The Education University of Hong Kong

Research Postgraduate (RPg) Programmes

Current Students

Programme & Course Information

  • A programme handbook is available here to provide students with an overview of the structure and content of the RPg programmes as well as essential information students need to know for their studies.

    Study Flowchart for research postgraduate students

     



  • General Academic Regulations (for Taught Postgraduate Programmes)


    General Academic Regulations (for Research Component)


    Code of Practice

  • RPg students have to complete all the core courses during their first year of study. Students will be informed of the course details via email.

    Core course list admitted before 2024/25 #:

     

    Core course list for students admitted in 2024/25 and thereafter #:

    Core Courses

    Credit Points

    3

    • Advanced Course in Research Methods

    3

    • Advanced Theories of Specific Disciplines

    3

    3

    • 1 to 2* Specialised Courses and/or Special Topics in the Primary Discipline

    3

    0

     Total:

    15

     *Students who opt out of the ‘Foundation course in research methods’ should take two specialised courses and/or special topics in the primary discipline.

    Classes in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.

    Following the programme curriculum, students are required to take all core courses (3 credits for each course) and present their thesis or thesis proposal at the Qualifying Examination and Viva Examinations to complete the programme requirements.

    If students would like to take courses offered in the Doctor of Education (EdD) programme after consulting their supervisors, they are required to inform the Graduate School by sending an email to rpg@eduhk.hk with details of the courses that students plan to take before the semester starts.

    #Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

     

  • For Taught Courses

    Application for Credit Transfer

    For EDD8010 - Record of Participation in Research Seminars

    For students admitted in 2021/22: Record of Participation in Research Seminars for EDD8010 Development of Research Proposal

    For students admitted in 2022/23 and thereafter: Record of Participation in Research Seminars for EDD8010 Development of Research Proposal


    For EDD0027 - Record of Participation in Conferences, Seminars, Workshops and Presentations

    For students admitted in 2024/25 and thereafter: Record of Participation in Conferences, Seminars, Workshops and Presentations

  • Supervisory Arrangements

    Each student in the RPg programmes should have a Principal Supervisor and at least two Associate Supervisors to supervise his/her research.

    Changes in Supervisory Arrangement

    When there is a change in the supervision team, students are required to submit a completed “Change of Supervisor” form, with endorsements and signatures of Supervisors to the Graduate School for further approval by the RPg Programme Committee. 

  • Students are reminded to keep a timely record once they have completed their teaching, research, and/or support duties at the end of each semester. The record form should be submitted to the Graduate School by semester.

    Record Form (For PhD)

  • To provide opportunities for RPg students to develop their professionalism related to learning and teaching, the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology (LTTC) provides a certificate course.

    It consists of four themes:

    1. Staff induction – Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education Settings;
    2. Practicum;
    3. Seminars / Workshops in Learning and Teaching; and
    4. Learning and Teaching Support.


    Participants who completed any course of Theme (i), (iii) and (iv) with a minimum of 9 hours of attendance can apply for a Certificate of Attendance issued by LTTC.

    For more details of the Certificate Course, please refer to https://www.lttc.eduhk.hk/?p=10715.

  • Students of the University who are carrying out research involving human participants and/or human data (such as, secondary data, archival data, data collected for one project and being used for another project) must submit an ethical review application, irrespective of whether the research is funded or unfunded.

    Procedures for Application for Ethical Review

    RPg students are required to submit their applications for ethical review, with endorsement of their Principal Supervisor, to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for approval.

    Students will normally be notified the result of their application by the HREC in writing within 4 weeks’ time from receipt of their duly completed application with all the required documents. Please note that research cannot begin until the protocol has been approved by the HREC.

    The updated University’s guidelines on ethics in research and the detailed procedures for ethical review can be found at the website of Research and Development Office (RDO) at www.eduhk.hk/rdo/human.html.

    For a brief guideline on ethical review

    For enquiry on ethical review, please contact rdo@eduhk.hk.

  • Postgraduate Students Publication Awards Scheme (PSPAS)

    To cultivate an outcome-based research environment, the Postgraduate Students Publication Award is set up to reward students who produce quality research output in the format of journal articles.

    Details about nominations for the PSPAS will be announced in the Event Section of our webpage.

