Programmes Highlight
Introduction
Our MPhil and PhD programmes are designed to prepare graduates for a challenging career in basic or applied research in innovative medicine. Our patient-centric, multidisciplinary philosophy underpins our efforts to understand diseases, develop better drugs and enhance the effectiveness of drug-based therapies to improving outcomes and reducing costs.
Our programme will inspire students to adopt cutting-edge technology and bio-informatics tools to address pressing research questions in the emerging areas of pharmacology and drug discovery. Our students will be challenged to integrate chemical technology with state-of-the-art analytical techniques to develop new drugs, and apply pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling to personalize drug use in patients. They will also leverage healthcare economics and epidemiology to optimize cost-effective drug therapies to meet both medical and social needs.
Our research programme features extensive collaborations locally with the Hospital Authority and major pharmaceutical companies. We also partner with institutions in mainland China (e.g. Sichuan University, China Pharmaceutical University, Sun Yat-sen University), as well as renowned overseas research groups from Harvard Medical School and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our graduates have landed academic and research jobs regionally in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, the United States, Europe, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia.
Fields of Specialization
The thesis submitted has to contain report of an independent research investigation in one of the following areas of interest that has direct relevance to the science and practice of Pharmacy:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmaceutics (Physical Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics / Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Technology)
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacogenetics / Pharmacogenomics
- Drug Delivery and Targeting
- Chemical Biology
- Pharmacy Practice
- Public Health / Pharmacoepidemiology
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Social pharmacy
Research Postgraduate Programmes
Master of Philosophy in Pharmacy (MPhil)
The MPhil programme is a research-based degree programme, with the ultimate requirement being the submission of a thesis. In addition, students are expected to complete coursework components, as specified by the supervisor(s), with the approval of the Graduate Panel. The coursework components will provide essential research knowledge and skills pertaining to the candidates’ research projects. Regular research seminars will be scheduled throughout the two-year curriculum.
More
Period of Study
Full-time : 2 years (maximum 4 years)
Programme Requirements
In addition to satisfying the programme requirements and other requirements as prescribed by the School, postgraduate students will be required to submit a research thesis and pass an oral examination in order to graduate.
First Year | Units |
Biostatistics | 2 |
Coursework / Guided Studies | 4 |
Seminar | 2 |
Research | 6 |
Second Year | Units |
Seminar | 1 |
Research | 11 |
Total | 26 |
Less
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy (PhD)
The programme is research-oriented and has the aim of advancing pharmacy knowledge with the major requirement being the conduct and defence of a doctoral thesis. Student will also be required to attend and participate in research seminars and other activities organized by the School of Pharmacy. A total of at least 38 units with a written thesis and the oral defence are required for graduation.
More
Period of Study
Full-time : 3 years (maximum 7 years)
Programme Requirements
In addition to satisfying the programme requirements and other requirements as prescribed by the School, postgraduate students will be required to submit a research thesis and pass an oral examination in order to graduate.
First Year | Units |
Biostatistics | 2 |
Coursework / Guided Studies | 4 |
Seminar | 2 |
Research | 7 |
Second Year | Units |
Seminar | 2 |
Research | 9 |
Third Year | Units |
Seminar | 1 |
Research | 11 |
Total | 38 |
Less
Professors / Researchers
Experts in Pharmaceutical Field
Our students are supervised by teachers who are experts in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice.
Explore Our Research
Prof. Zuo’s Profile Page |
Director and Professor Prof. ZUO Zhong, Joan
|
Prof. To’s Profile Page |
Associate Director (Research and Graduate Affairs) / Associate Professor Prof. TO Kin-wah, Kenneth |
Prof. You’s Profile Page |
Assistant Dean (Student Development), Faculty of Medicine/ Professor Prof. YOU Hoi-sze, Joyce |
Prof. Cheung’s Profile Page |
Assistant Professor Prof. CHEUNG Yin Ting |
Prof. Leung’s Profile Page |
Assistant Professor Prof. LEUNG Shui Yee, Sharon |
Prof. Ng’s Profile Page |
Assistant Professor Prof. NG Wai-Lung, Billy
|
Prof. Yan’s Profile Page |
Assistant Professor Prof. YAN Xiaoyu |
Facilities
Research Laboratories @ Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, CUHK
School of Pharmacy, CUHK
- Bioanalysis (Cell Culture and Molecular Biology Facilities)
- Chemical Analysis and Material Characterization
- Pharmaceutical and TCM Formulation
Core Facilities @ School of Biomedical Sciences, CUHK
Our investigators have access to the State-of-the-art Core Facilities at School of Biomedical Sciences, CUHK.
