The MPhil is a research-based degree focused on production of a masters dissertation, which examines a well-defined topic at a standard considerably higher than that of an MA thesis. The programme is limited to two years full-time (or three years part-time). Students work under the direction of a primary supervisor in the Department of Fine Arts; it is possible to have a co-supervisor in Fine Arts or another department. Dissertations are examined by one teacher from HKU and one External Examiner specializing in the student’s research area; students have several extra months to make revisions based on feedback from the examiners before the degree is granted.

MPhil students are required to take a small number of courses (see “Coursework” tab at left), to attend all department research seminars, and to give one seminar talk themselves (at the end of their first year). Students are also allowed to join courses in the department’s MA programme. Full-time students automatically receive a scholarship sufficient to cover both tuition and living expenses; to fulfill their work requirement, most gain valuable experience serving as Teaching Assistants.

A list of current and past MPhil dissertations is given here.