More about HKUST(GZ)
University News Life@HKUST(GZ) Library Map & Directions
Careers at HKUST(GZ) Faculty Profiles About HKUST(GZ)
Contact Us
Current Students
HKUST(GZ)
myPortal

CARBON NEUTRALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

> THRUSTS > CNCC > MPhil/PhD Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Name
  • Master of Philosophy in Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change
Program Short Name
  • MPhil(CNCC)
  • PhD(CNCC)
Mode of Study
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Normative Program Duration

  • MPhil

    Full-time: 2 years
    Part-time: 4 years

  • PhD

    Full-time: 3 years (with a relevant research master’s degree), 4 years (without a relevant research master’s degree)
    Part-time: 6 years
Tuition Fees

  • Research Postgraduate Programs (with PGS) Full-time

    CNY 40,000 per academic year
    CNY 60,000 per academic year (for the 2027/28 intake and thereafter)

  • Research Postgraduate Programs (self-financing) Full-time/Part-time

    CNY 150,000 per academic year
Program Advisor
  • PG Programs Coordinator: Prof Luoye CHEN
Introduction

The MPhil/PhD program in Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change (CNCC) will offer specialized training to tackle and adapt to the challenges of climate change that arise due to the transition towards a low-carbon society. The energy transition calls for a comprehensive array of transformations that requires deep integration of AI+ science and engineering, social science and humanities, to create intelligent and innovative solutions. This huge change will have far-reaching implications for many areas over the coming decades. We seek to educate students and provide them with state-of-the-art knowledge and comprehension of carbon neutrality and how it relates to finance, policy and AI+ environmental science.

The program focuses on in-depth integration of multiple fields of humanities and social science with AI+ science and engineering. The course design emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, which covers key areas such as low-carbon technologies, carbon neutrality economics and policies, green investment and financial strategies, and the integration of AI+ technologies. It aims to cultivate urgently needed, highly skilled, versatile talent who are competent in “dual carbon” work and can lead industry development. The program focuses on advanced research with an aim to place graduates in academia, research institutes, and industrial jobs that appreciate research capability and quality.

The MPhil/PhD program will furnish students with project-based training to prepare them for inclusion in an exclusive cohort of carbon and engineering professionals equipped with work readiness skills and a comprehension of the low-carbon economy. The program’s credentials are comparable to those of MPhil/PhD programs offered by leading universities in Europe and the United States.

This MPhil/PhD(CNCC) program will be the first of its kind in Asia, emphasizing carbon neutrality and climate change. Students will gain the knowledge, expertise, and assurance necessary to emerge as pioneers in carbon-neutral tactics and sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
MPhil
01
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, economic, and social factors affecting climate change and the shift toward low-carbon society.
02
Design and execute research projects that utilize advanced methodologies to make a meaningful contribution to existing knowledge in the field of carbon neutrality and climate change.
03
Effectively communicate research findings to specialized audiences such as policymakers, industry leaders, and academics.
04
Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to devise and test solutions for climate change mitigation and carbon neutrality, with a focus on stakeholder engagement.
05
Utilize the acquired knowledge to develop a foundational research portfolio suitable for further academic or industry research pursuits.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
PhD
01
Demonstrate an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the scientific, economic, and social factors driving climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality at local, regional and global scales.
02
Independently design, develop, and conduct complex research initiatives that employ cutting-edge methodologies, aiming to fill knowledge gaps and advance the field of carbon neutrality and climate change.
03
Master the communication of research findings to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and the general public.
04
Lead interdisciplinary research teams to create innovative solutions for climate change mitigation and carbon neutrality, incorporating a broad array of stakeholder needs and perspectives.
05
Analyze the ethical and social implications of different approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
06
Develop a high level of expertise in addressing urgent challenges in climate change and sustainability, suitable for academic, governmental, or industrial research environments.
Note:

For MPhil in CNCC, please visit https://vptlo.hkust-gz.edu.cn/rbm/ or contact rbmadmit@hkust-gz.edu.cn for details.

PHD PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Program Progression
First Year coursework
PhD Qualifying Exam
Written exam + oral exam
PhD candidacy
Other required coursework
Thesis and oral defense
PhD degree conferred
Curriculum

Minimum Credit Requirement

MPhil: 15 credits

PhD: 21 credits

* Credit Transfer: Students who have taken equivalent courses at HKUST or other recognized universities may be granted credit transfer on a case-by-case basis, up to a maximum of 3 credits for MPhil students, and 6 credits for PhD students. PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates may be granted credit transfer for all credits earned from the MPhil programs to the PhD programs, subject to prior approval of the Thrust.

