香港城市大学研究生申请与录取handbook

Admissions Handbook Research Degree ProgrammesChow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies(Research Degree and Professional Doctorate Programmes)City University of Hong KongTat Chee AvenueKowloonHong KongEnquiries:Tel : (852) 3442-9076Fax : (852) 3442-0332Email : sg@.hkWebsite : .hk/sgsAugust 2010The information contained in this Handbook is correct at the time of printing in August 2010. Please note that there may be changes to the information from time to time without prior notification. Applicants may contact the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies if they have any queries.This Handbook is provided for information and to facilitate research degree applications and does not form part of a contract between any person and the University.Contents1INTRODUCTION (1)1.1City University of Hong Kong (1)1.2Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies (1)2ADMISSIONS (3)2.1Entrance Requirements (3)2.2English Proficiency Requirements (3)2.3Application Period (5)2.4Application Procedures (5)2.5Funding Sources of Support for Research Studies (6)2.6Application Fee (7)2.7Use of Application Information (7)2.8Change of Contact Information after Submission of Application (7)2.9Applicants with Physical or Other Disabilities (8)2.10Enrolment (8)2.11Enquiries (8)3RESEARCH AREAS FOR MPHIL/PHD PROGRAMMES (9)4RESEARCH DEGREE PROGRAMMES (16)4.1Programme Aims and Structure (16)4.2Study Period and Residence Requirement (16)4.3Report Submission (17)4.4Medium of Instruction/Assessment and Thesis Presentation (17)4.5Award of MPhil/PhD Degree (18)4.6Recognition of Academic Performance (18)5FINANCIAL AWARDS/ASSISTANCE (19)5.1Postgraduate Studentship (19)5.2Research Tuition Scholarship (19)5.3Conference Grant (20)5.4Research Activities Fund (20)5.5Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Scholarships (20)5.6Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarships (20)5.7CityU Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies IBM Research Fellowships (20)5.8Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Postdoctoral Career Fellowships (21)5.9Government Grants and Loans and External Financial Awards/Assistance (21)6FEES FOR 2011-2012 (22)7STUDENT ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT TO STUDENTS’ STUDIES (23)7.1Student Accommodation (23)7.2Student Development Services (23)8INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FROM OVERSEAS AND THE CHINESE MAINLAND (24)8.1Definition of Non-local Applicants (24)8.2Student Visa/Entry Permit (24)8.3Personal Accident and Medical Insurance / Travel Insurance (24)8.4Mainland and External Affairs Office (24)8.5Cost of Living (24)Appendix 1: Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal for Graduate Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (25)Appendix 2: Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal for Graduate Studies in the School of Creative Media (26)Appendix 3: Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal for Graduate Studies in the School of Energy and Environment (28)Appendix 4: Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal for Graduate Studies in the School of Law (29)Appendix 5: Research Degree Programme Structure of the College of Business (32)11 INTRODUCTION1.1 City University of Hong KongEstablished in 1984, City University of Hong Kong is a modern, hi-tech institution committed to providing a quality learning environment for its students and the community. The University currently has a student enrolment of over 17,000 (excluding sub-degree students), of which over 5,700 are postgraduates. Its programmes provide a wide range of learning opportunities from undergraduate and postgraduate studies to continuing education. For more information about the University and its academic and supporting units, please visit our website (.hk )The University provides a modern teaching and learning environment with the latest design in educational technology to support quality teaching and research activities. Moreover, a wide range of facilities and services are provided to support students’ stu dies and recreational activities. Students’ halls (.hk/sro/) are also available on campus to provide students with residential accommodation and an avenue for academic and cultural exchange. The University also has an official postgraduate student body, namely, CityU Postgraduate Association, with its membership covering both research and taught postgraduate students. The Association serves as a communication channel between postgraduate students and the University. More information about the Association is available at: .hk/cupa .1.2 Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate StudiesPostgraduate education facilitates the advancement of knowledge and provides high-level academic education and professional training to cater for the society’s needs. The University continuously strives to promote this important area of postgraduate education. Taught postgraduate programmes are offered for different professional needs. On the research study side, diverse areas of study are provided to suit individuals’ research interests.To provide a better focus for the further development of its postgraduate programmes, the University established the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) in 1994. SGS coordinates and offers strategic direction to the University’s taught and research postgraduate provision. The School aims to provide better coordination and strategic direction to ensure the continued development of postgraduate studies at the University. The