PhD in Communication

This research programme 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 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, 

1. 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

2. have a degree from a university in Hong Kong or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English, or

3. achieve level 4 or above in the English subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination.

* TOEFL and IELTS are considered valid for two years from the test date.

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

  • a strong Master’s thesis;
  • an innovative and methodologically / theoretically strong research proposal outlining areas of interest, goals and plans;
  • three letters of reference from academic sources; and
  • academic records at the Master’s and undergraduate levels.

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

In addition to the University regulations, students in the M.Phil. in Communication Programme, after completing the first year of studies with a GPA of 3.7 or above, may apply for transferal into the Ph.D. in Communication Programme on the recommendation of the Graduate Division, and with the approval of the Graduate School.

 

Study Schemes and Programme Requirements

Tuition Fee, Studentships, Scholarships & Grants

1) Tuition Fee


HK$44,500 per annum for 2025-2026 intake regardless of the study mode*

For local full-time RPg students, please refer to the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate (RPg) Students for details.

* Subject to University’s approval and review

2) Postgraduate Studentships

For full-time research postgraduate students.

Annual studentship for 2024-25 is HK$224,700. Payable during the normative period of study.

The award of the studentship will be made known to students with the admission offers.

3) Scholarships


Internationalization Scholarships will be offered to selected international students with outstanding academic performance. No separate application is required. For more details, please refer to the FAQ.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is available for both local and non-local students to apply. Students who apply for our full-time PhD Programme are highly recommended to apply through the HKPFS.

4) School-level Research/Conference Grants

For more details, please refer to Student Handbook.

Honesty in Academic Work

A Guide for Students and Teachers

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. While “academic dishonesty” is the overall name, there are several sub-categories as follows:Impersonation fraud in tests and examinations (including violation of rule 19 of the University’s Examination Rules or rule 15 of the University’s Online Examination Rules)

  1. Plagiarism 
  2. Undeclared multiple submissions
  3. Employing or using services provided by a third party to undertake ones’ submitted work, or providing services as a third party
  4. Distribution/ Sharing/ Copying of teaching materials without the consent of the course teachers to gain unfair academic advantage in the courses
  5. Violating rules 15 or 16 of the University’s Examination Rules (Annex 1) or rule 9 or 10 of the University’s Online Examination Rules (Annex 2)
  6. Cheating in tests and examinations (including violation of rules 17 or 18 of the University’s Examination Rules or rule 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16 of the University’s Online Examination Rules)
  7. Impersonation fraud in tests and examinations (including violation of rule 19 of the University’s Examination Rules or rule 15 of the University’s Online Examination Rules)
  8.  All other acts of academic dishonestyAny related offence will lead to disciplinary action including termination of studies at the University.Everyone should make himself/herself familiar with the content of this website http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/ and thereby help avoid any practice that would not be acceptable.