PhD in Communication

The PhD in Communication is a research programme that prepares students for a research career.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, applicants should possess a Master’s degree in communication/media studies or in a related field of humanities and social science from a recognized research university.

• All applicants MUST have a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 92 (internet-based/Home Edition), or a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7, unless they possess a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:
  • H.K. Advanced Level Examination (including AS Level)
  • H.K. Higher Level Examination
  • CUHK Matriculation Examination
  • General Certificate of Education Examination Advanced Level (GCE A Level) / Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level)
• or have a degree from a university in Hong Kong or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English
• or achieve level 4 or above in the English subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination

Applicants are required to furnish proof of their research capability in the form of:

• a strong research proposal outlining the research topic of interest, goals and plans
• a strong Master’s thesis (if available by the time of application), and/or examples of published works in academic conferences and/or journals
• three letters of reference from academic sources
• academic records at the Master’s and undergraduate levels

Special consideration will be given to applicants’ scholarly achievement and professional experience in related fields.

Study Schemes and Programme Requirements

Applicable to students admitted in different years.

Tuition Fee, Studentships, Scholarships & Grants

1) Tuition Fee

HK$47,000 per annum for intake regardless of the study mode

2) Postgraduate Studentships

Annual studentship for full-time research postgraduate students is HK$229,200, payable during the normative period of study.

3) Scholarships

Internationalization Scholarships will be offered to selected international students with outstanding academic performance.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is available for both local and non-local students to apply.

4) School-level Research/Conference Grants/Editing Fee Support

Available for students.

Honesty in Academic Work

The Chinese University of Hong Kong places very high importance on honesty in academic work submitted by students and adopts a policy of zero tolerance on academic dishonesty.

• Plagiarism
• Undeclared multiple submissions
• Employing or using services provided by a third party to undertake one’s submitted work
• Distribution/ Sharing/ Copying of teaching materials without the consent of the course teachers to gain unfair academic advantage
• Violating rules of the University’s Examination Rules or Online Examination Rules
• Cheating in tests and examinations
• Impersonation fraud in tests and examinations
• All other acts of academic dishonesty

Any related offence will lead to disciplinary action including termination of studies at the University.