Research Postgraduate (Ph.D., M.Phil.) opportunities in Hong Kong.
Studies in Sexual and Gender Development, Diversity and Education
uploaded 21/8/09, updated 1st October 2009
If you are interested in pursuing higher degree research into sexual health and education, sexual/gender development, sexual/gender minority groups or any other aspects of sexuality, then come join us at the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). It's the place for you.
Hong Kong provides an excellent base from which to conduct study around the region. HKU (ranked as the top university in Asia and one of the top universities in the world) has excellent facilities and an international reputation for teaching and research. There are well developed opportunities for research degree students (MPhil and PhD) at the University.
HKU Faculty of Education houses a vigorous programme of research in the field of sexuality and gender. studies in gender identity diversity provide one research focus. Sam Winter, a faculty member, works in the area of gender identity diversity, and directs the TransgenderASIA Centre linking a large number of researchers, educators and activists throughout Asia. Mark King, another faculty member, works in the area of gay, lesbian and bisexual studies, as well as transgender studies. They and other members of the faculty also work in the area of sexual development, sexual health, and sexuality education. ‘Sexual health, diversity and development’ is one of three Faculty Research Themes which has recently received seed funding from the Faculty.
Full-time MPhil or PhD tuition fees at HKU are HK$42,100 per year (around US$5,411). Full time research students can expect to receive a postgraduate studentship worth HK$13,100 per month (around US$1,700), payable over 12 months each year (i.e. HKS150,000 (US$20,000) per year) and renewable.
An exciting new scheme for supporting students is now available! Selected full-time PhD candidates (with outstanding academic performance, research ability/potential, and communication and leadership skills) are eligible to apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowships (HKPF). Click here for more information on HK PhD Fellowships. The Fellowship provides a monthly studentship of HK$20,000 (around US$2,600) and conference travel allowance of HK$10,000 (around US$1,300) per year. Additional scholarships are sometimes available. Click here for more information about scholarships (click on MPhil and PhD Degrees at HKU, then click on Awards and Financial Assistance).
For general information about MPhil or PhD studies in the University of Hong Kong visit the website of The Graduate School at HKU.
For more specific information about MPhil or PhD studies in the Faculty of Education visit the website for MPhil/PhD degrees at the Faculty of Education at HKU, or contact Ms Ada Cheung.
For more specific information about studies in gender identity variance (or indeed other topics in sexual and gender diversity contact Sam Winter.
For more information about Hong Kong World City visit Discover Hong Kong.
Here are some other important pieces of information.....
FAQ1: Who is working in this area already at the Faculty of Education? They currently include:
Sam Winter (Associate Professor in the Division of Learning, Development and Diversity and Associate Dean(Research) in the Faculty of Education) has been conducting research into transgender in Asia since 2000. He has published in over 20 papers in international journals and books,, and is currently engaged in research in several countries across the continent, He is a founder-member of two support groups for transgender persons in Hong Kong. He is a member of the Board of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
Mark King. Research Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education. Previously Sam Winter's PhD student and now researching mental health in sexual minority populations in Hong Kong, as well issues of personal, social, and health education. He is also conducting research on changes in brain structure and function as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual violence. He is interested in information, statistical, and data literacy, with an emphasis on computer software critical to the research process and has taught courses on software to academic and non-academic researchers in government and private sectors and in tertiary institutions.
Good links exist with researchers across campus (in law, medicine, social sciences) who work in the area of sexuality and gender, sexual health, sexual and gender rights etc..
Current research students
Chi Xinli. PhD student. She is researching sex education in mainland China.