School is committed to providing an environment conducive to learning for postgraduate students. Its principal role is to facilitate the educational experience of its postgraduate students.The School received a generous donation from Dr Chow Yei Ching, and was named the "Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies" in 2006.Mission of SGSThe mission of SGS is to promote excellence in postgraduate education and ensure consistency and high standards across the University. Sharing responsibility for postgraduate studies with departments, colleges and schools, and operating through a system of collegial governance, consultation and leadership, SGS defines and administers university-wide regulations for postgraduate education.SGS also provides expertise, advice and information; oversees the design and delivery of programmes; organizes reviews and develops performance standards; supports diversity, equity, fairness, and ethical conduct in postgraduate education; organizes services and financial assistance to postgraduate students; encourages a close and positive relationship between research and graduate training; and represents the foundation of postgraduate education at CityU in the wider academic and general community.Administrative Structure of SGSThe Dean and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies oversee the School and the coordination and management of postgraduate education within the University. They provide academic guidance for programme development, planning and decision making in the School. As Chair of the Board of Graduate Studies, the Dean of Graduate Studies plays a role in managing the quality of postgraduate programmes.The School Secretary and a team of administrative staff provides overall administrative support for postgraduate studies, including student admissions and student financial support; study and research progress, examinations and graduation; student forums and workshops; research conferences and seminars; student statistics as well as publications relating to postgraduate studies.Governance, Leadership and QualityA Board of Graduate Studies was established to review and make recommendations on theAcademic Regulations, rules and procedures governing all postgraduate programmes and studies. It has a role to develop, implement, monitor and review policy pertaining to postgraduate work. The Board of Graduate Studies reports to Senate on matters relating to postgraduate teaching and learning.There are two sub-committees under the Board of Graduate Studies, namely the Committee on Taught Postgraduate Programmes (CTPP) and the Committee on Research Degrees Candidature (CRDC). The CTPP oversees matters related to taught postgraduate programmes as assigned by the Board of Graduate Studies, while the CRDC oversees the admission, supervision, progress and examination of candidates for the MPhil, PhD and professional doctorates.22ADMISSIONS2.1Entrance Requirements1. Applicants seeking admission to a research degree programme should satisfy the followingminimum 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 higher degree by research (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or∙hold a taught 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.2.Equivalent qualifications mentioned above include relevant professional qualifications or otherscholarly achievements recognised by the University.3. In addition to the above, individual Departments and Schools may prescribe further entrancerequirements.2.2English Proficiency Requirements1.Applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfythe minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University andindividual Colleges and Schools. The University’s minimum English proficiencyrequirement for research degree programmes is 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (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 are also acceptable.34 2.In addition to the University’s requirement as given above, individual Colleges and Schoolshave set a higher standard, or equivalent acceptable qualifications, suitable for their disciplines as follows:(a)College of Business∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 237 (computer-based) or 92 (internet-based); or∙other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 580 (paper-based) or 237 (computer-based) or 92 (internet-based).(b)College of Humanities and Social Sciences∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based); or∙an overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS with 6 in any skill; or∙band 6 in the Chinese mainland’s College English Test; or∙other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based).(Please note that individual Departments in the College may adopt a higher standard.)(c)College of Science and Engineering∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based); or∙band 6 in the Chinese m ainland’s College English Test; or∙other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based).(Please note that individual Departments in the College may adopt a higher standard.)(d)School of Creative Media∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based); or∙band 6 in the Chinese mainland’s College English Test; or∙ a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; or∙other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based).(e)School of Energy and Environment∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based); or∙band 6 in the Chinese mainland’s College English Test; or∙ a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; or∙other test scores that may be regarded as equivalent to TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based).