Introduction to the Doctor of Applied Language Sciences

The Doctor of Applied Language Sciences (DALS) programme is designed to nurture and develop future leaders in language-related professions. Students will investigate developments in language sciences and develop an advanced understanding of the link between theory and practice.

Programme Information

The DALS programme offers a flexible study mode of 4-year full-time or 5-year part-time, providing students with different options to complete the programme according to their preferred pace. Combining taught subjects and research components, students are required to complete 48 credits for graduation, including 24 credits for a thesis.

Programme Features

• The programme features four focus areas:
  • Language Education
  • Intercultural and Professional Communication
  • Translating and Interpreting
  • Speech Sciences, Language Processing, and Cognition
• Students can choose subjects from these focus areas, which are specialized by the academic staff members from the teaching departments.

Focus Areas

Language Education

This area focuses on the frameworks of knowledge and skills that underpin language education theories of linguistics and language learning, discourse and corpus analysis, and the role of language in society and on language education itself.

Intercultural and Professional Communication

The emphasis is on the key concepts, issues, and practices in intercultural, organizational, and professional communication, and on analyzing spoken, written, and multimodal discourses in a range of intercultural and professional contexts.

Translating and Interpreting

This area provides professional training to university teachers and those working in the fields of translation and interpreting but do not hold formal academic credentials.

Speech Sciences, Language Processing, and Cognition

This focus area is built on the knowledge of how language is processed, with the intention to apply this knowledge to areas such as communication disorders, digital humanities, language and speech sciences, language technology, and neuro-cognitive approaches to language use and language learning.

Admission and Application

Entrance Requirements

• A Masters degree or equivalent in a related field PLUS five years post-undergraduate work experience;
• OR
• A Masters degree or equivalent in a related field PLUS two years post-Master's work experience.
• English Language Requirements:
  • An overall score of at least 6.5 (all sub-scores should be at least 6.0) in International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
  • OR
  • A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 90 for the internet-based test (with a writing score of at least 23).

Programme Code and Duration

• 03002-DFF (for 4-year full-time)
• 03002-DPT (for 5-year part-time)

Tuition Fee

• HK$8,000 per credit
• Extension Fee: HK$24,000 per semester

Research Centres and Global Partners

The Faculty of Humanities collaborates with internationally prestigious institutions as professional and academic partners to ensure students can benefit from contributions overseas as well as local scholars, researchers, and practitioners through formal and informal exchange initiatives.

Research Centres

• International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication
• Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture
• Research Centre for Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience
• Research Centre for Professional Communication in English

People

The programme team includes:

• Prof. ZHU Xinhua, Programme Committee Chairperson
• Prof. LI Shaofeng, Programme Leader
• Prof. CHEUNG Kay Fan Andrew
• Prof. Nate Ming CURRAN
• Prof. William Dezheng FENG
• Prof. Eric FRIGINAL
• Prof. HU Guangwei
• Prof. HUANG Chu-ren
• Prof. LI Dechao
• Prof. LI Ping
• Prof. LI Wenjie Maggie
• Dr. Linda LIN
• Prof. LIU Kanglong
• Prof. NGAI Sing Bik Cindy
• Prof. Stefano OCCHIPINTI
• Dr. Jane ROBBINS
• Prof. SIOK Wai Ting

Student Achievements

DALS students have achieved notable recognition, including winning the Best Journal Article Award from the Hong Kong Association for Applied Linguistics and publishing papers in reputable journals such as Lingua and TESOL Quarterly.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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Other: