Period of Study
Academic Year
The University academic year starts at the beginning of September and ends at the end of August in the following calendar year.
Normal Duration
The normal duration expected for the completion of an approved programme of research leading to the degree of MPhil or PhD is as follows:
| Degree | Study Mode | Normal Period |
| MPhil | Full-time | 2 years |
| Part-time | 3 years | |
| PhD | Full-time | 3 years (with a relevant master’s degree) 4 years (without a relevant master’s degree) |
| Part-time | 5 years (with a relevant master’s degree) 6 years (without a relevant master’s degree) |
Minimum Duration
Subject to the discretion of the Postgraduate Studies Committee, the minimum period of research is as follows:
| Degree | Study Mode | Minimum Period |
| MPhil | Full-time | 18 months |
| Part-time | 30 months | |
| PhD | Full-time | 30 months |
| Part-time | 42 months |
Maximum Duration
Exceptionally, the period of registered research may be extended to a maximum period as specified below:
| Degree | Study Mode | Maximum Period |
| MPhil | Full-time | 36 months |
| Part-time | 48 months | |
| PhD | Full-time | 60 months (with a relevant master’s degree) 72 months (without a relevant master’s degree) |
| Part-time | 84 months (with a relevant master’s degree) 96 months (without a relevant master’s degree) |
Recognition of Previous Research Work
If a candidate has undertaken part of a research programme as a registered candidate for a research degree in a university or such other recognised institution of higher education, he/she may make an application explaining what work has been done and its relevance to the University programme. The maximum credit to be given to such work, in the event such application has been approved, shall not exceed 50% of the normal period of research.