(f)School of Law∙ a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 92 (internet-based); or∙ a minimum overall band score of 7 in IELTS; or∙ a score of 490in the Chinese m ainland’s College English Test Band 6.(The School has stipulated a validity period of three years for results of the above tests.Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the three years preceding their application.)52.3 Application Period1. Applications are accepted throughout the year and will be considered in two rounds annually. The application deadlines for 2011 are as follows:2. Applications submitted after the application deadline will normally be considered in the next admission round.3. Final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students who are expected to complete their studies in 2011 can also apply in the above two admissions rounds; a conditional offer may be granted to suitable applicants.2.4 Application Procedures1. Applications for admission should be made online at our website (.hk ).2. Applicants are required to upload the following documents through the online application system:(a) completed application form (online through the Web); and(b) application fee payment (see “Application Fee”); and(c) a photocopy of the following supporting documents:(i) official certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications (Certificates andtranscripts that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certifiedtranslation in English.) [Applicants who obtained degrees from institutions thatgave degree classification and/or grade point average but are not shown in thecertificate or transcript are required to also send copies of any other officialdocuments that indicate their formal degree classification or grade pointaverage.](ii) certificates of professional qualifications , if applicable (Certificates that are not inEnglish should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.)(iii) (in support of the applicant’s publication record, if applicable) the front page ofthe papers (for papers that have been published) or the letter of acceptance (forpapers that have been accepted for publication). [Applicants to the School of Lawmust also submit a self-assessment (of not more than 400 words) of theirpublications together with full copies of their best three publications. Where anypublication so submitted is in a language other than English, it must beaccompanied by an abstract in English.](iv) international English language test results , if applicable (see page 4). [ForTOEFL results, applicants may send in a copy of their score record or arrange with6the TOEFL service centre to send the record directly to the University (InstitutionCode: 3401).](v)For applicants applying for admission to the following College/School, a research proposal with clear objectives and proposed methodology is required.Please refer to the respective guidelines for preparing a research proposal givenin Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4:∙College of Humanities and Social Sciences∙School of Creative Media∙School of Energy and Environment∙School of Law3. Applicants are also required to nominate two academic referees who can comment on theiracademic performances (proposed supervisor and persons from non-academic circles are normally not acceptable as academic referees). Please send the Referee’s Report Form (available at .hk/sgs/) to the referees and invite them to complete the form and return it directly to the School under confidential cover.4.Please note that incomplete submission may delay the processing of the application.5.Applicants are strongly advised to discuss their proposed research area with the relevantcoordinator (see page 14) before submitting an application.6.To facilitate verification of academic qualifications, students admitted onto research degreeprogrammes may be required to arrange for the relevant institutions to send the University an original copy of their official transcript for the bachelor’s and/or postgraduate degree(s) they have obtained.7.CityU staff seeking admission to a research degree programme should follow the normaladmission procedures. Full-time academic staff, Teaching Fellows and Instructors of the University are not allowed to pursue a research degree in their own Department/School under the supervision of colleagues from the same Department/School.2.5Funding Sources of Support for Research StudiesResearch studies can be undertaken on a government-funded or a self-financing basis, subject to their availability of student quota and funding. Qualified full-time candidates admitted to a research degree programme will be considered for postgraduate studentship supported by government fund or external funds. The application procedures, entrance and English proficiency requirements, and programme requirements for these two types of students are the same. Applicants should indicate their intention to pursue government-funded or self-financing studies in their application form.Tuition fee levels and entitlement to financial awards and services are different for these two types of students, reflecting the different sources of funding. Government-funded students are required to pay tuition fees at a rate set by the government. Quotas for government-funded places for each university in Hong Kong are also set by the government. As self-financing places are not subsidised, these students are required to pay a higher level of tuition fees. In addition, self-financing students