Social Science PhD

Apply before Jan 2027, National This is an estimated deadline. The deadline applies if you have the same nationality as the university.

Language

English

TOEFL® IBT: 80 OR IELTS: 6.5

Credits

27 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)

Disciplines

Sociology

Overview

A candidate for a Social Science PhD degree at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is expected to make original and substantial contributions to knowledge in his/ her chosen discipline/ field of research.

Research Foci

Research focuses primarily on the evolving economy, polity and society of Mainland China in comparative perspective. Specific topics encompass economic reforms and development, social stratification and mobility, governance, historical demography and migration, environmental policy, emotions and the Chinese personality, cognitive and development psychology, as well as broad issues pertaining to gender, culture and the role of innovation and technology in society.

Learning outcomes

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

• Make rigorous use of diverse methodological tools for social analysis.
• Creatively design and effectively carry out research that makes significant theoretical and/or empirical contributions to relevant fields.
• Publish high-quality research output in leading academic venues.

Programme Structure

Course structure:

• Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research
• Social Science Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Econometric Approaches to Social Science Research
• Computational Social Science
• Causal Inference in Social Sciences
• Social Network Analysis
• and more...

Please visit the programme website for further details.

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements

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.

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT: 80

TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.

OR

IELTS: 6.5

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).

Other requirements

General requirements

• 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;
• 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.
• A satisfactory score in GMAT or GRE

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

International: 7,924 AUD / year (≈ 44,500 HKD / year)

Domestic: 7,924 AUD / year (≈ 44,500 HKD / year)

Living costs

Hong Kong (SAR): 2,443-4,170 AUD / month

Scholarships

• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme - Grant: 1,700,000 HKD, Deadline: 01 Dec 2026, Merit-based
• RedBird PhD Award Program (for International Students) - Grant: 147,000 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
• Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) - Grant: 229,620 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
• Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local MPhil and PhD Students - Grant: 47,000 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based

Visit programme website