MPhil-PhD in Urban Studies

The global world is becoming increasingly urbanized. Urban and environmental studies are of prominent significance in China and are particularly important for Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area, one of the world’s fastest growing metropolitan regions. There has been an increasing demand of well-trained professionals who possess a deep understanding of multiple dimensions of urban development issues in China and the global world. This programme is designed for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in the broad area of urban studies, with research focuses on urban policy and governance, urban environment and resource management, urban data and analytics, and urban sustainability. It aims to strengthen students’ knowledge in related subjects and train them to conduct interdisciplinary analysis and independent research, with critical and creative capability. Applicants should have an educational background in urban and regional planning, land resource management, public policy/administration, sociology, economics, geography, political science, sustainable development, and other related social science disciplines.

 

 

For the PhD programme, the applicant shall have:

- Education background in urban management, public policy, economics, sociology, political science, geography, environmental and natural resource sciences, or other relevant subjects;

- A Master's degree holder from a recognized university; or Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B"; or Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.

- Fulfillment of one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

1. Possess a passing grade in English in one of the following examinations:

- Hong Kong Advanced Level Exam (AS Level); or

- Hong Kong Higher Level Exam; or

- Achieve Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination; or

2. Completed a degree programme for which the medium of instruction was English, and the CUHK(SZ) Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency; or

3. Have obtained a recognized professional qualification awarded in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country.

4. Submit one of the following original score reports/ certificates for assessment by the Programme concerned:

- TOEFL: at least 550 (Paper-based)/ 79 (Internet-based/Home Edition); 

- IELTS (Academic): at least 6.5 (Test Centre-based/ Online); 

- GMAT: at least 21 (Verbal); 

- GMAT Focus Edition: at least 78 (Verbal).

 

Note:

1）Native English speakers are exempted from the above English language requirements.

2）This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. The CUHK(SZ) Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.

3）TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date. GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.

4）More language and entry requirements for admission can view Graduate School official website: https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en/page/26

 

Application Fee

RMB 600 (Please note application fee once submitted is non-refundable and non-transferable).