Research Postgraduate (RPg) Programmes
Current Students
Important Notes
Students are advised to read through the following important information:
- Basic knowledge about the anti-corruption laws in Hong Kong: Understanding Integrity in Seconds (秒懂廉政)
- Useful Information on Anti-Scam
Programme & Course Information
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Programme Handbook
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Policies & Guidelines
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Course Information
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Other Course-related Information
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Supervision
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Doctoral Students Teaching
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Professional Training
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Research Ethics
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Award Scheme
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Information about Leave, Absence and Withdrawal
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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
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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 #:
- EDD8008 Conceptualizing Research
- EDD8010 Development of Research Proposal
- EDD8016 and EDD8017 Research Methods I & II*
- Fundamental Concepts of Statistics
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Research Methods in Language Studies and Linguistics
- Research Methods in Literature and Culture
- Research Methods for Policy Research
- Research Methods for Laboratory Research
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.
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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
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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.
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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)
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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:
- Staff induction – Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education Settings;
- Practicum;
- Seminars / Workshops in Learning and Teaching; and
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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Forms
Withdrawal from Study
If you wish to withdraw from the programme, please contact the Programme Team at rpg@eduhk.hk
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Programme Handbook
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
- 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
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RPg students are recommended to present their thesis proposal at the Qualifying Presentation within 12 months (plus or minus three months) after being admitted to the programme. Working under the guidance of Supervision Team, students are required to prepare their Thesis Proposal and present it to the Qualifying Presentation Panel.
For a detailed flowchart of qualifying examination, please click here.
Guides to Thesis Submission
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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).
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Flowchart for Thesis Submission
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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.
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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:
- 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.
- At least three publications, representing connected parts of a coherent research project.
- 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. -
For Thesis submission
- Thesis Submission Guidelines
- Sample Paper for Thesis (Appendix A - PDF Version)
- Sample Paper for Thesis (Appendix A - Word Version)
- Sample Paper for Thesis (Appendix B)
- Notice of Intention to Submit Thesis
- Thesis Submission Form (applicable to submission in the form of a written thesis)
- Thesis Submission Form (applicable to submission in the form of a folio)
For VIVA examination
Cross-institutional Courses
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About the Scheme
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Information for EdUHK Students
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Information for Students from other UGC-funded institutions
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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.
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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) Students applying for course(s) offered by CityU are required to complete an e-form.
29 July 2025 11 August 2025 1 September 2025 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 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.
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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, 2025-2026Course 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
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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 StudentshipsApplication for On-campus Research-related Employment
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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.
- Guidelines for Research Support
- Application for Research Support
- Application for Printing Name Card (Standard Version) / (Special Version with QR Code)
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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.