Postgraduate Programmes and Admissions

Admissions to the Ph.D. Programme in English (Applied English Linguistics)

Goals and Objectives

The Ph.D. in Applied English Linguistics is intended for students who have completed at least an M.A. degree in Applied English Linguistics or a related field of study. The programme provides a supportive environment for conducting applied research in one of the areas of specialisation of the staff of the Department. Students are expected to contribute to current research in applied linguistics, and are encouraged to relate issues and insights from applied linguistics to problems of English as an international language in Chinese or Asian contexts.

Requirements

Besides satisfying the conditions of admission for the Ph.D. degree as laid down by the Graduate School, applicants should have majored in applied linguistics, English, or a language-related field. Before they are considered for admission, they must hold a Master's degree in applied linguistics, English studies, or a language-related field of study awarded by the University or a recognised university. Applicants from outside Hong Kong who are nonnative speakers of English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 obtained within 2 years. Applicants should have had at least one year of professional experience in education, or in a relevant field.

Applicants are required to submit a 1500-word research plan and/or sample research paper(s) with their initial application, and attend an interview whenever feasible. The interview shall examine their knowledge of applied linguistics and the proposed field of study as described in the research plan.