Program Overview

M.Phil. - Ph.D. in Religious Studies

Admission Information

The M.Phil. - Ph.D. in Religious Studies program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in the field of religious studies.

Programme

M.Phil. Stream

• Course Work: Students are required to complete 1 required course, 2 seminar courses, and 2 elective courses for graduation.
  • First Year:
    • 1 Core Course (Method and History of Religious Studies) and 2 Elective Courses (3 units each)
    • 1 Graduate Seminar (3 units)
    • 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)
  • Second Year:
    • 1 Graduate Seminar (3 units)
    • 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)
    • Graduation Thesis
  • Total: 39 units
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Submission of a written graduation thesis
  • Passing an oral examination

Ph.D. Stream

• Course Work: Students are required to complete a minimum of 1 required course, 2 seminar courses, and 2 elective courses for graduation.
  • First Year:
    • 1 Core Course (Method and History of Religious Studies) and 2 elective Courses (3 units each)
    • 1 Graduate Seminar (3 units)
    • 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)
  • Second Year:
    • 1 Graduate Seminar (3 units)
    • 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)
  • Total: 39 units
• Third Language Requirement: Reading knowledge of at least one language other than English and Chinese is required.
• Candidacy Examination: Candidacy examination will take place in year 2. The passing of this examination is mandatory for continuation in the Ph.D. (Post-candidacy).
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Submission of an original thesis of substantial contribution to existing knowledge
  • Passing an oral examination

Fields of Specialization

• Chinese Religions
• Taoist Studies
• Biblical Studies
• Buddhist Studies
• Christian Studies/Christianity in China
• Islamic Studies
• Religion, Education and Society

Application for Admission

• First, please submit an online submission of application form via website.
• After submitting an online application, applicants are required to upload scanned copies of the following supporting documents to the Online Application System for Postgraduate Programmes by the deadline.
  • Copies of certificates of academic/professional qualifications
  • Copies of official transcripts (with a complete record of courses attended and examination results) and grading schemes of all tertiary level studies
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Confidential recommendations/referee’s report
  • A photocopy of Hong Kong Identity Card or other identity document
  • Research proposal
  • A writing sample (a short paper/chapter will do)

Application Deadline

• Main Round: 1 December 2025
• Clearing Round: 31 March 2026

Tuition Fee (Provisional)

• HK$44,500 per annum (Full-time)

Qualification for Admission

Please refer to the general admission requirements and the English language proficiency requirements.