Information for Students of Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies (ITS) Transdisciplinary PhD Programme

The ITS Transdisciplinary PhD Programme aims to enhance the University’s research capacity and provide comprehensive and practical doctoral training, in particular transdisciplinary research training. They will undergo transdisciplinary doctoral project-based training programme through courses that aims to :

1. enhance students’ transdisciplinary research knowledge, as well as language, writing, presentation, analytical skills and other soft skills, so as to lay a solid foundation for their future research journey; and

2. inspire and facilitate their future research works by providing opportunities for students to communicate and exchange ideas on transdisciplinary research.

 

Key features of ITS Transdisciplinary PhD Programme

Thesis Supervisory Committee

Throughout the four years, students are assigned a Thesis Supervisory Committee to support their transdisciplinary research, comprising

• The Principal Supervisor (Chair)
• A Co-supervisor from the same or another department of the University; and 
• An industry partner or academic staff member from outside the University

 

Project-based training structure

Students are required to take a minimum of 23 units of coursework, including:

• Mandatory Common Core Programme (3 units)
• Transdisciplinary Research Methods (3 units)
• Research Seminars (8 units)
• Skills-based Training (6 units)
• Experiential Learning (3 units)

Non-unit-bearing components are delivered through regular interaction with your supervisors and members of the Thesis Supervisory Committee. As a transdisciplinary researcher, students are encouraged to engage in research mingling, networking, and discipline-bridging activities to build collaborations, and broaden their research networks.

 

Two skill-based research training courses

• ITS 7100 Transdisciplinary Research and Critical Thinking for Global Challenges
• ITS 7130 Crafting Your Transdisciplinary PhD Journey: Identity, Skills, and Communication

 

Experiential Learning

• ITS 7140 Experiential Research Engagement

The engagement provides an opportunity to gain exposure to real-world research environments and organisational practices, helping students connect their doctoral research with practice. It can be a one-month research attachment, internship, or equivalent experiential placement with an approved host organisation. 

► This may also fulfil the Non-local International Research Learning Experience (NIRLE) requirement

 

Study Journey of ITS Transdisciplinary PhD Programme

Programme Schedule and Details

Semester, Year	Course Code & Course Title				Class Schedule
S1, Y1	ITS 7100 Transdisciplinary Research and Critical Thinking for Global Challenges
S1, Y1	ITS 7110 ITS Research Seminars
S2, Y1	ITS 7130 Crafting Your Transdisciplinary PhD Journey: Identity, Skills, and Communication
S2, Y1	ITS 7120 ITS Research Seminars
S1, Y2	ITS 7140 Experiential Research Engagement