1
Cross-disciplinary Core Courses

2 Credits

UCMP 6010

Cross-disciplinary Research Methods I

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems. May be graded PP.

UCMP 6020

Cross-disciplinary Research Methods II

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems.

UCMP 6030

Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking I

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.

UCMP 6040

Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking II

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.

UCMP 6050

Project-driven Collaborative Design Thinking

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course aims to familiarize students with the principles of design thinking and promote the adoption of a human-centered approach to problem-solving. Students will gain the ability to identify users' pain points, define problems, and develop creative and innovative solutions. By engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration, students will have the opportunity to apply their problem-solving skills to real-world projects. This course is divided into three modules, with each module being taken during one regular term. May be graded PP.

All MPhil students are required to complete UCMP 6050. All PhD students are required to complete either UCMP 6010 or UCMP 6030. Students may complete the remaining courses as part of the credit requirements, as requested by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.

PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed UCMP 6010, UCMP 6030 or UCMP 6050 before may be exempted from this requirement, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee, and be granted credit transfer for the respective courses, subject to prior approval of the Thrust.

2
Hub Core Courses

4 Credits

Students are required to complete at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from the Society Hub and at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from other Hubs.

Society Hub Core Course

SOCH 5000

Technological Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course discusses both opportunities and risks that technological breakthrough has brought to the human society. What would be the policy responses required to maximize its positive benefit and minimize its social costs? In particular, how could we utilize the technological advancement, entrepreneurial thinking to address the challenges our societies are facing, such as job loss/unemployment, income inequality and societal polarization, environmental degradation, health disparity, population aging, and among others. The course uses either case studies or cross-country and time-series data analyses to facilitate the discussion of various social issues and look for innovative solutions of in the real world.

Other Hub Core Courses

FUNH 5000

Introduction to Function Hub for Sustainable Future

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course covers background knowledge in the thrust areas of the Function Hub, including Advanced Materials, Sustainable Energy and Environment, Microelectronics, and Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.

INFH 5000

INFH 5000 Information Science and Technology: Essentials and Trends

2 Credit(s)

Description

This inquiry-based course aims to introduce students to the concepts and skills needed to drive digital transformation in the information age. Students will learn to conduct research, explore real-world applications, and discuss grand challenges in the four thrust areas of the Information hub, namely Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, Internet of Things, and Computational Media and Arts. The course incorporates various teaching and learning formats including lectures, seminars, online courses, group discussions, and a term project.

SYSH 5000

Model-Based Systems Engineering

2 Credit(s)

Description

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a contemporary systems engineering methodology that uses conceptual models for communication between system architects, designers, developers, and stakeholders. Object-Process Methodology (OPM) is an MBSE language and methodology for constructing domain-independent conceptual models of all kinds of systems. The course provides students with basic knowledge and tools for MBSE, focusing on conceptual modeling of systems, giving learners a competitive advantage over their peers.

PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed the required Hub core courses before may be exempted from this requirement, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee, and be granted credit transfer for the respective courses, subject to prior approval of the Thrust.

3
Courses on Domain Knowledge

MPhil: minimum 9 credits of coursework

PhD: minimum 15 credits of coursework

PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed the required Hub core courses before may be exempted from this requirement, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee, and be granted credit transfer for the respective courses, subject to prior approval of the Thrust.

Required Course List

CNCC 5100

Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course explores the concepts of climate neutrality and climate change from a multidisciplinary perspective. The course covers the scientific, technological, economic, political, and social aspects of climate neutrality and climate change, including mitigation and adaptation strategies, carbon accounting, renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon markets, climate policy, and international climate negotiations. The course also examines the ethical and justice dimensions of climate change, including the distributional impacts of climate policies and the responsibilities of different actors in addressing climate change. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of achieving climate neutrality and addressing climate change, as well as the skills to engage in cutting-edge research in this field.

Elective Course List

To meet individual needs, students will be taking courses in different areas, which may include but are not limited to courses and areas listed below.

CNCC 5140

Research Design and Empirical Methods of Interdisciplinary Inquiry

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course introduces the fundamentals of research design in interdisciplinary studies. We start by examining how natural and social scientists formulate puzzles and questions, and discussing the processes of theorization, concept formation and measurement. We then study how researchers test claims using qualitative and quantitative methods. Such methods include description, controlled comparisons, and experiments. We conclude with a discussion of the role of big data and AI in future research.

