On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:

1. Explain the principles in nano science and technologies (such as nano material process, nano material characterization, nano device design and fabrication, nano structural observation and manipulation) and apply to problems at the postgraduate level;
2. Demonstrate competence in the concepts and literature of a specific sub-discipline of physics;
3. Conduct a successful program of supervised research; and
4. Communicate scientific results effectively, both orally and in writing.

On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:

1. Explain the principles in nano science and technologies (such as nano material process, nano material characterization, nano device design and fabrication, nano structural observation and manipulation) and apply to problems at the postgraduate level;
2. Demonstrate a mastery of the concepts and literature of a specific sub-discipline of physics;
3. Conduct a successful program of independent research; and
4. Communicate scientific results effectively, both orally and in writing.

1. Minimum Credit Requirement

MPhil: 12 credits
PhD: 15 credits
 

2. Credit Transfer

PhD students entering the program with a relevant master’s or equivalent degree may be granted credit transfer of up to 6 credits based on their background in the related subject areas, subject to prior approval from the PG Coordinator. They must complete at least 3 credits of NANO courses. Students’ course selection must be agreed by their thesis supervisors and approved by their respective Thesis Supervision Committee.
 

3. Required Courses

MPhil: 12 credits of postgraduate courses, including at least 4 credits of NANO courses.
PhD: 15 credits of postgraduate courses, including at least 4 credits of NANO courses.

Full-time students are expected to complete the coursework requirements during their first four regular terms of study.
 

4. 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.
 

5. 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 PHYS 6771. The 1 credit earned from PHYS 6771 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.

PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates in Nano Science & Tehnology and have completed PHYS 6770 Professional Development in Science (Physics), PHYS 6000 Physics Seminar or other equivalent course(s) before may be exempted from taking PHYS 6771, subject to prior approval of the Department Head or PG Coordinator.

6. 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. PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates may be considered for exemption from this course, subject to the approval of their department.
 

7. PhD Qualifying Examination

PhD students must pass a qualifying examination specified by the Qualifying Examination Committee of the NANO postgraduate program.
 

8. Thesis Research

MPhil:

1. RRegistration in NANO 6990; and

2. Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.

PhD:

1. Registration in NANO 7990; and

2. 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.

Apply online before the application deadlines.

 * 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.