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Year of Entry |
September 2027 |
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Application Deadline |
1 December 2026 |
The University’s Transdisciplinary Research initiative prominently includes four University Research Clusters. We invite applications for the Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies (ITS) Transdisciplinary PhD Programme, aiming at admitting exceptional PhD students.
Programme Overview
The ITS Transdisciplinary PhD Programme supports HKBU’s four Research Clusters and prioritises emerging, real-world topics with strong potential for community engagement and societal impact. Supervisors are encouraged to propose transdisciplinary projects aligned with one of the following Research Clusters:
- Creative Media and Practice
- Health and Drug Discovery
- Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
- Humanities and Cultures
The Programme offers project-based training that addresses real-world challenges through transdisciplinary collaboration. Each student is guided by a Thesis Supervisory Committee comprising:
- Principal Supervisor (Chair)
- Co-supervisor (internal)
- External member (industry or international academic partner)
This structure enhances transdisciplinary learning, international exposure, and the practical relevance of research.
The curriculum emphasises (a) skill-based training, (b) research methodologies that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, (c) transdisciplinary research seminars, and (d) experiential learning, equipping students to produce impactful, applied research outcomes.
Curriculum Structure
Students are required to take a minimum of 23 units of coursework, including:
- Mandatory Common Core Programmes (3 units)
- Transdisciplinary Research Methods (3 units)
- Research Seminars (8 units)
- Skills-based Training (6 units)
- Experiential Learning (3 units)
Tuition Fee and Financial Support
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Tuition Fee & Studentship |
For details, please refer to the Fees, Scholarships & Financial Aid section. |
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Conference and Research related Travel Allowance |
HK$20,000 (for the whole study period) |
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- a Master’s degree from a recognised university or a comparable institution; or
- a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours from a recognised university or a comparable institution.
Language Proficiency Requirements
An applicant seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution where the language of instruction and/or examination is not English must submit an official score report with the scores obtained from either of the following tests (achieved in a single sitting):
| Test | Overall | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | Remarks |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (iBT)* | ≥79 | ≥18 | ≥18 | ≥18 | ≥19 | For tests taken before 21 January 2026 |
| ≥4.5 | ≥4 | ≥4.5 | ≥4 | ≥4.5 | For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 | |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | ≥6.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | -- |
Test result of TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest Score, IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake or IELTS Online is not accepted.
(* iBT: Internet-based Test. The TOEFL institution code of the University is 9467).
While the existing University admission requirements must be met, applicants demonstrating the following qualifications/capacity will be accorded with higher priority:
- Research Alignment with HKBU's four Research Clusters;
- Academic Excellence, including strong academic records, publications, and conference experience.
Interested applicants should submit an application together with all necessary supporting documents to the University’s Online Application System. (Select “Doctor of Philosophy” under “Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies” under “Fields of Study”. For more details on the application procedures, please visit the 'Application' webpage .)
- Explore potential Principal Supervisors and Project Abstracts tailored to your research interests:
gs-services.hkbu.edu.hk/potential_supervisors
- Indicate your research interest and proposed supervisor in your online application
- Attach necessary supporting documents
- Submit your application
Applicants are encouraged to discuss the research proposal with their potential Principal Supervisors before submitting their applications. The proposed research should align with the strategic Research Clusters of the University.
Result Announcement
Successful applicants will receive an email notification. Applicants who do not receive notification by 31 July 2027 may consider their applications unsuccessful.
Enquiries
Email: its@hkbu.edu.hk