Hong KongThe PhD programme in Architecture is a four-year research degree offering independent research in architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism.
It is intended for persons who wish to enter teaching and advanced research careers with a commitment to make an original contribution to the field. The programme places emphasis on originality, significance, and methodology in topics engaging pertinent issues in Asia and China, as well as important intersections with international and cross-cultural contexts.
Major research expertise within the Department includes but is not limited to the following:
History and theory of architecture, urbanism and habitation;
Built environment and urban landscape for public health and well-being;
Architectural and sustainable technologies;
Analysis and development of buildings, landscapes and regions with focus on social, cultural, economic, technological, ecological and infrastructural systems; and
Urbanism with attention on high-density, compact cities, housing research and design methods.
For more information about ongoing research initiatives within the Department, please see our Faculty’s list of research centres as well as the research pages of individual Faculty members in the Department of Architecture and the Division of Landscape Architecture.
Eligibility for admission to the programme is generally limited to students holding a Master of Architecture degree, or a Bachelor of Architecture degree with 1st class honours or 2nd upper class division and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the field of architecture. However, students who hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in another field may also be considered for admission.
Applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English are required to fulfil the English Language Proficiency Requirement stipulated by the Graduate School.
The criteria of selection includes the strength and potential of the research proposal, previous research & analytical writing experience, academic excellence/training and letters of recommendation.
From 2018/19 academic year, all local students enrolled in UGC-funded RPg programmes will be provided with tuition waiver by the Government.
Admission procedure
Identify potential supervisor(s)
Contact the potential supervisor(s) to discuss your proposed research proposal
Submit online application at: https://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/rola/online-application-for-mphil-phd-admission
Applicants must propose 1 potential supervisor or a maximum of 2 potential supervisors with priority when submitting the application.
Overview of online application: https://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/rola/overview-of-online-application
Submit the following supporting documents via the online application system by the deadline:
Degree certificates
Transcripts of all tertiary studies with grading scheme
A personal statement (1 page)
A research proposal (of no more than 10 pages)
Two recommendations
Two writing samples in English (e.g. journal publication, book chapter, essay writing as part of a course assignment in an institution)
Official score report of English language proficiency tests (if applicable)
Official score report of English language proficiency tests (if applicable)
Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews by the Admission Committee within a month of the application deadline.
Application deadline
Applicants must submit the application with all supporting documents online by 12:00noon on 2nd December 2019.
Research Proposal
Please visit https://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/downloadable-forms/prospective-students for the suggested format of a research proposal.
The format only serves as a suggested framework. Applicants may, at their discretion, use either format or add more section(s) to the form.
Scholarship, funding and fees
Please visit http://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/prospective-students/scholarship-funding-and-fees
Application result
Applicants may check the application result at https://extranet.hku.hk/rola/servlet/LoginSupportDoc/displayForm
Enquiries
Please check the FAQs at https://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/faq
For enquiries on academic matters, please contact DRPC Chair, Dr. Eunice Seng (eseng@hku.hk).
For all other enquiries, please contact DRPC Secretary, Ms. Eunice Wong (hieunice@hku.hk) for assistance.
