Master of Philosophy in Integrative Systems and Design
Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Systems and Design
MPhil(ISD)
PhD(ISD)
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 Sai Kit YEUNG, Associate Professor of Division of Integrative Systems & Design
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Integrative Systems and Design are uniquely cross-disciplinary. They lay emphasis on the confluence of functionality and form in the design of modern devices, services etc. The goal is to promote and support cutting edge research that are user-aware, with explicit emphasis on the human component (including design, ergonomics, and usability). A graduate of either of these programs is expected to have a broader exposure to multiple disciplines as well as a solid foundation in three critical aspects of design, namely user-centered design, design methodologies, and function driven design.
MPhil students of ISD are trained to conduct research on interdisciplinary topics, while demonstrating sufficient knowledge about the state-of-the-art in the areas related to the research problem and on the broader related topics. Their research will adopt principles of design in solving technical problems with clear emphasis on human and societal benefits.
The PhD program trains students in leading world-class research based on their original ideas and driving a team of interdisciplinary experts to make a substantial research contribution. It is also a platform for students to demonstrate mastery of understanding in the chosen areas and initiate interdisciplinary research cooperations to create new knowledge. By the time of graduation, students should possess the essential expertise and experience for a successful career in the academia.
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct world-class research on a cross-disciplinary topic;
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge about the state-of-the-art in the areas related to the research problem and on the broader related topics; and
- Demonstrate the ability to use principles of design in solving technical problems with clear emphasis on human and societal benefits.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct and lead world-class research on a cross-disciplinary topic;
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge about the state-of-the-art in the areas related to the research problem and on the broader related topics; and
- Demonstrate the ability to use principles of design in solving technical problems with clear emphasis on human and societal benefits.
ISD faculty have a very broad range of research interests as a unit. Their research areas include topics from the list below. Prospective PG students may work on these or other topics, some of which may be guided by co-supervisors from sister departments across HKUST. Research problems of interest to ISD faculty typically converge two or more aspects of topics from multiple disciplines, and are guided by an understanding and application of design methodology, and respecting the principles of function driven physical/abstract forms.
Disciplines
- [Tele] Medical Design
- Advanced Manufacturing and Material
- AI Hardware
- Architectural Geometry
- Augmented Reality
- Beyond 5G
- Bio-Inspired Design
- Computational Design
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Vision
- Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD / CAM)
- Design Theory
- Edge AI
- Embedded Systems
- Human-centered Design
- Innovative Design
- Integrative Systems Design
- IoT
- Low Energy System Design
- Microelectronics
- Pervasive and Cloud Computing
- Product Development
- Robotics Dynamics and Control
- Systems Simulation and Modeling
- User-centered System Design
- Wearable Healthcare Devices
- Sustainable Design
- Marine Tech, Underwater Vision, Transport, Communication
Facilities
The Division of ISD has one design studio and two lab spaces that support both, UG and PG projects and teaching.
Design studio
This is an open-plan space where we hold many of our UG classes and activities. The space has flexible desks and seating, and has a small makerspace-style workshop including hand-held tools and a few 3D printers. All students of ISD have unconstrained access to the Design studio.
ISDWorks! and ISDBase
Our makerspace, ISDWorks! and ISDBase, are equipped with state-of-the-art prototyping equipment such as advanced 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, solar simulator, nanoimprint machine, electrochemical stations and robotic arm. Prototyping is a core part of the integrative systems design process, and therefore our students are encouraged to gain hands-on practice throughout the program.
The makerspaces also serve as project spaces for inspiration, collaboration and project showcases. Our makerspaces are the heart and soul of ISD where students make their dreams a reality. We encourage learning-by-doing and cultivates teamwok by providing an exciting and collaborative settings.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
MPhil: 15 credits
PhD: 18 credits
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Required Courses
MPhil: 15 credits of approved coursework, including ISDN 5010 and at least 3 additional credits from the following ISDN courses.
PhD: 18 credits of approved coursework, including ISDN 5010 and at least 6 additional credits from the following ISDN courses.
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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.
MPhil:
Students are required to complete ISDN 6660 for at least two terms.
PhD:
Students are required to complete ISDN 6660 for at least four terms.
The 1 credit earned from ISDN 6660 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
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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.
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PhD Qualifying Examination
All PhD students must pass a qualifying examination (with a maximum of two attempts) within 24 months (for full time) or 36 months (for part time) after the student joins the program.
The qualifying examination is composed of a written report and an oral presentation, covering the state of the art on a topic that is assigned by the qualifying examination committee, as well as proposed research topic(s) (related to the thesis research topic) and how the research can advance the state of the art.
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PhD Thesis Proposal Examination
All PhD students must take the thesis proposal examination any time after passing the PhD qualifying examination, and at least six months before the thesis defense. The students must notify the department PG committee chair about the intention of taking the proposal examination, and submit a written proposal defense document containing the research and results that have been achieved so far, together with the relevant background. The report is distributed to the PhD thesis proposal examination committee. The thesis proposal examination also requires the students to pass an oral preliminary defense covering (a) preliminary results that have been submitted for publication or presented in international conference(s), and (b) plan to research subsequent to the proposal examination and prior to the thesis defense.
- Thesis Research
MPhil
- Registration in ISDN 6990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
PhD
- Registration in ISDN 7990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
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.
