Programme Introduction

This integrated MPhil-PhD programme targets highly motivated, self-directed individuals who wish to pursue a higher degree in the area of economics, with research focus on microeconomic theory, applied microeconomics, financial economics, macroeconomics, international economics, industrial organization, market design, econometrics, economic data science, and related domains.

SME has established a strong faculty team in the area of economics. Faculty members in all major areas of economics have been recruited worldwide. Many of them are active researchers recognized internationally and have prior experience in supervising PhD students.

Our target students may have a wide range of backgrounds, but should have a strong interest in economics and generally have completed   undergraduate level courses in economics, statistics, and calculus. Applicants with background in science and engineering are also welcome to apply.

Curriculum Arrangement

I. Lecture courses (3-unit courses)

(subject to change)

* Compulsory for students entering without a research master’s degree.

A minimum of 30-33* units are required, with at least 18 units from Group A and the rest from Group B.

II. Thesis research courses

Each student’s progress in research is monitored through courses called ‘Thesis Research’. A minimum of 6 units are required per term in the pre-candidacy stage and 12 units in the candidacy stage.

Since the study period of the students may vary, the total number of thesis research courses to be taken may also vary, which will affect the total number of units taken by each student for graduation.

III. Other courses

-  Research Seminars

-  Thesis Writing and Defense

Please kindly find more details in the Study Plan of MPhil-PhD Programme  (Click for more information)

Fees and Funding

The tuition fee of the programme for the academic year 2025-2026 is RMB140,000(pending approval).

The University and the School may offer various kinds of financial supports to selected applicants:

1. Presidential Fellowship. It carries an after-tax stipend of RMB180,000 per year to cover the normative period of study, subject to annual review. The student is required to work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least four semesters (summer counts as one semester) during the scholarship period. In addition, the student is eligible to receive a tuition subsidy, like any other students.

2. Tuition Waivers.

3. Teaching/Research Assistantships. The student is required to serve as a TA or RA to earn a monthly stipend of up to RMB10,000 before-tax during the normative period of study.

The selection is based on merit and no application is necessary.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

The applicant should have:

- Attained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, achieving an average grade of not lower than “B”, with a good background in mathematics, statistics or computer application fundamentals;

- Fulfilled any one of the following English Language Proficiency Requirements

• Completed a degree programme with English as medium of instruction, or
• TOEFL: 79 (Internet-based/Home Edition), or
• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (Test Centre based/Online), or
• GMAT: Band 21 (Verbal) (This requirement will be kept until the score validity phases out), or
• GMAT Focus Edition: Band 78 (Verbal), or
• Achieved a pass grade in English in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level) or Hong Kong Higher Level Exam, or
• Achieved Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, or
• Obtained a recognized professional qualification, provided that the examination was conducted in English.

- Taken the GRE General Test or GMAT.

Application Materials

• Copies of bachelor’s and/or master’s degree certificate(s), graduation certificate(s), verification report(s) or Certificate of Enrollment
• Official Transcripts
• TOEFL, IELTS or GMAT score report as evidence of English language proficiency
• GRE or GMAT score report
• Contact details of at least two referees
• Personal Statement (in English)
• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• A writing sample (in English) is encouraged but not required
• Other supporting documents as deemed appropriate

Application Deadline

From 1^st November 2024 to 1^st March 2025

Brochure

Contact Us

Telephone: (86) 0755 - 2351 8570

Email: rpg_sme@cuhk.edu.cn

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-12:00 & 13:00-17:30

Address: 3F, Teaching Complex D，2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District, Shenzhen, China

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