Diana Kwok. EdD student. She is looking at the experiences relating to identity development among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents
Past research students
Mark King. PhD graduate 2008. Hong Kong people's attitudes towards transpeople and their rights. (was working as Research Assistant Professor at HKU, now Assistant Professor)
Yu Lu: PhD graduate 2009. Gender non-conformity in Chinese children (now Assistant Professor at another university in Hong Kong)
Li Ling. PhD graduate 2011 (to be confirmed). Health issues relating to adolescents in Beijing, with a particular interest in sexuality and sexual health (now a Teaching Assistant as HKU)
Eleanor Cheung, PhD graduate, 2011. Development of identity for gender variant people in Hong Kong.(now doing part-time work as consultant in HKU)
FAQ2: Should I apply for M.Phil or PhD? Generally you should apply for a PhD if a. your background qualifies you to go direct into our PhD programme, b. you have a set of very well worked out ideas for your research, and c. (of course) you want to do a PhD. If a. your background experience is a little weak, b. your ideas are not that firmly worked out, or c. you just want to do a MPhil, then I suggest you apply for an MPhil.
Sometimes we will decide for you on the basis of
your experience... generally speaking
an MPhil applicant needs
a Bachelor's degree at
Remember, even if you apply for or are admitted as an MPhil student, you can later apply to upgrade your studies to PhD, with full credit for the time you have already spent studying. One other thing, the very strongest PhD applicants are able to apply for a HK PhD Fellowship (this particular scheme, worth HK$20,000 to the students concerned) is only available for PhD students.
In case of any doubt check with Kit Chow in our Office of Research at kitc@hku.hk.
FAQ3: What is this 'Hong Kong PhD Fellowship'? This is a new scheme designed to attract the very best and brightest students from overseas to Hong Kong. It involves HK$20000 as month for the course of your studies. It will be a very very competitive scheme. So only the strongest candidates can expect to get one.
If you wish to apply for a PhD Fellowship (only available for PhD students) then send your application (including your proposal) to the centralised internet website (naming up to two universities at which you would like to do your study). If you don't get your HK PhD Fellowship then don't worry. so long as we offer you a place you will in all probability be eligible for a Postgraduate Studentship (PGS), and that is worth a handy HK$13100 a month.
Of course, if you do not want to apply for a HK PhD Fellowship (you don't need the extra money, you think you are strong enough a candidate, or you are applying for an MPhil), then just apply in the normal way,,, direct to our university.
In case of any doubt check with Kit Chow in our Office of Research at kitc@hku.hk
FAQ4: I need to send a research proposal with our MPhil or PhD application. What should that look like? For an MPhil application we require a 6 page summary, while for the PhD application we need that 4 page summary plus a much fuller version of the proposal. That's why you should only apply for a PhD if your ideas are well worked out. Whether you are working on your summary or a full PhD proposal think about the following issues:
1. The research and research problem. What topic, what people, what situation / issues faced by those people, why is it important to do research in this area?
2. Previous work and writing on this area. What work have others done, what have others written, in this area? any theories relevant to the research area, research problems?
3. Research questions and related work. What exactly do you want to find out, and why is it important to do so? What other people have addressed these or similar research questions?
4. Some information about methodology. How do you intend to research these questions yourself (including how your will locate / sample the people who will form the basis of your research study)?
5. Significance of your research. What do you think might be the benefits, to our understanding and to people's lives, of the proposed research?
In case of any doubt check with Kit Chow in our Office of Research at kitc@hku.hk
Remember, we would often expect to work with an applicant to develop a proposal, over a period of weeks / months before an application. And we can send you samples of successful proposals. In the first instance contact Sam Winter.
FAQ5: Do I need to pass an English language requirement? As a general rule yes, if your previous education was not in English. Here is the relevant information extracted from our regulations.
Applicants who wish to be admitted to higher degrees on the basis of a
qualification from a university or a comparable institution outside
In case of any doubt check with Kit Chow in our Office of Research at kitc@hku.hk
FAQ6: Do I need to base myself in Hong Kong during my studies? Basically yes, though we realise that overseas students may need to travel to:
1. collect data for their research (a cumulative period of 12 months during the entire period of study);
2. take vacation (up to 14 days excluding Sundays and HK public holidays in each twelve months of study); and
3. take occasional non-study leave for personal reasons (a cumulative period of up to 12 months during the entire period of study, any such leave counting as time-out from study (and funding) and resulting in an extension of the period of study.
FAQ7: My previous studies were not in education. does that matter? Basically no. We have plenty of MPhil; and PhD students who have studied a range of other subjects before coming to study sex, sexuality and gender with us.