PhD in Life Science (The Sussex-HKUST PhD Dual-degree Program)

Dual PhD Program between the University of Sussex and HKUST

A PhD Dual-degree Program between the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was established in 2017/2018. The program specializes in the research areas of genome stability and neuroscience and provides students with the opportunities to benefit from shared research excellence between the two universities.

The intended duration of the program is four academic years. Students are required to spend approximately two academic years in residence at the University of Sussex and approximately two academic years in residence at HKUST. Students will be guided by faculty advisors from both institutions, and be examined to the standards of both.

Research Projects for cohort 2018-19

Project Name	Project advisor at Sussex	Project advisor at HKUST	Project details
Regulation of P2X7‐purinoreceptor ER export and trafficking to the plasma membrane	Dr.Ruth Murrell-Lagnado	Dr. Yusong Guo	Closed for application
Functional and quantitative post-translational modification (PTM) proteomic and interactomic study of the post-DNA replication damage recovery in Schizosaccharomyces pombe	Prof. Anthony Carr	Prof. Ning Li	Closed for application
From genes to movement: the role of microRNA regulation during the development of motor circuitry in flies and fish	Prof. Claudio Alonso	Prof. Andrew Miller	Closed for application

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, an applicant must meet all the admission requirements at both institutions and must have faculty advisers who agree to advise them at both institutions.

A student in the dual-degree program must register as a PhD student at both institutions for the duration of the study. Applicants need to submit an online application under the program of “PhD in Life Science” with a remark on applying for the Dual PhD Program at HKUST and the desired project.

Only a small number of students would be accepted to the programme each year. The admission decision will be made jointly by both institutions.

Program Requirements

Student candidates must satisfy all academic and other requirements of both institutions. Student candidates are expected to submit applications to HKUST for screening and review from the faculty advisers and joint committee.

Tuition Fee and Costs

Candidates have to pay tuition fees to HKUST during their two years of studies at HKUST, in the same amount as the normal full-time PhD programmes. Eligible candidates will receive Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) from HKUST for up to two years during their studies at HKUST.

During their studies at the University of Sussex, scholarships, tuition fees, research and living fees would be arranged as per University of Sussex’s regulation. Students may register ‘off-campus study’ status at HKUST, and need not pay any tuition fee to HKUST during their time at the University of Sussex.

Application Process @HKUST

Application Process @University of Sussex