are not eligible to apply for financial awards (e.g. postgraduate studentships, research tuition scholarships, conference grants, etc.) financed by government funds.Applicants who have not obtained a research master’s degree before admission are admitted for direct entry to 4-year PhD studies. The funding support can be on UGC-funded basis, self-financing basis, or a combination of both. Applicants are advised to contact the Department/School concerned for details of financial arrangements.2.6Application Fee1.An application fee of HK$200 will be charged for online application, which is non-refundable.Settlement of the application fee shall be made via online credit card payment.2.Please note that applications will not be processed if the payment of the application fee has notbeen settled.2.7Use of Application Information1.The information provided in the application form will be used for the following purposes:(a)as a basis for various types of processing in relation to your application;(b)as a basis for selection of applicants for admission to research degree programmes offeredby the University and for other relevant or related purposes;(c) for identifying multiple applications and checking records of academic/professionalqualifications with the parties concerned;(d)for transferring information to the student records system of the University, if and whenthe application is successful.2.For non-local candidates who need to apply for a student visa/an entry permit for the purposeof studying in Hong Kong, a copy of their academic transcripts and certificates may be sent, onrequest, to the parties concerned for processing the visa/entry permit application.3.Any false information and misrepresentation will result in disqualification of the applicant foradmission to the University.4.In accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, applicants have the right to accessall personal information relevant to their application and the right to correct the personalinformation contained in the application form. To obtain more details about this, please write tothe School.2.8Change of Contact Information after Submission of ApplicationPlease inform the School immediately in writing or through e-mail (sg@.hk) of any changes to your correspondence address and contact phone number during the application period.In the notification, please state clearly your name and application/on-line form reference number.78 2.9Applicants with Physical or Other DisabilitiesThe admission of an applicant to a programme is based on academic criteria and any other entrance requirements specified by individual Departments and Schools. Applicants with physical or other disabilities can choose not to declare their disability at the application stage. Such applicants, however, are advised to select programmes with which they are physically able to cope. If they have any queries in this regard or wish to have information on facilities available for people with disabilities generally, they should consult the relevant coordinator (see page 14).2.10Enrolment1.Applicants on being informed of acceptance must pay the required fees and register in personwith the School within the prescribed period. Those who fail to do so will be deemed to have declined the offer.2.Upon registration, students are required to produce for verification the original copy of thesupporting documents for qualifications claimed in the application form.3.The commencement date of candidature is normally the first day of September or January tofit with the beginning of a semester. The School may approve other starting dates, which will be the first day of a month, if so recommended by the supervisor.4.Non-local students should seek the advice of their supervisors regarding the commencementdate of studies immediately after the approval of their visa/entry permit application, and inform the School of the recommended commencement date as soon as possible.5.Students are not allowed to register simultaneously in another programme of study in theUniversity or in any other institution without the prior permission of the School. This also applies to students who are interrupting their studies or on study leave.6.Full-time students are not allowed to undertake full-time jobs without the prior approval of theSchool.2.11EnquiriesFor further information, please contact the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies: Telephone: (852) 3442-9076Fax: (852) 3442-0332E-mail: sg@.hkWebsite: .hk/sgs/rpg/admissionBy mail: Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies(Research Degree and Professional Doctorate Programmes)City University of Hong KongTat Chee AvenueKowloonHong Kong3RESEARCH AREAS FOR MPHIL/PHD PROGRAMMESThe University offers research degree studies in a wide range of research areas including the following:Administrative and Policy SciencesThe field of Administrative and Policy Sciences (APS) has established excellence at an internationally competitive level in the University.APS researchers work in the areas of governance, public and social policy, personal and social services, public management, applied ethics, regional/international studies and social research. Established expertise, much of it at the cutting edge of the field, lies in a range of applied policyand social scientific areas and themes: labor, health care, education, transport, public finance, personnel management, government/political reforms, central-local relations, civil society, community and social development, gender, family, youth and aging, ethnicity, and crime and criminal justice. Focused on Hong