CNCC 5150

Qualitative Research for Climate Policy

3 Credit(s)

Description

Climate policy is all about defining problems, which can be achieved through qualitative research training. This course provides entry level experience, equipping students with basic qualitative research skills by investigating real-world challenges in climate policy intertwined with social contexts. Students will learn to design research projects, collect data, conduct interviews, analyze fieldwork data, generate insights, communicate their findings in written and oral formats, and evaluate qualitative research. Throughout the course, students apply their research competencies to policy questions and social challenges relevant to their own interests, ensuring immediate practical value in professional and academic contexts. Students are encouraged to contribute their own topics to class discussions and develop their own methodological perspectives.

CNCC 5200

Climate Change: Science and Governance

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course prepares students to acquire the basic knowledge of climate change, which sits on the intersection of science and governance. It will review some of the scientific facts of climate change and contrast the scientific research findings with climate governance status. Case study on transforming to a low carbon society will be conducted in later part of the course. Aspects to consider include both scientific support and governance complexity of the low carbon city idea. Students are expected to build their own analysis of the climate change issue at the end of the course.

CNCC 5300

Policy and Technology for Carbon Neutrality

3 Credit(s)

Description

All industries in China are actively taking effective actions to develop new and clean technologies in order to achieve the carbon peak and neutrality goal of shouldering the common destiny of human beings. This course examines the scientific, technological, and policy approaches that China and the rest of the world can take to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

CNCC 5400

Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development

3 Credit(s)

Description

This is a graduate-level interdisciplinary course focusing on the economics of environmental and sustainable development problems and the solutions to those problems. Students will learn to use tools from applied economics and relevant disciplines to better understand and evaluate a series of current policy questions, such as air and water pollution, climate change, environmental amenities, agricultural production, ecosystem services, and biodiversity.

CNCC 5500

Carbon Capture and Removal Technologies

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course is designed for students who are interested in advancing their knowledge and research skills in the area of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and cleaner fossil energy. The course will cover the latest advances in CCS and cleaner fossil energy technologies, policies, and practices, and their potential to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable energy development. Throughout the course, students will engage in critical analysis of the scientific literature, case studies, and policy debates related to CCS and cleaner fossil energy. They will also have the opportunity to develop their research skills by conducting independent research on a topic related to CCS and cleaner fossil energy, and presenting their findings to the class.

CNCC 5600

Energy Economics and Policy

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course provides an in-depth examination of the economics and policy issues surrounding energy. Topics include energy demand and supply, market structures, renewable energy technologies, fossil fuels, energy security, climate change, transportation, innovation, and policy analysis. Students will also participate in a research project to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

CNCC 5700

Energy Systems and Policy

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course explores the challenges associated with climate change, energy and environmental policies from multiple perspectives, disciplines and scales. Students will examine the evolving science and policy of climate change, observe the conflicts between energy companies and interest groups in China, discuss technology innovations and its impact on reducing greenhouse gases emission.

CNCC 5800

Economic and Policy Analysis for Climate Risk

3 Credit(s)

Description

Climate change poses systemic risks to our economy and society. This course provides students with the analytical framework to understand, quantify, and manage climate-related risks. We will explore both physical risks from a changing climate and transition risks arising from the shift to a low-carbon economy. Students will gain hands-on experience with empirical assessment and scenario analysis. Through individual assignments and a collaborative project, students will develop the skills to critically examine the economic and social trade-offs involved in addressing complex climate change challenges.

CNCC 5810

Climate Innovation and Technology Finance

3 Credit(s)

Description

This is an interdisciplinary course that will discuss contemporary research and issues with finance and policy of low-carbon technology innovation projects. The course covers topics in financial risk management, project and corporate finance, asset valuation, technology innovation, climate and environmental policy, and project management. Through lectures, research articles, case studies, and assignments, students will learn to conduct research, develop models, and assess relevant financial and innovation policy options.

CNCC 5820

Greenhouse Gas Emission Quantification

3 Credit(s)

Description

This course introduces the scientific principles and practical methods for quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using both bottom-up and top-down approaches. Through lectures, readings, and data analysis exercises, students will develop skills to interpret GHG fluxes, evaluate methodological strengths and limitations, and integrate complementary approaches for robust emission assessments. The course emphasizes both theoretical foundations and up-to-date research literature.