- Microscopy and Imaging Core
- Bio-fabrication Core
- Histology Core
- Flow Cytometry Core
- Proteomics Core
- Molecular Biology Core
Other Research Facilities @ Faculty of Medicine, CUHK
Academic Support
Academic Support
Supervisors and Co-supervisors |
Every research postgraduate student is assigned a research supervisor according to the mutual research interest of the student and professor. Subject to the research fields and recommendation of supervisors, co-supervisor(s) may also be appointed. The supervisors and co-supervisors not only offer academic support to students, but also provide career advices to students. |
Learning Activities
|
Learning activities of research postgraduate students include taught courses, guided studies, seminars, thesis monitoring courses, improving postgraduate learning modules, exchange activities and international conferences. Under the guidance of the supervisors, students are also encouraged to submit manuscripts/ publish papers in peer reviewed Journal before their graduation. |
Research Seminars
|
Research Seminars are organized on a regular basis. Internationally renowned scholars and experts in various pharmaceutical and pharmacy fields are invited to deliver seminars and workshops to share their research and academic experiences with the Faculty Staff and postgraduate students. In addition, postgraduate students have to present their research progress in graduate seminars, thereby prompting constructive feedback from the academic staff. |
CUHK Research Postgraduate Student Grants for Overseas Academic Activities
|
Students are highly encouraged to participate in international conferences and exchange activities. Students are supported financially to present papers at academic conferences and conduct academic activities abroad within their normative study period. Upon approval by the Graduate Division Head and the School Director, MPhil students can apply for support of up to HK$10,000 while PhD students can apply for up to HK$30,000 during their normative study period. Another resource to support research exchange activities can come from the PhD student mobility scheme administered by the Office of Academic Links or from their research supervisors. Resourceful students can also compete for travelship offered by scientific associations to attend their international annual meetings. Some examples of overseas conferences attended by our research postgraduate students:
|
Research Activities in Overseas Institutions |
On the recommendation of the research supervisors, research students could travel overseas to conduct research in overseas institutions: Some examples of overseas institutions which our research postgraduate students have conducted researches in:
|
Students’ Association and Exchange Visits |
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) CUHK Student Chapter was established in 2011 to promote pharmaceutical sciences and postgraduate research and education. Through activities such as seminars and workshops, it aims to equip the students with the latest skills and knowledge for the ever-changing pharmaceutical universe, specifically scientific advancement and career opportunities. As the first AAPS Student Chapter in Hong Kong and in China, the Chapter serves as an open platform to bring young pharmaceutical scientists in Hong Kong together, with the ultimate goal of advancing health and pharmaceutical discoveries at the local, regional, and international levels. The Chapter organized the AAPS@China Symposium, and arranged several exchange activities with Peking University, Sun Yat-sen University, Fu Zhou University, China Pharmaceutical University and Sichuan University. |
Funding / Scholarship
Funding / Scholarship
The scholarships are subjected to changes according to Graduate School’s latest policy. Please refer to the Graduate School website for most updated information.
