The MPhil-PhD programme supports interdisciplinary studies in the field of public health and primary care and aims to build the capacity of students in research methodologies as they relate to public and population health, and community oriented primary care. The fields of study are related to health protection, health improvement and as well as research methodologies and health service provision. Students will need to learn by conducting independent research and by participating in the work of the 7 divisions of the CUHK JC School of Public Health and Primary Care. MPhil and PhD programmes are articulated, which means that students can, with Division approval, transfer from the MPhil to the first (pre-candidacy) part of the PhD, and vice-versa.

MPhil Stream

MPhil students are required to complete 12 units of compulsory lecture courses and must take courses in thesis research and seminar in each academic year. Each MPhil student is also required to submit a thesis based on his/her research and pass the oral defence for graduation.

PhD Stream

Pre-candidacy

PhD students are required to complete 12 units of compulsory lecture courses and must take courses in thesis research and attend seminars in each academic year. Each PhD student is also required to submit a thesis proposal and pass the candidacy requirements within the maximum period of pre-candidacy stage for the advancement to post-candidacy stage.

Post-candidacy

Each PhD student is required to take courses in thesis research and seminars throughout the rest of the normative study period. Each student is required to submit a thesis based on his/her research and pass the oral defence for graduation.

Fields of Specialization

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Family Medicine and Primary Health Care
• Health Promotion and Behavioural Health
• Health System, Policy and Management
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational and Environmental Health

In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, applicants should preferably have a good honours degree or equivalent in a related field. 

For MPhil applicants: 31 January 2018
For non-HKPFS PhD applicants: 31 January 2018
For part-time PhD applicants: Applications are accepted throughout the year.

1 December 2017
1.  By 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time) - to submit an initial application to RGC; and
2. By 5:00 p.m. (Hong Kong time) - to submit full application to CUHK
Please refer to HKPFS page for more details.