  • Forms

     

    Withdrawal from Study
    If you wish to withdraw from the programme, please contact the Programme Team at rpg@eduhk.hk

     

  • Programme Handbook
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Course Information
  • Cross-institutional Courses
  • Other Course-related Information
  • Supervision
  • Doctoral Students Teaching
  • Professional Training
  • Research Ethics
  • Award Scheme
  • Other Information

Confirmation of Candidature

Guides to Thesis Submission

  • Students are required to submit the “Intention to Submit Thesis” form to the Graduate School at least six weeks before the expected date of thesis submission. Students who wish to participate in the Congregation (normally held in November to December) should submit the completed form by the end of the 2nd week of March in that academic year.

    After receiving the “Intention to Submit Thesis” form, students are required to send an email to rpg@eduhk.hk with a soft copy of thesis.

    Students are also required to submit (i) A Completed Thesis Submission Form, (ii) Two soft copies (one in Word format and one in PDF format) of thesis. Hard copies of thesis will be needed upon request by thesis examiner(s).

  • Flowchart for Thesis Submission

  • Viva Examination will normally be arranged within 8 weeks after the submission of Thesis, subject to the availability of the Thesis Examination Panel.

    The revision and rebuttal of Thesis after the Viva Examination is subject to the decision of the Thesis Examination Panel, and students will be informed after the Viva Examination.

  • Candidates may submit their research work in the form of a folio, subject to the approval of the panel of their thesis proposal presentations (for professional doctorate programmes) or qualifying examinations (for research postgraduate programmes).

    The following components will form the body of the folio:

    1. An introduction, explaining the theoretical and practical context leading to the research conducted, as well as the relationship between the publications included in the folio. The introduction will normally not exceed 20 pages.
    2. At least three publications, representing connected parts of a coherent research project.
    3. A discussion, addressing the implications of the research conducted and directions for future research, and comparing the results of the three publications and explaining any contradictions and limitations. The discussion will normally not exceed 20 pages.


    For a detailed guideline, please refer to the Requirements for the Submission of Folios.

Cross-institutional Courses

  • Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment Scheme

    Research postgraduate (RPg) students are eligible to apply for enrolment in the courses listed for the Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment Scheme. This collaboration scheme is established between eight UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong to enhance the opportunities for postgraduate students to access research postgraduate courses and expertise at other universities. The participating institutions include:

    • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    • City University of Hong Kong
    • Hong Kong Baptist University
    • The Education University of Hong Kong
    • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 
    • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    • Lingnan University
    • The University of Hong Kong

     

    General information

    • Research postgraduate students of the eight universities are eligible to apply for enrolment in the courses listed for this Scheme and waivers of tuition fees will be granted to eligible students.
    • A student should only apply for the courses listed that are directly relevant to his/her field of study.
    • All application must be submitted to the host university through the home university on or before the deadline set by the host university.
    • The host university reserves the right whether to accept the applications from students of the other universities subject to availability, student quota and other pertinent factors of the courses.
    • Students who are successfully registered to the courses at the host university are required to fully participate in the courses, including completion of coursework and examinations.
    • Grades will be given to students with an official transcript issued by the host university at the end of the courses. Grading scale is at the sole discretion of the host university.
  • For EdUHK Research Postgraduate Students who want to enroll in courses offered by other UGC-funded universities:

    Notes to applicants:

    1. Students should only take courses offered by other UGC-funded universities if there are no equivalent courses being offered by EdUHK. Students should take courses that are directly relevant to their field of study.

    2. Grades will be given to students with an official transcript issued by the host university at the end of the courses. Grading scale is at the sole discretion of the host university.

    3. Students can apply for credit transfer for the courses completed through the Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment Scheme. The transferred courses will be shown on the student’s transcript as credit transfer. The credit point will be counted towards the graduation requirements but excluded from the calculation of GPA.

    Application procedures:

     1.  Visit the websites of the universities concerned for detailed information.

    (Note : The application deadline is applicable for Research Postgraduate courses and UG courses; some Taught Postgraduate courses may have earlier deadlines):

    University information Information (available from) Application deadline Semester One (start date) 

    City University of Hong Kong

    Students applying for course(s) offered by CityU are required to complete an e-form.

    29 July 2025 11 August 2025 1 September 2025

    Hong Kong Baptist University

    Students applying for courses offered by HKBU are required to fill in the online Application for Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment for Non-HKBU RPg Students form.

    29 July 2025 12 August 2025 1 September 2025
    Lingnan University 24 July 2025 25 August 2025# 1 September 2025^

    The Chinese University of Hong Kong

    Students applying for courses offered by CUHK are required to complete a filled e-form.