Kong and the region (Hong Kong and Greater China, Eastand Southeast Asia), APS research is both empirically oriented and theoretically informed. APS researchers are involved in vigorous collaborations with some of the best researchers from the region, Australia, United Kingdom and the United States.Advanced Manufacturing Technology and ManagementThe Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management aspires to provide infrastructural support to the growing manufacturing industries in the Asia-Pacific region by supplying highly skilled professionals, research facilities and technical support to all aspect of modern manufacturing processes. As the type of products as well as the manufacturing processes continue to shift and move into high technology sectors, MEEM is changing and expanding its research portfolio to meet the current and future needs.The advanced manufacturing technology and management area focuses mainly on the following: advanced surface coating; advanced material processing; tribology and wear; optical sensing and nano-metrology; compensatory control of machine tools; design for manufactureand assembly; CAD/CAM application; non-destructive testing; ergonomics and human factors; quality inspection; condition monitoring and fault diagnosis; advanced robotics, biotechnologyand automation; machine vision; RFID technology; mechatronics; embedded systems; smart engineering asset management; rapid prototyping and reverse engineering design; virtual manufacturing; global manufacturing and product development; production modeling and scheduling methodologies; environmental management and green manufacturing; quality and reliability management; factory performance analysis; occupational health and safety management; conflict management; experiential and activity-based learning in industrial engineering; organizational learning in manufacturing; project management; and re-structuringof Hong Kong manufacturing industries.Applied Mathematics9 The applied mathematics area focuses mainly on the following: asymptotics and perturbation methods; complexity theory; control and system theory; dynamical system; fluid mechanics; granular materials; learning theory; mathematical finance; modeling of new materials; nonlinear10 elasticity; linear and nonlinear waves; numerical analysis; partial differential equations; scientific computation; plate and shell theory; stochastic analysis; and wave propagation.Built EnvironmentWind, water, fire, earthquake, disasters and collapses; building maintenance, construction, machineries, energy, day lighting, indoor air quality, health and safety; construction management, disputes, economy, contracts, law and regulations; building structures and construction materials; town planning, regional air quality, computational fluid dynamics; tunneling, foundations, slopes and geotechnics; intelligent and green buildings, indoor air quality; mechanics, nano-mechanics and simulation; bridges, roads and rail; transportation, evacuation, GPS, GIS; design, computer drafting, electronic submission; housing and real estates, finance and management.Chinese and Comparative LawThe Chinese and comparative law area focuses mainly on the following: comparative law theory and practice, constitutional and administrative law, human rights, socio-legal studies, economic analysis of law, civil and commercial law, foreign investment and trade law, cross-border legal issues, banking law, international law, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, law of torts, law of contract, environmental and planning law, criminal law and criminal justice, professional legal studies.A vigorous and cooperative research culture provides a platform for creation, exchange, discussion and debate of ideas and perspectives on Chinese and comparative law. The focus is on both theoretical and practical aspects of legal research and emphasizes studies in global issues from a Chinese and Asian perspective and with an interdisciplinary focus. Research output is disseminated in Greater China and overseas.Computer Science and Digital MediaThe Department of Computer Science (CS) has established and maintained an excellent record in publishing original research results and developing high quality applied research deliverables in the last few years. In addition, the Department also works together with the School of Creative Media (SCM) since certain research interests are developed and overlapped to an extent.The computer science and digital media area focuses mainly on the following: (1) Multimedia Technology, Pattern Recognition, Video and Image Computing: Image, Video and 3D Model Retrieval; Statistical Deformable Models; Intelligent Systems, Video Encoding; Medical Imaging; (2) Distributed Mobile Computing and Wireless Networking: Distributed Algorithms; P2P Systems; Computer Communications; Internetworking; Network Protocols; Mobile Computing; Wireless Networks; Wireless Sensor Networks; WDM Optical Networks; Network Security; (3) Applied Algorithms: Bioinformatics; Computational Geometry; Data and Internet Security; Equilibrium Algorithms; Scheduling; (4) Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge and Data Management: AI Search; Optimization; Evolutionary Computing; Constraint Programming; Machine Learning; Text Mining; Information Retrieval; Semantic Object Modeling; (Web) Data Mining and Warehousing; Mobile/Multimedia Data Indexing and Caching; XML and Interoperability; Workflow and Web Services; (5) Systems, Software Engineering and Internet Applications: Embedded System; Parallel Architecture; Real-time。