Master of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics
Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics
MPhil(IEDA)
PhD(IEDA)
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 Xiaowei ZHANG, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Program focuses on strengthening students’ knowledge in their chosen area of concentration, and training for engineering research and development. The program is highly suited to individuals who aspire to take a leading technical role in high value-added business organizations. 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 is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in advanced industrial research and development, or university research and teaching. This program emphasizes training in original thinking and independent research. Students can design their program of study to suit their interests and needs. The program should cover a specialized area in industrial engineering and at least one minor area. It also aims at developing students’ skills in identifying issues related to a theoretical problem or a practical application, formulating an original research project that addresses some of the significant issues, and independently creating an effective solution to the problem. 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:
- An ability for original thinking and independent research;
- Identify issues related to a theoretical problem or a practical application;
- Formulate an original research project that addresses some of the significant issues;
- Independently create an effective solution to the problems;
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to problems in industrial engineering and decision analytics; and
- Analyze, visualize and interpret data.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
- An ability for original thinking and independent research;
- Identify issues related to a theoretical problem or a practical application;
- Formulate an original research project that addresses some of the significant issues;
- Independently create an effective solution to the problems and to to design and use the computer/IT tools to solve problems in industrial engineering and decision analytics;
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to problems in industrial engineering and decision analytics; and
- Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for solving data driven decision-making problems.
The programs are offered by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics with the following research foci, enabling students to gain a comprehensive grasp of both technological and managerial aspects of contemporary issues in this field and to make a contribution to progress in driving the world forward by improving technology management and operations management.
Research Foci
Operations Research and Decision Analytics
Stochastic analysis and simulation, optimization (linear, convex, robust, stochastic), statistical and machine learning, game theory, with applications in supply chain management (manufacturing, inventory, and logistics), revenue management, and healthcare management.
Financial Engineering and Technology
Quantitative finance and stochastic modeling, derivative pricing, investment technology and portfolio management, risk analysis, financial data analysis, cryptocurrency and blockchain analysis, and machine learning in finance.
Engineering Management
Design and manufacturing, human factors and ergonomics, biomechanics, cognitive decision and functional brain studies, virtual reality, and industry 4.0.
Facilities
The Department is well equipped with modern and up-to-date laboratories for teaching and research purposes.
Relevant central facilities include the Design & Manufacturing Services Facility (DMSF) and High Performance Computing Clusters (HPC).
- Minimum Credit Requirement
MPhil: 15 credits
PhD: 24 credits
- Credit Transfer
PhD students entering with master’s degrees from other universities may be granted credit transfer of up to 12 credits.
- Required Courses
MPhil:
Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits of approved postgraduate coursework, with at least 9 credits at 5000-level or above IEDA courses subject to the approval of the supervisor.
PhD:
Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 credits of approved coursework, including the following IEDA required courses.
- 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.
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
MPhil:
Students are required to complete IEDA 6800 for at least two terms.
PhD:
Students are required to complete IEDA 6800 for at least four terms. Part-time students may be exempted from this requirement.
- PhD Qualifying Examination
PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination and the preliminary oral examination to review and approve the student’s written thesis research proposal.
- Thesis Research
MPhil:
- Registration in IEDA 6990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
PhD:
- Registration in IEDA 7990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
Last update: 1 June 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 2024 (12noon, GMT+8)
Step 2 deadline at HKUST:
1 Dec 2024 (11:59pm, GMT+8)
Details please refer to https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/hkpfs
For 2025/26 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2025):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Jun 2025
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Jul 2025
Part-time: 15 Jul 2025
For 2024/25 Spring Term Intake (commencing in Feb 2025):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Nov 2024
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Dec 2024
Part-time: 15 Dec 2024
* 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.
