MPhil/PhD in Computer Science

Programme Structure

The Department of Computer Science offers the following research postgraduate programmes in both full-time and part-time modes:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• 3-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Candidates are required to follow an approved programme of study and research under the supervision of at least one supervisor. Results of research must be presented in the form of a thesis. Each candidate is required to take an oral examination on the subject matter of his/her thesis and perform satisfactorily before receiving the degree. A PhD candidate beyond the probation period is required to give a departmental seminar before thesis submission. Research publication is strongly encouraged.

Requirements on Courses and Seminars

1. An M.Phil. or PhD student needs to give a satisfactory presentation of his/her research proposal as part of the requirements for confirmation of candidature before the end of the probationary period. Upon the supervisor's recommendation and FHDC's approval, an MPhil student may transfer his/her candidature to that for the degree of PhD.
2. A student needs to give a departmental pre-graduate seminar about his/her thesis work before thesis defence. This seminar is mandatory for students registered on or after September 1, 2005, and strongly recommended for students registered earlier.
3. At least 50% of the required departmental courses should be finished by the end of the probationary period. In addition, the students need to complete courses offered by the Graduate School.

Below is the list of the Graduate Courses to be offered to MPhil/PhD students in the Department of Computer Science:

Core Courses

• COMP9102 Data Management and Information Retrieval
• COMP9301 Systems Design and Implementation
• COMP9501 Machine Learning
• COMP9601 Theory of Computation and Algorithm Design
• COMP9602 Convex Optimization

Electives

• COMP8101 Advanced Topics in Data Engineering
• COMP8301 Advanced Topics in Computer Systems
• COMP8302 Advanced Operating Systems
• COMP8501 Advanced Topics in Computer Graphics
• COMP8503 Advanced Topics in Visual Analytics
• COMP8504 Geometric Modeling and Computing
• COMP8602 Bioinformatics Algorithms
• COMP8603 Probabilistic Method and Randomized Algorithms
• COMP8604 Algorithmic Game Theory
• COMP8605 From Classical to Quantum Shannon Theory
• COMP8802 Foundations on Digital Forensics and Security

Application Steps

1. Complete the Online Application Form: All applicants should fill in the online application form in the Graduate School Online Application System.
2. Prepare a Research Statement: Applicants for admission to read for the degree of MPhil or PhD should propose a field of study and submit a research statement giving a clear description of a particular aspect of the field in which they are interested in pursuing, and explaining the particular approach which they propose to take in studying the subject matter. You may choose to contact a potential supervisor to seek help in formulating your research plan. Applicants may be refused admission if the University considers that they are not sufficiently prepared or that the proposed research cannot be successfully pursued at the University.
3. Prepare other Supporting Documents and Submit the Application: Please refer to the application guide at the HKU Graduate School website for other supporting documents. All the application materials should be submitted via the Graduate School Online Application System before the application deadline.