Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy programs are offered by the Department of English Language and Literature, under the literature and social sciences academy. These programs are available in both full-time and part-time study modes.

Tuition Fees

• The tuition fees for UGC-funded students are as follows:
  • AY2026/27: HK$47,000 (approximately US$6,000)
  • AY2027/28: HK$49,500 (approximately US$6,300)
  • AY2028/29: to be confirmed by the University Grants Committee
• For self-funded students:
  • Full-time: HK$94,000 per year
  • Part-time: HK$47,000 per year
  • Note: Self-funded students' tuition fees are subject to review.

Funding Nature

The programs are offered with both UGC/RGC-funded and self-funded options.

Year of Entry and Cut Off Date

• The year of entry for these programs is 2026, with a cut-off date of 15 April 2026 for applications.

Fields of Study

The Department of English Language and Literature offers research areas in:

• Linguistics/Language Studies:
  • Bilingualism
  • Contrastive Linguistics
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Gender and Language
  • Language Acquisition and Language Learning
  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Pragmatics
  • Semantics
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Syntax
  • Text/Discourse
  • World Englishes
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Professional Communication
  • Multimodal Communication
  • Hong Kong English
• Literary Studies:
  • Twenty-First Century and Contemporary Literature
  • Chinese Western Comparative Literature
  • Gender and Literature
  • Identity & Diaspora in Literature
  • Literature and Film
  • New Literatures in English
  • Hong Kong Literature
  • Nineteenth-Century Literature
  • Modernist Literature
  • Victorian Literature
  • Contemporary and Modern Drama
  • Postcolonial Studies

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract top students from around the world to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong. Applicants for admission to the PhD programs via HKPFS will also be considered for the regular research postgraduate programs.

Application Dates for Academic Year 2026/27

• Application start date: 1 September 2025
• Regular round deadline: 1 December 2025
• Clearing round deadline: 15 April 2026 Note: Admission offers are highly competitive and subject to quota availability, so applicants are advised to apply as early as possible.