CNCC 5840

Economic Analysis of Cities and the Environment

3 Credit(s)

Description

This interdisciplinary course will provide students a systematic framework of the interplay between urban growth and the environment from economic perspectives. By walking them through the state-of-the-art research in urban and environmental economic studies from both developing and developed countries, it will familiarize students with popular empirical strategies in applied economics and relevant fields to solve the most pressing environmental challenges accompanied with fast-urbanized cities. By the end of the class, students will be equipped with toolkits to evaluate policy questions in transportation, pollution and health, climate change, energy transition, housing market, and environmental justice.

4
Additional Foundation Courses

Individual students may be required to take foundation courses to strengthen their academic background and research capacity in related areas, which will be specified by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee. The credits earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.

Unless clearly demonstrating sufficient knowledge in the area, students entering the MPhil or PhD Program are required to take the following course in the first regular term of study:

CNCC 5120

Data Science in Policy and Sustainability

3 Credit(s)

Description

In the digital age, the proliferation of big data—from social media text to high-resolution satellite imagery—provides unprecedented opportunities to analyze human behavior and environmental systems. This course equips postgraduate students in applied economics, public policy, and sustainability studies with cutting-edge data science techniques to address complex social and environmental challenges. Students will learn to collect, process, analyze, and visualize large-scale datasets, utilizing methodologies such as machine learning, high-dimensional econometrics, and spatial analysis. Through problem sets and independent projects, students will develop the computational and statistical frameworks necessary to evaluate policy impacts, quantify emissions, and drive decision-making toward sustainable and carbon-neutral futures.

5
Graduate Teaching Assistant Training

PDEV 6800

Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

0 Credit(s)

Description

The course is designed to strengthen students’ competence in teaching. It comprises 2 parts: Part 1 aims to equip all full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students with basic teaching skills before assuming teaching assistant duties for the department. Good teaching skills can be acquired through learning and practice. This 10-hour mandatory training course provides all graduate teaching assistants (GTA) with the necessary theoretical knowledge with practical opportunities to apply and build up their knowledge, skills and confidence in taking up their teaching duties. At the end of the course, GTAs should be able to (1) facilitate teaching in tutorials and laboratory settings; (2) provide meaningful feedback to their students; and (3) design an active learning environment to engage their students. In Part 2, students are required to perform instructional delivery assigned by their respective departments to complete this course. 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. Graded PP, P or F.

All full-time RPg students are required to complete PDEV 6800. The course is composed of a 10-hour training offered by the Institute of Educational Innovation and Practice (IEIP), and session(s) of instructional delivery to be assigned by the respective departments. Upon satisfactory completion of the training conducted by IEIP, 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.

6
Professional Development Course Requirement

PDEV 6770

Professional Development for Research Postgraduate Students

1 Credit(s)

Description

This course aims at equipping research postgraduate students with transferrable skills conducive to their professional development. Students are required to attend 3 hours of mandatory training on Professional Conduct, and complete 12 hours of workshops, at their own choice, under the themes of Communication Skills, Research Competency, Entrepreneurship, Self‐Management, and Career Development. Graded PP, P or F.

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(GZ) 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 Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.

SOCH 6780

Professional Development in Innovation, Technology, and Social Responsibility

1 Credit(s)

Description

This one credit course is intended to provide basic professional training to research postgraduate students in the Society Hub. The course will begin with lectures and a workshop on ethics in research. Students will be asked to focus on a particular theme of their choice that links technological innovation to various social and policy issues, conduct analysis and present their findings. They will also need to work in a team and learn to effectively communicate their ideas in informal and formal settings. Graded PP, P or F.

Students are required to complete SOCH 6780. The 1 credit earned from SOCH 6780 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.

PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed SOCH 6780 or other professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking SOCH 6780, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.

7
English Language Requirement

LANG 5000

Foundation in Listening & Speaking for Postgraduate Students

1 Credit(s)

Description

For students whose level of spoken English is lower than ELPA Level 4 (Speaking) when they enter the University. The course addresses the immediate linguistic needs of research postgraduate students for oral communication on campus using English. To complete the course, students are required to attain at least ELPA Level 4 (Speaking). Graded P or F.

Full-time RPg students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Speaking Test administered by the Division of 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.

PLED 5001

Communicating Research in English

1 Credit(s)

Description

This course aims to help research postgraduate students to develop skills they need to understand how to successfully communicate research in English to academic, cross-disciplinary and non-specialist audiences. Students who fail to satisfy the University's English language requirement are advised to complete LANG 5000 before enrolling for this course. Graded P or F.

