MPhil and PhD Programmes

Lingnan University aspires to be an internationally recognised liberal arts university with Hong Kong characteristics.

Applications are now invited for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes commencing in September 2008. Both MPhil and PhD programmes lead to in-depth study in specific research areas. The period of study of MPhil programmes is normally two years for full-time and three years for part-time students. The period of study for PhD programmes is normally three years full-time or five years part-time for students with a relevant master’s degree; and four years full-time or six years part-time for students without a relevant master’s degree.

The areas of research will include the following:

Cultural criticism and theory
Cultural policy and institution
Gender and cultural studies
Queer and sexuality Studies
Education and cultural studies
Hong Kong culture
Film, media and performance studies
Politics of reading
Identity and cultural memory
Culture, commodity and globalisation
Postcolonial studies
Human rights discourse & politics
Peace studies and everyday life
Ethnic minorities and diasporic identities

Special Focused Area: Cultural Research and Development

Admission Requirements

Applicants for MPhil programmes are required to have a relevant first or second class honours degree; or an equivalent academic/professional qualification recognised by the University.

Applicants for PhD programmes are required to have
a) a recognised master's degree; or
b) a relevant bachelor's degree of second class or above, and have registered in a master's programme for at least one year; and have evidence of research achievement; or
c) an equivalent qualification of a) or b) above.

All applicants must demonstrate a sufficient command of the language (Chinese or English) in which the programme of supervised research is to be conducted and the results presented. Some programmes have specified additional requirements. Full-time research postgraduate students will normally be awarded studentships.

Language Requirements for MPhil/PhD

An applicant who proposes to write the thesis in English is required to obtain a minimum score of 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 a band score of 6.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or any equivalent score.  An applicant may be required to demonstrate his/her ability in English and/or Chinese in an interview.

Admission Procedure

The University usually invites applications from December to January each year. Applications received by the Registry after the above normal application period will be regarded as late applications.

It is advisable for applicants to submit applications as early as possible because i) admission offers may be made before the normal application period ends, and ii) late applications have less chance of admission.

Late applications will be considered on an individual basis, subject to the availability of places.

Please click our Registry website for obtaining the application forms and more details: