Program Overview

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Program Overview

The program in question is the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religious Studies, offered by the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the general entrance requirements of the Graduate School and the following specific requirements:

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies or Theology; other related disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Submit a research proposal with a detailed bibliography.

Program Structure

M.Phil. Program

• Students must complete 1 required course, 2 research seminars, and 2 elective courses.
• In addition, students must enroll in the "Research Paper" course every semester.
• The program requires a total of 39 credits.

Ph.D. Program

• Students must complete 1 required course, 2 research seminars, and 2 elective courses.
• In addition, students must enroll in the "Research Paper" course every semester.
• The program requires a total of 39 credits.

Third Language Requirement

Students must possess the ability to read and understand at least one language other than English and Chinese, as determined by their field of study or recommended by their thesis supervisor.

Candidacy Examination

Second-year Ph.D. students must pass a candidacy examination to continue their studies. The examination consists of three written tests, covering at least two fields of study or as determined by the thesis supervisor.

Post-Candidacy

After passing the candidacy examination, Ph.D. students must continue to enroll in the "Research Paper" course every semester. Although they are not required to take additional elective or required courses, the department or thesis supervisor may require them to take additional courses as needed.

Graduation Requirements

• M.Phil. students must submit a thesis and pass an oral defense.
• Ph.D. students must submit an original thesis that makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge and pass an oral defense.

Research Areas

The program offers the following research areas:

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

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit their applications through the Graduate School's online system and upload the required documents, including:

• Graduation certificates
• Official transcripts
• English language proficiency test scores
• Two academic reference letters (three for full-time Ph.D. applicants)
• Identity card or passport copy
• Research proposal
• Writing sample (e.g., a short essay or a chapter from a thesis)

Application Deadlines

• First round: December 1, 2025
• Second round: March 31, 2026

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the 2026-2027 academic year is HK$44,500 per annum (provisional).

General Entrance Requirements

For general entrance requirements and English language proficiency requirements, please refer to the Graduate School's website.