Doctoral degrees
Coursework element
Research degree programme includes an element of coursework in the same or related fields. This provides a graduate-level foundation and prepares the student for research.
The PhD coursework component comprises not less than 24 Units (typically 6 graduate courses). The EngD coursework components would be not less than 32 Units (typically 8 graduate courses) Students of some departments may be required to read additional courses.
PhD students are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.50 in the best 6 courses (equivalent of 24 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any). For EngD students, they are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.50 in the best 8 courses (equivalent of 32 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any).
English language requirements (for international students) include having to take and obtain at least a Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Advanced level).
Doctoral Seminar
To cultivate a strong research culture among graduate students, the required coursework includes a “doctoral seminar”. A doctoral student is required to attend seminars and also deliver presentations of his/her research work. Participation in seminars is an integral part of graduate study as it helps to enhance knowledge, broaden research outlook, sharpens thinking and improves communication skills.
A ‘Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory’ grade is awarded on the basis of attendance, presentation and document submission. All research students are also expected to obtain a satisfactory grade for the seminar course.
Doctoral Qualifying Examination
A doctoral candidate must complete a prescribed set of courses before proceeding to the Doctoral Qualifying examination (QE). The QE comprises a comprehensive written examination and an oral defence of the PhD thesis proposal. The comprehensive written examination tests the general competence of the candidate in his/her discipline(s), while the oral defence ensures that the candidate is prepared to embark on his/her thesis research. The QE should usually be taken 12 to 24 months from the start of the doctoral candidature.
Doctoral students are expected to pass both the written comprehensive examination and the oral defence.
Thesis component
The EngD/PhD requires a 40,000-word thesis.
Oral Defence Examination
Doctoral candidates are required to undergo and pass an oral examination before a panel chaired by the candidates’ Head of Department and two examiners of the doctoral thesis. Doctoral students are required to pass their oral defence thesis examination before they are conferred their doctoral degree.
Master’s by Research [MEng, MA (Architecture), MA (Industrial Design), MSc (Built Environment)]
Coursework element
Research degree programme includes an element of coursework in the same or related fields. This provides a graduate-level foundation and prepares the student for research. The coursework component comprises not less than 16 Units (typically 4 graduate courses) for Master’s students. Students of some departments may be required to read additional courses.
Master’s students are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.00 in the best 4 courses (equivalent of 16 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any).
English language requirements (for international students) include having to take and obtain at least a Grade C) in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate level).
Graduate Seminar
To cultivate a strong research culture among graduate students, the required coursework includes a “graduate seminar”. A master’s student is required to attend seminars and also deliver presentations of his/her research work. Participation in seminars is an integral part of graduate study as it helps to enhance knowledge, broaden research outlook, sharpens thinking and improves communication skills.
A ‘Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory’ grade is awarded on the basis of attendance, presentation and document submission. All research students are also expected to obtain a satisfactory grade for the seminar course.
Thesis component
The Master’s programme requires the completion of a thesis not exceeding:
- 30,000 words for MEng
- 40,000 words for MA (Architecture), MA (Industrial Design), MSc (Built Environment)