Applicable to students admitted in 2001-2002 and thereafter

A. Coursework Requirement

1. Students are required to take ENG8000 each term in preparation for Part I of the qualifying examination..
   
   
2. Upon passing Part I of the qualifying examination, students are required to take ENG900T each term in preparation for the thesis and Part II of the examination.
   

B. Comprehensive/Qualifying Examination

Advancement to Ph.D. candidature is conditional upon the successful completion of the following:

1. Part I: A written comprehensive examination based on a general reading list approved by the Graduate Panel. The examination will take place at the end of the second semester for full-time students or at the end of the third term for part-time students.
   
   Part II: An oral examination which students are expected to pass no later than the end of the fourth term for full-time students or the end of the sixth term for part-time students. The areas covered in the examination will be based on the following works submitted by the student:

   (i) A paper (5,000-7,500 words) consisting of a comprehensive review of literature in the student's area of research;
   
   (ii) A research paper (4,000-5,000 words) focused on some issues related to the thesis. This paper should be publishable or acceptable for presentation at an academic conference;

   (iii) A formal thesis proposal.

2. Students are allowed no more than two attempts at passing the qualifying examinations or parts thereof. Any second attempt must come within six months of the first one.
   

C. Other Requirements

1. IT Proficiency Test. (Please refer to "Student IT Competence")

2. If a Ph.D. student's research involves the collection of data from a language other than Chinese or English, the study of a third language will be required. The level of proficiency needed in the third language will be decided by the Graduate Panel at the recommendation of the thesis committee.

3. Students found to be deficient in essential background knowledge may be required to take supplementary undergraduate or postgraduate courses concurrently.

4. Students are required to submit a research thesis and pass an oral examination for graduation.

5. Complete an Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL) module on "Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research". This will be an online module and relevant information can be accessed from the website: www.cuhk.edu.hk/clear/new/new.htm.

6 units (also 6 units for part-time students) per term for a minimum of 12 units in preparation for the qualifying examination to be taken no later than the fourth semester (or the sixth semester for part-time students). In this course, the supervisor will see the student on a regular bi-weekly basis and work out a plan of study with the student.

6 units (also 6 units for part-time students) per term for a minimum of 12 units in preparation of the thesis for the final oral examination. In this course, the supervisor will see the student on a regular bi-weekly basis and advise the student on all matters related to thesis research. Continuing students will be required to register for ENG 900T throughout their thesis preparation.