Research Focus
Design of organic and inorganic optoelectronic devices, plasmonic nanostructures, nanoscale structures and hybrid systems of organic and inorganic materials, as well as the optical, electrical and thermal properties of hybrid systems and their applications.
Programme Structure and Funding
This programme is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 3–4 years (36–48 months). 3-year PhD: holds an honours bachelor’s degree and a research master’s degree. 4-year PhD: holds an honours bachelor’s degree and a taught master’s degree, or holds a first-class honours bachelor’s degree.
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Study location: Hong Kong
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Application Period: The application period for fully funded PhDs is 1 September to 1 December. Self-funded PhDs may apply throughout the year; 1 December and 1 May each year are the dates on which the University clears applications.
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Tuition: RMB 40,000–45,000 per year
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Language of instruction: English
Outstanding candidates may receive a full scholarship.
Entry Requirements
Academic background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, plus one of the following. (1) Materials synthesis: students should have a background in chemistry and materials science, and experience in the synthesis of organic, inorganic and perovskite materials. (2) Devices and device physics: students should have background knowledge in fields such as materials science, nanocrystal/crystal growth, semiconductor and solid-state physics, and electromagnetism. Grade requirements: GPA 3.5/4 (the same applies to a bachelor’s degree). Language requirements:
- IELTS >= 6.5, with no component below 6
- Or TOEFL total score of no less than 85
- Applicants who have obtained a degree from a country where the master’s programme was taught in English may apply for a language exemption; References: Two references from academic referees.
Application Period
The application period for fully funded PhDs is 1 September to 1 December. Self-funded PhDs may apply throughout the year; 1 December and 1 May each year are the dates on which the University clears applications.
Tuition and Living Costs
Study and Living
- Housing: All newly enrolled non-local postgraduate students and HKU fully funded PhD students are guaranteed a University-assigned dormitory place in their first year of enrolment, at approximately RMB 4.5k–5k per month. Off-campus rental is estimated at RMB 5k–7.5k per month.
- Daily expenses: The cost of living in Hong Kong is relatively high; living expenses are approximately RMB 12k per month.
Career Prospects
Graduates will possess interdisciplinary capabilities spanning materials science, electronic engineering and applied physics, with diverse career paths and broad prospects:
Academia and Research Institutions
- Graduates may undertake postdoctoral research at leading universities or research institutions in China or abroad, or compete for faculty positions, continuing to advance frontier exploration in optoelectronics.
High-Tech Industry
- The semiconductor industry and the microelectronics and semiconductor industry are highly specialised fields involving a large amount of cutting-edge materials, processes and science. Graduates may join globally renowned semiconductor companies, display technology enterprises (such as Samsung and LG), energy companies (focusing on photovoltaic technology), or companies researching, developing and manufacturing optoelectronic sensors and memory, engaging in core technology research and development, device design, process development and management.
Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation
- Drawing on research and development experience in novel optoelectronic devices (such as high-efficiency solar cells, novel displays and neuromorphic computing chips), graduates have the opportunity to pursue technological innovation and entrepreneurship, or to translate research results into practical application products, seizing future business opportunities.
