UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
MPhil/PhD in Computer Science
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Hong Kong offers research-focused Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. These programmes allow students to conduct in-depth research under the guidance of experienced supervisors, culminating in a thesis. Students will engage in an approved programme of study and research, present their findings, and defend their work through an oral examination. PhD candidates are also expected to present their research in a departmental seminar before submitting their thesis. Research publication is highly encouraged. The MPhil programme is typically 2 years full-time, while the PhD can be 3 or 4 years full-time, depending on prior qualifications. Candidates without a research Master's degree are generally considered for the 4-year PhD, while those with a research Master's may be admitted to the 3-year PhD. Exceptional Bachelor's degree holders with a strong academic record may also be eligible for the 4-year PhD. Students are required to complete coursework as part of their degree, with specific requirements set by the department and the Graduate School. The programme emphasizes original research and aims to prepare students for advanced roles in academia and industry.
Careers
Graduates from the MPhil and PhD programmes in Computing and Data Science are well-prepared for careers in advanced research and development roles within academia and various industries. The rigorous training in research methodologies, problem-solving, and specialised knowledge equips them for positions requiring deep technical expertise.
- Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- AI Specialist
- Software Engineer (R&D)
- University Professor/Lecturer
- Postdoctoral Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the typical durations for the MPhil and PhD programmes in Computer Science?
- The MPhil programme is typically 2 years full-time. The PhD programme can be 3 or 4 years full-time, depending on your prior qualifications.
- What are the entry requirements for the MPhil/PhD in Computer Science?
- You need a Bachelor's degree with 1st class honours or a GPA above 3.70 for direct PhD eligibility. Applicants without a research Master's may be considered for the 4-year PhD, while those with one may be admitted to the 3-year PhD.
- What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
- We accept IELTS with a minimum overall band of 6.0 (no subtest lower than 5.5) or TOEFL with a score of 80 or above. GCE/IGCSE qualifications with a Grade C or above are also considered.
- How do I apply for the MPhil/PhD programmes?
- Applications are submitted through the University of Hong Kong's online postgraduate admissions system. You will need to create an account, complete the form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents.
- Where can I find information on tuition fees and living costs?
- Specific tuition and living cost details for the MPhil/PhD programmes were not provided on the available pages.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MPhil/PhD in Computer Science?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Research Scientist, Data Scientist, AI Specialist, Software Engineer (R&D), University Professor/Lecturer, and Postdoctoral Researcher.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor's degree with 1st class honours or a GPA above 3.70 is eligible for the 4-year PhD programme. Other applicants may be considered for the 4-year PhD without a research Master's degree, or for the 3-year PhD with a research Master's degree.
IELTSMinimum overall band of 6.0 with no subtest lower than 5.5
TOEFLScore of 80 or above
GCEGrade C or above
IGCSEGrade C or above
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above
For qualifications not taught in English, a certified English translation is required. IELTS and TOEFL tests taken for admission to the 2026 intake must be within two years prior to September 1 of the admissions year.
Fees
Tuition (international)No specific international tuition amount found for MPhil/PhD programmes.
Tuition (home)No specific home tuition amount found for MPhil/PhD programmes.
LivingNo specific living cost estimate found for MPhil/PhD programmes.
Tuition and fee information for MPhil/PhD programmes was not detailed on the provided pages. Fee information for Master's programmes from HKU Business School is available, but may not apply to research degrees in Computing and Data Science.
How to apply
1. Create an AccountRegister for an account on the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission online system. You will need to provide your full name, a valid email address, and choose a username. Each programme application requires a unique username if applying for multiple fields.
2. Complete the Application FormFill out the online application form accurately. The system has inactivity timeouts, so save your progress frequently. Preview your application before final submission.
3. Pay Application FeesSubmit the required application fees. This is typically the final step before submission. Note that all application fees are non-refundable. An acknowledgement email with an application number will be sent upon successful submission.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload or send your supporting documents through the admissions portal before the deadline and within two weeks of completing the application form. Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations from the issuing authority.
5. Attend Interview (if required)Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which could be conducted online.
Scholarships
Student Conference Travel SupportNot specified
Accreditation
The School of Computing and Data Science is part of the University of Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical durations for the MPhil and PhD programmes in Computer Science?
+
The MPhil programme is typically 2 years full-time. The PhD programme can be 3 or 4 years full-time, depending on your prior qualifications.
What are the entry requirements for the MPhil/PhD in Computer Science?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree with 1st class honours or a GPA above 3.70 for direct PhD eligibility. Applicants without a research Master's may be considered for the 4-year PhD, while those with one may be admitted to the 3-year PhD.
What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
+
We accept IELTS with a minimum overall band of 6.0 (no subtest lower than 5.5) or TOEFL with a score of 80 or above. GCE/IGCSE qualifications with a Grade C or above are also considered.
How do I apply for the MPhil/PhD programmes?
+
Applications are submitted through the University of Hong Kong's online postgraduate admissions system. You will need to create an account, complete the form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents.
Where can I find information on tuition fees and living costs?
+
Specific tuition and living cost details for the MPhil/PhD programmes were not provided on the available pages.
What are the career prospects after completing the MPhil/PhD in Computer Science?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Research Scientist, Data Scientist, AI Specialist, Software Engineer (R&D), University Professor/Lecturer, and Postdoctoral Researcher.