Introduction to the Research Postgraduate Degree Programme

The Research Postgraduate programme leading to the award of MPhil and PhD degrees is for students who wish to pursue advanced, innovative, and original research in the academic discipline of Buddhist Studies.

Programme Structure

Candidates for the MPhil programme are required to follow an approved course of study under structured supervision including coursework. The normal period of study is 2 years for full-time students and 3 years for part-time students.

Candidates for the PhD programme are required to follow an approved course of study, which may include additional coursework, and research under supervision, the period of completion can be 3 years or 4 years for full-time students, and 4.5 years or 6 years for part-time students.

The primary aim of the MPhil and PhD programmes is the production of a substantial and original body of work in the form of a thesis. The thesis must be written to a publishable academic standard, including proper use of quotations, notes, citations, illustrations, and other supporting materials. The usual limit for an MPhil thesis is 40,000-50,000 words, while for a PhD thesis is 60,000-80,000 words.

Requirements for Admission

The basic qualification necessary for admission to research postgraduate studies is a good honours degree from the University of Hong Kong or an equivalent qualification from a comparable institution. Qualifying examinations and/or interviews to test the applicant’s abilities to follow the prescribed courses may be conducted. Applicants with qualifications other than an honours degree may be considered on their individual merits.

Applicants who wish to be admitted to the programme on the basis of a qualification from a university or a comparable institution outside Hong Kong where the language of teaching and/or examination is not English are required to obtain the following:

• A score of 550 or above (paper-based test) or 80 or above (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within a two-year period; or
• A minimum overall band of 6 with no subtest lower than 5.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) taken within a two-year period.

Additional Requirements of the Centre of Buddhist Studies

In addition to the above-mentioned general requirements, applicants for the programme are expected to have the following qualifications:

• A Master of Buddhist Studies with Distinction from CBS; or an equivalent qualification from another institution.
• A minimum of one year formal training in a major Buddhist language (i.e., classical Chinese, Sanskrit, Pāli, classical Tibetan, Japanese, etc.), or demonstrable equivalency.
• Demonstrable proficiency in the language(s) related to the research topic of the candidate. In the case of textual and doctrinal studies, proficiency in the scriptural language(s) involved is a prerequisite. Specific language training may also be required in certain proposed areas of research.

Scholarships

The University has several awards of Fellowships/Scholarships.

• Glorious Sun Group Postgraduate Scholarship in Buddhist Studies: Available for Buddhist clergy who pursue the Research Postgraduate degree programme.
• Khyentse Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship in Buddhist Studies: Awardees should be current PhD students nominated by the Departmental Research Postgraduate Committee.

Application Period

Application for admission has started with the application schedule as follows:

• Main Round: September 1, 2025- December 1, 2025
• 1st Clearing Round: December 2, 2025 – April 30, 2026
• 2nd Clearing Round: May 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026

General Coursework Requirement

In addition to a traditional one-to-one mode of supervision, the incorporation of coursework into the MPhil/PhD programmes serves to provide a form of structured supervision. Candidates for the MPhil/PhD programmes are required by our Centre to take 3 elective courses from the list below to be decided in consultation with the candidates’ supervisors and with their prior approval.

• Courses from the Master of Buddhist Studies(MBS) programme;
• Courses from the Master of Buddhist Counselling(MBC) programme;
• Courses from another department’s MPhil/PhD curriculum relevant to the candidate’s research.

University of Hong Kong Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a prestigious public research university located in Hong Kong. It is renowned for its academic excellence and global standing, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Global Recognition:

HKU consistently ranks highly in global university rankings, demonstrating its academic excellence and international reputation.

World-Class Faculty:

HKU boasts a distinguished faculty of renowned scholars and researchers, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.

Diverse Academic Programs:

HKU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across ten faculties, covering various disciplines and fields of study.

Research Opportunities:

HKU is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

---

Academic Programs:

HKU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across ten faculties:

• Architecture
• Arts
• Business
• Dentistry
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Science
• Social Sciences

---

Other:

• HKU has a strong commitment to knowledge exchange and community engagement, fostering collaborations and partnerships with various stakeholders.
• The university has a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and events, providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
• HKU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.