Master of Philosophy in Electronic and Computer Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Electronic and Computer Engineering
MPhil(ECE)
PhD(ECE)
Both full- and part-time
MPhil
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 4 years
PhD
Full-time: 3 years (with a relevant research master’s degree), 4 years (without a relevant research master’s degree)
Part-time: 6 years
PG Programs Coordinator:
Prof Yiwen WANG, Associate Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering
Applicants may apply for individual concentration(s) specified in the “Concentration” tab.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Program is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in research and development in industry or academia, and is an excellent preparation for a PhD degree. A candidate for an MPhil degree is expected to demonstrate knowledge in the discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making a contribution to the field.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program caters for those wishing to pursue a career in advanced industrial research and development or university research and teaching. It emphasizes training in original thinking and independent research. A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the discipline.
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of scientific theory and methods relevant to ECE;
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of relevant scientific literature;
- Apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address important research questions relevant to ECE;
- Demonstrate practical skills in designing or developing ECE systems;
- Demonstrate the ability to independently pursue original research and innovation; and
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills sufficient for a professional career in ECE disciplines.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and deep understanding of scientific theory and methods relevant to Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE);
- Demonstrate mastery of, and critical understanding of, relevant scientific literature;
- Critically apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address important fundamental questions relevant to ECE;
- Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct original research and make significant scientific contributions to the ECE discipline; and
- Demonstrate competency in oral and written communication skills at a level sufficient for disseminating the results to the scientific community.
The programs are offered by the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering with the following research foci and state-of-the-art facilities, enabling students to carry out the pioneering research.
Research Foci
Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Medical Imaging, Biomedical Optics and Biophotonics, Neuroengineering, Medical Electronics, Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, Biosignal Processing, Biomedical Microdevices and BioMEMS.
Control and Robotic Systems (CRS)
Control and robotic systems theory, optimization theory, detection and estimation, networked sensing and control, and their applications in next-generation industry robots, multi-agent systems, manufacturing automation, aeronautical and aerospace systems, autonomous vehicles, energy systems, intelligent transportation, medical and healthcare systems.
Data Science and AI (DSAI)
Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Speech and Language Processing, Financial Analytics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Neural Engineering, Deep Learning, and Signal Processing.
Integrated Circuits and Systems (ICS)
All aspects of today's integrated circuits and systems and system-on-chip as well as embedded systems solutions. This research stream covers Systems-on-Chip, Digital VLSI Design, Analog, Mixed-Signal, and RF Circuits Design, Microwave and Communication Circuits, Bio-circuits, Imaging Sensor, Embedded Systems, FPGA, Reconfigurable Systems, Computer Engineering.
Microelectronics (mE)
Manipulating charges in micro-/nano-structures including Micro-/Nano-electronics, Semiconductor/Novel Materials and Devices, Nanofabrication Technology, Microelectromechanical Systems, Microsystem Integration, and Flexible Electronics.
Photonics (Ph)
Generating, manipulating and detecting light (photons) for applications including Displays, Optoelectronics, Lasers, Nonlinear Photonics, Nanophotonics, Biophotonics, Silicon Photonics, and Electronic-Photonic Integration.
Quantum Engineering (QE)
Manipulating quantum systems and quantum information for emerging applications including Quantum Materials, Quantum Devices, Quantum Control, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, Quantum Photonics, and Quantum Simulators.
Wireless Communications and Networking (WCN)
Wireless Communications, IoT Systems, 6G, Machine Learning, Ambient RF Systems, Edge Computing and Communications, Computer Networking, Visible Light Communications, Coding and Information theory.
Facilities
There are extensive facilities available to support the Department's programs. Laboratories for research and teaching encompass: advanced VLSI design and testing analog, automatic-control, biomedical instrumentation, broadband networks, computer networks and system integration, digital electronics and microprocessors, electro-optics, fine-line lithography, integrated power electronics, machine intelligence, optical device characterization, robot manipulation, signal processing and communication and wireless communication.
Relevant central facilities, research centers and research institutes include: the Automation Technology Center, Center for Networking, Center for Wireless Information Technology, Multimedia Technology Research Center, Nanosystem Fabrication Facility (CWB), Photonics Technology Center, Semiconductor Product Analysis and Design Enhancement Center.
In addition to the University's central computing facilities, the Department has over 200 Linux/ Solaris workstations and over 900 PCs and Apple computers. Both industrial standard and research-oriented software are used by faculty and students for teaching and research.
- Minimum Credit Requirement
MPhil/PhD: 15 credits
- Required Courses
MPhil:
15 credits of approved coursework, of which at least 9 in the area of Electronic and Computer Engineering.
PhD:
15 credits of approved postgraduate coursework, of which at least 9 in the area of Electronic and Computer Engineering.
The credit(s) earned from ELEC 6900 Independent Study cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
- School Requirements on PhD Programs
In addition to the program requirements, all full-time and part-time PhD students are required to complete the school requirements, which aim to help students gain a wider exposure to multidisciplinary areas, and attain all-rounded learning by broadening their knowledge base.
