Master of Philosophy in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MPhil(TIE)
Full-time
Full-time: 2 years
Program Director:
Prof Qian ZHANG, Chair Professor of Integrative Systems and Design Program
Co-Director:
Prof Zexiang LI, Professor of Integrative Systems and Design
The MPhil program in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) is specifically crafted for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs who are driven to lead in the deep-tech sectors. This program delivers a comprehensive educational experience, merging in-depth technical knowledge with essential entrepreneurial skills to ensure that graduates are well prepared to launch successful startups or contribute to technological innovations.
Students will collaborate in dynamic teams to engage in rigorous research training and gain valuable exposure to industry opportunities. Each student is required to independently complete a thesis under the guidance of our faculty members, and to collaborate on a team project that integrates theoretical insights with practical applications.
Candidates with a robust foundation in science and engineering, a profound sense of curiosity, and an aptitude for learning are ideal for this program.
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Tackle challenges of technology innovation in real context.;
- Diversify market sense.; and
- Converge resources to integrate supply chains and industry painpoints.
- Possess outstanding technical capabilities and leadership.
- Communicate effectively to do market research and form groups.
- Learn fast from changing scenarios and study interdisciplinarily.
- Implement products to fit the market need and maintain sustainability.
- Iterate products continuously and have the ability to commercialize.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
12 credits
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Core Course
6 credits
Students are required to take at least two courses from the following selection, including ISDN 5101. Surplus core course credits will be counted toward the elective requirement.
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Elective Course
6 credits
Students may choose a maximum of one course from the following list:
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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. 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.
Students are required to complete ISDN 6601. The 1 credit earned from ISDN 6601 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 recommendation by Center for Language Education and approval of their department.
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Product Development Requirement
Students are required to register in ISDN 6602 throughout the program. Students will be grouped into teams of 4 to 5 members to collaboratively develop a product prototype or service, and conduct a product demonstration. Each team will be assigned a prime supervisor and include additional supervisors based on the specialized expertise or guidance necessary from faculty members.
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Thesis Research
i. Registration in ISDN 6990; and
ii. Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
Students are required to complete an individual thesis related to the group-based product prototype or service they worked on. Each student will choose a unique aspect of the project to focus on and demonstrate their personal contributions and research skills.
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 2025/26 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2025):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Jun 2025
Local Applicants
Full-time: 15 Jul 2025
* 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.
