences, workshops, events or exhibitions, featuring either a poster or an oral presentation.
  • Physical attendance and presentation at reputable non-local international conferences, workshops, events, or exhibitions for poster or oral presentations.
Thesis requirementStudents are required to make a presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
Specific graduation requirements for SCM PhD students

Students are required to:

  • be the first/co-first/corresponding/co-corresponding author of (i) at least TWO articles being published/accepted for publication in a journal or journals with a total impact factor of 6.0 or above, or (ii) at least ONE article being published/accepted for publication in a journal with an impact factor of 9.0 or above;
  • make presentation of work at one or more academic seminar(s) / conference(s) annually within the normal study period; and
  • attend at least one regional/international academic conference during their normal study period to learn advanced knowledge of, cultivate sustained interest in and be exposed to new areas of research in their field of specialisation.

* MCCP: Mandatory Common Core Programme

The General Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree is available at Graduate School's website https://gs.hkbu.edu.hk/handbook/handbook-for-research-postgraduate-students.

For more information, please refer to:

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biomedical Sciences / Chinese Medicine / Translational Medicine / Pharmacy in Chinese Medicine

The aim of the MPhil degree programme is to train students to conduct research in biomedical sciences, preferably in areas closely related to Chinese medicine and pharmacy in Chinese medicine. In fulfill the degree requirements, students are required to attend and present in seminars on their thesis work. Students are also required to take approved course work. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit thesis to the Graduate School through the SCM, and subsequently to present and defend it. 

Specific programme requirements:

Commencement

1st September

Normal Study Period

24 months

Confirmation of Candidature

By 12th month

Coursework Requirements

A minimum of 12 units, including:

  • MCCP* courses (3 units);
  • other courses (9 units); and
  • achieving a minimum GPA score of 2.67. 

Thesis requirement

Students are required to make a presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.

Specific graduation requirements for SCM MPhil students

Students are required to:

  • be the first/co-first/corresponding/co-corresponding author of at least ONE article being published/accepted for publication in a journal with a total impact factor of 1.0 or above;
  • make presentation of work at one or more academic seminar(s) / conference(s) annually within the normal study period; and
  • attend at least one regional/international academic conference during their normal study period to learn advanced knowledge of, cultivate sustained interest in and be exposed to new areas of research in their field of specialisation.

* MCCP: Mandatory Common Core Programme

The General Regulations for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree is available at Graduate School's website https://gs.hkbu.edu.hk/handbook/handbook-for-research-postgraduate-students/definition2.