Students are required to take PLED 5001. The credit earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements. Students can be exempted from taking this course with the approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.

8
Postgraduate Seminar

CNCC 6900

CNCC Program Seminar I

1 Credit(s)

Description

This course is expected to expose the RPg students to the current carbon neutrality and climate change research and development, and provide them with opportunities to make social contacts with the speakers in environmental and climate change communities. This course will be an essential part of training for our RPg students. Graded P or F.

CNCC 6910

CNCC Program Seminar II

1 Credit(s)

Description

This course is expected to expose the RPg students to the current carbon neutrality and climate change research and development, and provide them with opportunities to make social contacts with the speakers in environmental and climate change communities. This course will be an essential part of training for our RPg students. Seminar II is an extension of Seminar I. While the overall design of the seminar course looks essentially the same, topics covered and guests invited will be differentiated. Graded P or F.

CNCC 6900 and CNCC 6910 will be offered in different terms. Students are required to complete CNCC 6900 and CNCC 6910 in two terms. The credits earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.

9
PhD Qualifying Examination

PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination to obtain PhD candidacy following established policy.

10
Thesis Research

CNCC 6990

MPhil Thesis Research

0 Credit(s)

Description

Master's thesis research supervised by supervisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.

CNCC 7990

Doctoral Thesis Research

0 Credit(s)

Description

Original and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by supervisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.

MPhil:

  • i.Registration in CNCC 6990; and
  • ii.Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.

PhD:

  • i.Registration in CNCC 7990; and
  • ii.Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
11
Remarks

All MPhil students will be admitted through the University-based MPhil Program (General) to facilitate students’ research under a project-based active learning model. Students will take cross-disciplinary core courses, seminars, field trips and other transferrable skill-enhancement activities. Students will declare to enter one of the MPhil programs under the Thrusts at the end of the first term, and follow the curriculum of the respective Program.

12
Political Education and Contemporary China Study Course Requirement

MOES 5001

The Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in The New Era

2 Credit(s)

Description

It provides thematic instruction on major issues concerning the theory and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, helping students further master the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, deepen their understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and strengthen their faith in Marxism, their conviction in socialism with Chinese characteristics, and their confidence in realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

MOES 5002

Introduction to Natural Dialectics

1 Credit(s)

Description

This course introduces the object, nature, content, and scope of the dialectics of nature, elaborates on its establishment and development process, and focuses on analyzing the intrinsic relationship between the dialectics of nature and the development of science and technology. It clarifies its status and role in modern scientific and technological research, as well as its significance in China's modernization drive. The course guides students to master the dialectical materialist view of nature, science, and technology, understand the general laws governing the development of nature and science and technology, recognize the role of science and technology in social development, and cultivate students' innovative spirit and ability.

MOES 5003

Introduction to Chinese Culture

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course aims to help international students develop a systematic understanding of Chinese civilization—its historical evolution, traditional cultural core, and contemporary development. Through field-based practice, students will build an objective, multi‑dimensional, and authentic perception of China, while enhancing their cross‑cultural communication skills for effective study and life in China. Grade Pass/Fail.

MOES 6001

Marxism in China and the Contemporary Era

2 Credit(s)

Description

This course provides an in-depth analysis of major contemporary world social issues and hot topics such as international economy, politics, culture, ecological environment, global governance, cutting-edge issues in contemporary science and technology, major contemporary ideological trends and theoretical hotspots, etc., to enhance students' ability to correctly analyze and assess contemporary global issues.

Postgraduate students who are Chinese citizens are required to fulfill the Political Education requirement (3 credits for master's students: MOES 5001 and MOES 5002, 2 credits for doctoral students: MOES 6001).

Postgraduate students who are international students are required to take MOES 5003.

PHD ADMISSION
Admission Requirements
1
English Language Admission Requirements

Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:

  • TOEFL-iBT: 80 (for tests taken prior to 21 January 2026) *
         4.5 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards) *
  • TOEFL-pBT: 550
  • TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)
  • 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

  • Their first language is English, or
  • They obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English, or
  • You are not required to take the English Proficiency Test if you obtained a master’s degree (or above) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.

2
General Admission Requirements of the University

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.

Enquiry

PhD in CNCC Program
Email: cnccrpg@hkust-gz.edu.cn

Apply Now

FACULTY

Next Column