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 doctoral
coursework component comprises not less than 24 MCs (typically 6
graduate modules). Students of some departments may be required
to read additional modules. For example, doctoral candidates of
the Department of Civil Engineering are required to take two
additional modules which may be taken on
satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis as approved by the
Department.
Doctoral students are expected to achieve a CAP of at least
3.5 in the best 6 modules (equivalent of 24 MCs), inclusive of
core modules (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 expected to attend some 20 seminars and
also deliver at least 2 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 module.
Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
A doctoral candidate must complete a prescribed set of modules
before proceeding to the Ph.D. Qualifying examination (QE). The
QE comprises a comprehensive written examination and an oral
defence of the Ph.D. 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
Ph.D. candidature.
Doctoral students are expected to pass both the written
comprehensive examination and the oral defence.
Thesis component
The Ph.D. requires an 40,000-word thesis. Tthe thesis is not
measured by MCs. The thesis will be examined by
internal/external examiners.
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 Ph.D. thesis. Doctoral
students are required to pass their oral defence thesis
examination before they are conferred their doctoral degree.
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