Research Focus
Sports biomechanics and human–equipment interaction. This includes:
- Biomechanical analysis of sports performance and sports injury;
- Human interaction with sports equipment;
- Implicit motor learning and dynamic balance;
- Active health promotion;
- Application of smart wearable technology in sport.
Programme Structure and Funding
This is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 4 years (48 months). Only 1 student will be admitted.
Tuition and Scholarships
Depending on the student’s qualifications and background, the following study modes may apply; the final outcome is subject to a comprehensive review.
| Funding type | Funding duration | Local students | Non-local students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full UGC-funded studentship | Full duration (usually 4 years) | Monthly stipend of about HK$19,000; tuition fully waived by the government; actual net income of about HK$19,000/month, HK$228,000/year | Monthly stipend of about HK$19,000; tuition of HK$47,000/year, to be paid from the stipend; actual net income after deducting tuition of about HK$15,000/month, HK$181,000/year |
| Partial studentship | 1–2 years, with no funding in the remaining years | During the funded period, a monthly stipend of about HK$19,000 and tuition waiver; during the unfunded period, no monthly stipend, tuition is still covered by the government, and living costs must be self-funded | During the funded period, net income after deducting tuition of about HK$15,000/month; during the unfunded period, no monthly stipend, tuition at the self-funded rate of HK$94,000/year, and both living costs and tuition must be self-funded |
| Self-funded | Full duration | No monthly stipend; tuition of HK$94,000/year, fully self-funded. Local student tuition waivers apply only to UGC-funded programmes | No monthly stipend; tuition of HK$94,000/year, fully self-funded |
| HKPFS (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme) | 4 years | Monthly stipend of HK$28,400; tuition fully covered separately; HK$14,200 per year for conference travel; HK$20,000 in research funding over 4 years; guaranteed accommodation in the first year | Funding standards are the same as for local students |
Note: studentship stipends are pre-tax monthly amounts; pre-candidacy is HK$18,930, rising to HK$19,460 after confirmation of candidature, rounded in the table to about HK$19,000. Tuition figures are for AY2026/27. HKPFS is highly competitive and requires a separate application through the RGC.
Entry Requirements
Sports human science, sports rehabilitation, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, physical education, sports training, rehabilitation therapy, cognitive science, psychology, electronic information engineering, computer science
- Academic background: a bachelor’s/master’s holder with a research mindset in sport injury and performance, and practical or research experience related to training/exercise intervention. For example, students with a background in biomechanics or biomedical engineering. Such students need solid experience in data collection and processing with traditional biomechanical equipment (such as force plates, motion capture systems, etc.) or smart wearable devices (sensors, IMUs, etc.). Another example is students with a background in sports psychology or cognitive science. For such students, experience related to implicit motor learning and control (dual-tasking or EEG applications) will be an advantage.
- Grade requirements: for direct entry from bachelor’s to PhD, GPA must be in the top 10% or an upper second class honours bachelor’s degree;
- Language requirements: TOEFL: 79 (Reading, Listening, Speaking ≥18, Writing ≥19); or IELTS: 6.5 (no sub-score below 5.5); Applicants who have obtained a degree in an English-taught country may apply for an exemption;
- References: 2 academic references.
- Preferred qualities: international study or exchange experience and good personal qualities, together with excellent interview performance.
Application Materials
General application materials:
- English test score report;
- Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates;
- Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts;
- Research proposal;
- Publications and other supporting documents (if any);
- 2 academic references;
- Non-English materials require official English translations. Applicants with mainland Chinese qualifications must also provide:
- Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (Ministry of Education);
- Online Verification Report of Student Record (Ministry of Education);
- Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate;
- China Higher Education Student Transcript Verification Report (CHSI), etc. For mainland applicants with overseas qualifications:
- Overseas Academic Qualification and Degree Certification (Certification of Overseas Academic Qualifications and Degrees).
Application Period
Autumn intake. Application period: 1 September – 1 December (applicants are advised to submit before mid-November).
Application Process
From now until the end of October, applicants submit an English CV and relevant materials, and we will conduct a preliminary assessment. In November, those who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview with potential supervisors. Before December, after passing the interview, applicants must formally submit application materials through the official website. From December to January of the following year, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the faculty admissions committee. From February to March of the following year, admission offers will be issued.
Autumn: 1 December
Tuition and Living Costs
Living costs
Rent is about RMB 10,000/month, and other living expenses are about RMB 7,000–8,000/month; the annual total is about RMB 200,000 or more, depending on individual circumstances.
Career Prospects
PhD graduates in Sport and Health Sciences from Hong Kong Baptist University have broad employment prospects, and overall salary levels are competitive. Starting monthly salaries are generally between HK$30,000 and HK$50,000, with academic postdoctoral positions at about HK$30,000–40,000, and industry and government positions reaching HK$40,000–50,000, with significant room for growth as experience increases.
With the advancement of Hong Kong’s sports “five modernisations” policy and the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, demand for sports science talent is strong, and the development trend is positive. In terms of career choices, PhD graduates mainly move into the following areas:
- Academia and research: teaching posts or postdoctoral positions at universities, focusing on research in exercise physiology, biomechanics and health promotion.
Increasing research collaboration in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area also provides joint projects and teaching opportunities.
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Sports industry management: joining professional clubs, sports technology companies or fitness chains as sports performance consultants or industry operations managers, participating in scientific training of athletes and event organisation.
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Public health and policy: working in government sports and recreation departments or NGOs, formulating health policies, implementing community exercise intervention programmes, and addressing public health issues such as chronic disease prevention and control.
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Sports technology and data analysis: using wearable devices and AI technology to engage in sports big data mining and the development of intelligent training programmes, serving elite sport and public health management, an emerging high-growth field.