PhD students are required to take at least a 3-credit course at 5000-level or above outside their programs offered by the School of Engineering. The 3 credits may be satisfied by courses from other Schools upon approval.
In some exceptional cases where students can provide sufficient justifications and obtain prior approval from their supervisors, PG Coordinators, and Heads of Department/Program Directors or designees, they are allowed to take the 3-credit course within their home departments/programs but the course must be in areas outside their specialty.
Details of the requirements are available on the website of the School of Engineering.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant Training
All full-time RPg students are required to complete PDEV 6800. The course is composed of a 10-hour training offered by the Center for Education Innovation (CEI), and session(s) of instructional delivery to be assigned by the respective departments. Upon satisfactory completion of the training conducted by CEI, MPhil students are required to give at least one 30-minute session of instructional delivery in front of a group of students for one term. PhD students are required to give at least one such session each in two different terms. The instructional delivery will be formally assessed.
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Professional Development Course Requirement
Students are required to complete PDEV 6770. The 1 credit earned from PDEV 6770 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed PDEV 6770 or other professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking PDEV 6770, subject to prior approval of the School.
Students are required to complete ENGG 6780. The 1 credit earned from ENGG 6780 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed ENGG 6780 before may be exempted from taking ENGG 6780, subject to prior approval of the School.
- English Language Requirement
Full-time RPg students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Speaking Test administered by the Center for Language Education before the start of their first term of study. Students whose ELPA Speaking Test score is below Level 4, or who failed to take the test in their first term of study, are required to take LANG 5000 until they pass the course by attaining at least Level 4 in the ELPA Speaking Test before graduation. The 1 credit earned from LANG 5000 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
Full-time students are required to complete LANG 5005 and advised to complete it in the first year of study. The 1 credit earned from LANG 5005 cannot be counted toward the program credit requirements. Students may be considered for exemption from this course, subject to the approval of the Department Head and/or PG Coordinator/Program Director.
- Postgraduate Seminar
Full-time PhD students are required to enroll for ELEC 6950.
- PhD Qualifying Examination
PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination within two years after admission, with a maximum of two attempts.
- Thesis Research
MPhil:
- Registration in ELEC 6990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
PhD:
- Registration in ELEC 7990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
Last update: 1 June 2023
- Energy Technology Concentration
In addition to the existing program requirements, students who opt for the Energy Technology concentration are required to:
- Take one ENEG course.
- Complete ENEG 6010 for one term.
- Conduct research in energy area.
- Nanotechnology Concentration
In addition to the existing program requirements, students who opt for the Energy Technology concentration are required to:
- Take one NANO course.
- Complete NANO 6010 for one term.
- Conduct research in nano area.
- Scientific Computation Concentration
In addition to the existing program requirements, students who opt for the Scientific Computation concentration are required to:
- MPhil:
Complete a minimum of 7 credits from the following course lists.
PhD:
Complete a minimum of 10 credits from the following course lists.
The credits earned under the concentration will be counted toward the total credit requirements of the programs.
All students must take MATH 6915 and MATH 6916. Credits earned from MATH 6915 can be repeated for up to 2 credits.
All students must take at least one course of other departments (excluding MATH 6915 and MATH 6916) or one CSIC course.
Elective Courses
- Conduct research in the area of scientific computation.
Last update: 18 May 2023
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
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Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification;
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Applicants seeking admission to a doctoral degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree with a proven record of outstanding performance from a recognized institution; or presented evidence of satisfactory work at the postgraduate level on a full-time basis for at least one year, or on a part-time basis for at least two years.
Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:
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TOEFL-iBT: 80 *
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TOEFL-pBT: 550
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TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)
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IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *
* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.
Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if
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their first language is English, or
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they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.
Apply online before the application deadlines.
HK$180
For Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) Application (for PhD studies only):
Step 1 deadline at RGC (to obtain an HKPFS reference no. from RGC):
1 Dec 2023 (12noon, GMT+8)
Step 2 deadline at HKUST:
1 Dec 2023 (11:59pm, GMT+8)
Details please refer to https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/hkpfs
For 2024/25 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2024):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Jun 2024
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Jul 2024
Part-time: 15 Jul 2024
For 2023/24 Spring Term Intake (commencing in Jan 2024):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Nov 2023
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Dec 2023
Part-time: 15 Dec 2023
Applicants who would like to apply for the following concentration(s) should apply for the respective program choice(s) in the Online Admission System:
Electronic and Computer Engineering - Energy Technology Concentration
Electronic and Computer Engineering - Nanotechnology Concentration
Electronic and Computer Engineering - Scientific Computation Concentration
* Applicants are considered as non-local students if they hold (i) student visa/ entry permit; or (ii) visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG); or (iii) dependent visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration. For details on student visa/ entry permit requirements, please click here.
