CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Psychology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€23k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- M.Phil.-Ph.D. integrated programProgram Structure
- Various specializations availableFields of Study
- Emphasis on thesis researchResearch Focus
- Potential transfer from M.Phil. to Ph.D.Progression
- Computational Social Science ConcentrationSpecial Concentration
This program offers advanced academic and research training in specialized areas of psychology. You will work closely with a faculty member to conduct research and write a thesis that contributes to the field of psychology. The program has two streams: M.Phil. and Ph.D. The Ph.D. stream allows for potential advancement from M.Phil. candidacy. The program aims to equip students with the skills to undertake independent research and contribute new knowledge to psychology. Specializations include areas like Cognition, Health Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and more. There is also an option to focus on Computational Social Science.
Curriculum
The program involves a combination of coursework and extensive research culminating in a thesis. The specific requirements vary between the M.Phil. and Ph.D. streams.
- M.Phil. Stream - Coursework (Year 1)
- Seminar in Research Methods IPSYC5010
- Major Psychological ApproachesPSYC6000
- Writing and PresentationPSYC6300
- Seminar in Research Methods II OR Neuroimaging Methods in PsychologyPSYC6010 / PSYC7012
- Specialized Seminar (e.g., Cognition, Social Psychology)PSYC7010, 7020, or 7021
- Elective Course (can be waived for Gender Studies students)Various
- Ph.D. Stream - Pre-Candidacy Coursework (Year 1)
- Seminar in Research Methods IPSYC5010
- Major Psychological ApproachesPSYC6000
- Writing and PresentationPSYC6300
- Seminar in Research Methods II OR Neuroimaging Methods in PsychologyPSYC6010 / PSYC7012
- Elective/Specialized SeminarVarious
- Ph.D. Stream - Post-Candidacy Coursework
- Specialized Seminar (if not taken during pre-candidacy)PSYC6010, 7010, 7012, 7020, 7021
- Thesis Research
- Thesis ResearchPSYC8006 (full-time)
- Thesis ResearchPSYC8003 (part-time)
Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, and relevant industries that require advanced psychological knowledge and research skills.
- Researcher
- Academic
- Psychologist
- Data Analyst
- Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic qualifications needed for the M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Psychology program?
- For the M.Phil. stream, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above is required. For the Ph.D. stream, you need a GPA of 3.5 or above, or an honours degree not lower than Second Class Upper, along with experience in individually supervised research.
- How can international students demonstrate English proficiency for this program?
- International applicants must provide official scores from tests like IELTS (overall 6.5) or TOEFL (iBT 79, PBT 550, CBT 213). Exemptions may apply if your previous education was conducted in English in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country.
- What are the annual tuition fees for international students in this program?
- The tuition fee for international students is HK$214,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year, with annual adjustments capped at 3% for the 2026 cohort.
- What is the estimated cost of living for an international student at CUHK?
- The estimated annual cost includes HK$17,000 for on-campus accommodation and HK$45,000 for living expenses.
- How long does the M.Phil.-Ph.D. program take, and what is the structure?
- The program is an integrated M.Phil.-Ph.D. structure. The M.Phil. stream typically involves coursework in the first year. The Ph.D. stream includes pre-candidacy coursework in the first year, followed by thesis research and potentially post-candidacy coursework.
- What are the career prospects after completing the M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Psychology?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Researcher, Academic, Psychologist, Data Analyst, and Consultant, working in academia, research institutions, and relevant industries.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related fieldM.Phil. Stream: Overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
Ph.D. Stream: Overall GPA of 3.5 or above, or honours not lower than Second Class Upper, and have completed an individually supervised research thesis.
IELTS (Academic)6.5 overall
TOEFL (iBT)79
TOEFL (PBT)550
TOEFL (CBT)213
HKDSE (English)Level 4
GMAT (Verbal)21
English proficiency is required for non-local applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing organization to the program office. Applicants may be exempt if they hold a degree from a university in Hong Kong or a country where English is the primary language of instruction.
Fees
Tuition (international)HK$214,000 per year (2026-2027). Annual fee adjustments for the 2026 cohort are capped at 3%.
Tuition (home)HK$47,000 per year (2026-2027).
LivingEstimated HK$17,000 for on-campus accommodation plus HK$45,000 for living expenses per year.
A caution fee of HK$450 is payable upon enrolment and is refundable upon withdrawal.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency, and recommendation letters.
2. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the online application form for postgraduate studies via the Graduate School website. Ensure all sections are filled accurately.
3. Upload Supporting DocumentsUpload digital copies of all required documents, including CV, research proposal (for Ph.D.), statement of research interest/career goals, and degree certificates.
4. Arrange for Recommendation LettersInput the email addresses of your referees into the online system, or arrange for them to send sealed hard copies directly to the department.
5. Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed application form and all supporting documents before the application deadline. Official transcripts and recommendation reports should also reach the division by the deadline.
6. Follow UpMonitor your application status through the online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Scholarships
CUHK ScholarshipsVaries (may cover tuition and living expenses)
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic qualifications needed for the M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Psychology program?
+
For the M.Phil. stream, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above is required. For the Ph.D. stream, you need a GPA of 3.5 or above, or an honours degree not lower than Second Class Upper, along with experience in individually supervised research.
How can international students demonstrate English proficiency for this program?
+
International applicants must provide official scores from tests like IELTS (overall 6.5) or TOEFL (iBT 79, PBT 550, CBT 213). Exemptions may apply if your previous education was conducted in English in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country.
What are the annual tuition fees for international students in this program?
+
The tuition fee for international students is HK$214,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year, with annual adjustments capped at 3% for the 2026 cohort.
What is the estimated cost of living for an international student at CUHK?
+
The estimated annual cost includes HK$17,000 for on-campus accommodation and HK$45,000 for living expenses.
How long does the M.Phil.-Ph.D. program take, and what is the structure?
+
The program is an integrated M.Phil.-Ph.D. structure. The M.Phil. stream typically involves coursework in the first year. The Ph.D. stream includes pre-candidacy coursework in the first year, followed by thesis research and potentially post-candidacy coursework.
What are the career prospects after completing the M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Psychology?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Researcher, Academic, Psychologist, Data Analyst, and Consultant, working in academia, research institutions, and relevant industries.