    25 July 2025 8 August 2025 1 September 2025
    The Education University of Hong Kong 28 July 2025 11 August 2025 1 September 2025
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 23 July 2025 8 August 2025 1 September 2025

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Students applying for courses offered by HKUST are required to complete a filled e-form (RR-41).

    1 August 2025 15 August 2025 1 September 2025

    The University of Hong Kong

    Non-HKU students applying for cross-institutional courses offered by HKU are required to fill in an initial online form “Application for Cross-Institutional Course Enrolment (for Non-HKU Students)”.

    1 August 2025

    15 August 2025

    1 September 2025

    # The application deadline is applicable to most courses. Some courses have deadlines ranging from 11 August to 1 September 2025.

    ^ The first lesson of some postgraduate courses may start before 1 September 2025.

    2. Download and complete Sections I, II, and III of the Application Form for Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment for Research Postgraduate Students.

    3. Download the Approval Form for Cross-institutional Course Enrolment and complete Part 1 and 2.

    4. Obtain approval from your Supervisor and Dean of Graduate School (via rpg@eduhk.hk).

    5. Submit the Application Form AND the Approval Form to the Graduate School Office at least FIVE working days before the deadline set by the university you wish to attend as specified above. Late applications will not be accepted.

    6. The host university will inform you of the application results.

  • For Research Postgraduate Students from other UGC-funded universities who want to enroll in EdUHK courses:

    Important dates in Semester One (2025-2026)*

    Event

    Date

    Application deadline for cross-institutional course/subject enrollment in EdUHK

    11 August 2025

    Announcement of Application Results

    20 August 2025

    Semester Start Date 1 September 2025

    Add/ drop period

    ~ 2 weeks from the start date of the course

    * Subject to change if necessary


    Course to be offered in Semester One, 2025-2026

    Course Code

    Course Title

    EDD8008

    Conceptualizing Research

    EDD8016

    Research Methods I

    EDS6001

    Research Methods for Interdisciplinary Studies

    EDS6002

    Local and National Issues in Education

    EDS6003

    Introduction to Research Methods

    EDS6004

    Educational Reform and Development in Global Context

    EDS6005

    Research Methods for Humanities

    EDS6008

    Contemporary Educational Issues in the Humanities

    SSC6117

    Society and Culture: Issues and Perspectives

    EDS6009

    Introduction to Postgraduate Education in Higher Education

    BUS6001

    Analysing Employability Skills and Workforce Education Needs

    BUS6004

    Organisational Behaviour and Development

    IBS6161

    Critical Issues in Human Resource Development

    CUI6078

    Curriculum Leadership

    CUI6080

    Teaching for Creativity and Critical Thinking

    CUI6083

    Curriculum Policy, Innovation and Implementation

    CUI6102

    Principles and Trends in Curriculum Development

    CUI6122

    Successful Test Making for Teachers

    TLS6065

    Assessment for Learning: Theory into Practice

    TLS6066

    Principles and Practices of Innovative Instructional Design

     ECE6071

    Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education

     ECE6248

    Research Method in Early Childhood Education

     ECE6154

    Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

     ECE6156

    Language and Literacy Development in Children

     ECE6157

    Nurturing Social-Emotional Well-being of Children

     ECE6175

    Understanding Families in Educational and Community Settings

    EPC6120

    Motivation and Self-regulated Learning: Theory and Practice

    PSY6017

    Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence

     PSY6016

    Issues in Development in School Contexts

    PSY6015

    Cognitive Learning Theories

    EPA6095

    Effective Educational Leadership

    EDA6122

    School Evaluation and Improvement

    EDA6123

    Leading School-based Teacher Learning

    EPA6094

    Organisational Dynamics

    EPA6098

    School, Family and Community Collaboration

     ENG6409

    The Grammar of English in Academic Contexts

     ENG6412

    Teaching Academic Writing Practicum

     ENG6420

    Introduction to English for Academic Purposes

     ENG6414

    Professional Practice for EAP Teachers in China

    PES6187

    Analysis of Teaching and Coaching in Physical Education

    PES6188

    Curriculum Design and Teaching in Physical Education

    PES6190

    Physical Activity, Health and Fitness in School Populations

    PES6266

    Catering for Individuals with Disabilities in Physical Education: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

    LVE6009

    Life and Values Education: Ethics and Spirituality in Intercultural and Comparative Perspectives

