Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program. The Department has been at the forefront of the field since its establishment in 1937 and takes pride in its focus on grand challenges in the international arena.

Program Overview

The program is available for full-time and part-time study, with an entry date of January 2026. The application deadline for PhD and MPhil programs is September 30, 2025.

Research Areas

The Department has several research areas, including:

• Advanced Materials and Processing
• Aerospace Engineering
• Clean Energy and Energy Storage
• Robotics and Control
• Sound and Vibration
• Thermofluids and Combustion

Research Facilities

The Department provides advanced teaching and research accommodation for both undergraduates and postgraduates in state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.

Admission Requirements

All research postgraduate applicants are recommended to approach potential supervisors and preferably, put their names on the applications. The Department requires:

• Two Academic Referee's Reports
• A standard research proposal form
• Transcript/Certificate of all academic qualifications
• Optional: Publication records, scholarships, awards/prizes, and class rankings (with supporting documents)

Study Information

The program includes:

• An academic year with an e-learning module on "Understanding China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R.C."
• English Enhancement Subjects
• Enrolment and registration
• Medium of instruction and thesis presentation
• Programme types
• Residence requirement

Procedure

The application procedure includes:

• Application period
• Application result and offer
• Guidelines for submitting supporting documents

Policies

The Department has policies regarding:

• Applicants with disabilities
• Concurrent enrolment
• Credit transfer and subject exemption
• Non-local applicants
• Selection criteria

Fees and Support

The program includes:

• Application fee
• Caution money
• Fellowship and scholarship
• Financial assistance
• General expenses
• Tuition fee and registration fee

Additional Information

The Department offers student exchange opportunities to enhance students' global outlook, language skills, and personal development. Every year, the Department arranges research attachments for students to visit overseas universities with financial support. The Department also provides additional financial support to research students to attend international conferences.