    LVE6010

    Teaching and Learning in Ethics and Values Education: International Debates and Trends

    LVE6011

    Teaching and Learning of Life Education and Life-Planning Education: The Debate in 21st Century Competencies

    LVE6012

    Whole School Development and Leadership in Life and Values Education: Local and Global Contexts and Issues

    MTH6116

    Mathematical Thinking and Assessment

    MTH6118

    History and Pedagogy of Mathematics

    MTH6133

    Instructional Design in Mathematics

     INT6039

    Design of Innovative Learning Environments

    SCG6001

    Scientific Investigation and Nature of Science

    INS6027

    Health and Environment

    SCI6553

    Innovative and Technology-enhanced Science Teaching

    SES6022

    Learning and Teaching in Education for Sustainability

    SES6043

    STEM Education: Theoretical and Curricular Perspectives

    SES6059

    Sustainability Communications

    SED6007

    Special Needs, Giftedness and Counselling: Global Perspectives

     SED6008

    Advanced Studies in Special Needs, Giftedness and Counselling

    COU6007

    Supporting Parents and Families with Diverse Needs

    EPC6135

    Creative and Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    SED6009

    Social-Emotional Development and Special Needs

     

    Notes to applicants

    1. Students admitted to a course will be officially registered as Visiting Students at EdUHK and are required to participate fully in the course, including completion of coursework and examinations, if applicable.

    2. Visiting Students will not be registered in a specific programme of study or attached to a specific academic department. Upon the completion of the registered course, a Visiting Student of EdUHK will not lead to a degree or other awards from EdUHK.

    3. Student ID card will NOT be issued to visiting students. They can use their HKID card/passport for identification purposes and use the JULAC library card for entering the EdUHK library.

    Application procedures:

    1. Select courses from the listed courses offered by EdUHK (2025-26).

    2. Download and complete Sections I, II and III of the Application Form for Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment for Research Postgraduate Students and submit it to the responsible office of your home university. Home university may require students to submit an approval form.

    3. Application should reach the Graduate School of EdUHK via your home University by 11 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

    4. You will be informed of the application results by 20 August 2025 via email.

    5. Requests for withdrawal from a course should be submitted, in written form to the Graduate School of EdUHK, before the end of the add/drop period.

    6. Transcript will be issued by the Registry of EdUHK to your home University. 

Financial Support for Research

  • All full-time research students admitted to the Research Postgraduate Programmes (RPg) are automatically considered for Research Postgraduate Studentship (RPGSs). As a form of scholarship, RPGS provides the RPg students with financial assistance to study the programme. RPGSs is given based on academic merit; and the award is not taxable income. The value of the studentship shall be determined by the University from time to time.

    The monthly stipend for the 2024-25 academic year is HK$18,360 (approximately US$2,350) for all MPhil and PhD students and HK$18,870 (approximately US$2,420) for post-candidacy PhD students. RPGS shall be tenable on an annual basis and awards for the subsequent years will be reviewed and determined by the University, subject to satisfactory performance of the RPGS holders. RPGS holders may also simultaneously be recipients of government loans and grants, and they may receive other scholarship awards on condition that this does not violate the terms and conditions of the other awards.

    Holders of RPGS are required to undertake duties that carry educational benefits for the holders, such as, but not limited to, other research/academic activities, as assigned by the University. The amount of the duties shall not exceed, on average, 10 working hours per week in any full twelve-month period.

    Terms and Conditions
    Terms and Conditions of Research Postgraduate Studentships

    Application for On-campus Research-related Employment

    Application Form

     

  • To encourage and support research activities of RPg students, we offer research support funding for PhD and MPhil students. Students who have passed the Qualifying Presentation and confirmed their candidature are eligible to apply.

     

  • The University encourages RPg students to present their work internationally and to exchange information with others in their research areas. Financial support would be provided to RPg students to attend international / national / local conferences or workshops as well as to have immersion visits to international / national / local research centres / departments / universities which are relevant to their research areas and directly related to their thesis.

     

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for RPg students.

The University is committed to uphold the educational quality and standard of the programmes it offers. The University, being funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is one of the nine self-accrediting institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the quality of the educational experience in all programmes offered by the UGC-funded universities is subject to the quality assurance process administered by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC.

Individuals who wish to apply for qualification certification in Mainland China after graduation should contact the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (website: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/index.html)

directly for updated details and confirmation. The certification in Mainland China is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate’s qualification certification or recognition in Mainland China or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.