The University offers studentships/ Scholarships to eligible full-time research postgraduate students as follows:
Funding / Scholarships | Descriptions | Eligible Full-time Students |
Postgraduate Studentships |
Application: No separate Application required Note 1: Local students refer to students who have Hong Kong Permanent residency and has a right of abode in Hong Kong |
MPhil (Local Students Note 1 & Non-Local Students) PhD (Local Students Note 1 & Non-Local Students) |
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) Scheme |
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) Scheme
Application: By Competition (Apply online through HKPFS Website) CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship
Note 2: Applicable from 2019-20 intake. Note 3: In lieu of the CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship, a tuition waiver will be provided to local HKPFS awardees within their normative study period under the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate (RPg) Students administered by University Grants Committee. Note 4: Applicable from 2021-22 intake. CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme
Note 4: Applicable from 2021-22 intake. |
PhD (Local Students Note 1 & Non-Local Students) |
Tuition Waiver for Local Research Postgraduate (RPg) Students |
The Research Grants Council (RGC) under the University Grants Committee (UGC) has announced on 29 June 2018 a non-means-tested tuition waver to all eligible local students enrolled in UGC-funded RPg programmes, to incentivize more local students to join RPg programmes and build up a pool of local research talents. The tuition waiver scheme will commence from the 2018/19 academic year, i.e. with effect from 1st July 2018. Please visit the UGC website and the CUHK Graduate School website for details. Application: No separate Application required |
MPhil (Local Students Note 1) PhD (Local Students Note 1) |
Scholarships by Competition during Studies |
Application: By Competition |
MPhil (Local Students Note 1 & Non-Local Students) PhD (Local Students Note 1 & Non-Local Students) |
List of Scholarships and Prizes Awardee
Year | Name of Scholarship / Award | No. of Award | Amount (HK$) | Awardee | Major / Programme of Study |
2023/24 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Ms. HUA Rong Ms. LI Jiaqi |
PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2023/24 | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
& CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship |
1 | Monthly Stipend, annual travel allowance & tuition fee | Mr. RUI Mingjun Matthew | PhD in Pharmacy |
2023/24 | CUHK Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship | 2 | $80,000 | Mr XU Tongyang Mr. GUO Zhihao | PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2022/23 | Reaching Out Award | 2 | $10,000 | Mr. FAN Xiaoqing Mr. MEKONEN, Ginenus Fekadu |
PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2022/23 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Mr. MA Bowen Mr. MEKONEN Ginenus Fekadu |
PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2022/23 | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
& CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship |
3 | Monthly Stipend, annual travel allowance & tuition fee | Miss HUA Rong
Miss WANG Honglan Miss XEQUE AMADA Josefina |
PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2022/23 | CUHK Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship | 2 | $80,000 | Miss CAO Kangna
Miss WANG Yingcheng |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2022/23 | Dr Barrie Cassileth Scholarship for New Investigator Award at the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Conference | 1 | 1,500.00 USD | Mr. LAM Chun Sing Jason | PhD in Pharmacy |
2021/22 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Mr. ZHANG Pengfei Mr. LAM Chun Sing Jason |
PhD in Pharmacy PhD in Pharmacy |
2021/22 | Hong Kong, China – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Scholarship | 1 | N/A | Ms. JI Xiaoyu Sharon | PhD in Pharmacy |
2020/21 | Talent Development Scholarship 2020/21 | 1 | $10,000 | Ms. JI Xiaoyu Sharon | PhD in Pharmacy |
2020/21 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Ms. Lyu Yuanfeng Maple Ms. Jiang Xinchan Kaylee |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2020/21 | The HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund – Belt and Road Scholarship
& CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme |
1
1 |
Tuition fee
$80000 |
Mr. Mekonen Ginenus Fekadu |
PhD in Pharmacy |
2020/21 | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
& CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship |
1 | Monthly stipend, annual travel allowance, & tuition fee | Mr. Mukhopadhyay Subhankar | PhD in Pharmacy |
2019/20 | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
& CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship |
1 | Monthly stipend, annual travel allowance, & tuition fee | Mr. Banerjee Parikshit | PhD in Pharmacy |
2019/20 | 2019 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Best Abstract Award | 1 | N/A | Ms. Ziwei Li, Lariena | PhD in Pharmacy |
2019/20 | Li Po Chun Charitable Trust Fund Postgraduate Scholarships | 1 | $10,500 | Ms. Tong Wing Sum, Christy | PhD in Pharmacy |
2019/20 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Ms. Yan Wei, Vivi Ms. Ji Xiaoyu, Sharon |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2018/19 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Ms. Li Ziwei, Lariena
Ms. Tong Wing Sum, Christy |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2017/18 | Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Programme 2018 | 1 | US$25,000/ year | Ms. Wang Yun, Sherry | PhD in Pharmacy |
2017/18 | Bright Future Leading Scientist Scholarship | 2 | $10,000 | Ms. Ren Tianjing
Ms. Wang Qianwen |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2016/17 | Jacobson Graduate Fellowship | 2 | $25,000 | Ms. Chan Pui Shan
Mr. Chu Clive |
PhD in Pharmacy
M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality |
2016/17 | Bright Future Scientist Scholarships | 2 | $10,500 | Mr. Hui Ka Ho
Ms.Wang Yun |
PhD in Pharmacy
PhD in Pharmacy |
2016/17 | Eli Lily Travelship for American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting 2016 | 1 | US$1,700 | Ms. Wang Qianwen, Chores | PhD in Pharmacy |
2016/17 | Student Travel Grant for International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 7th Asia- Pacific Conference at Singapore | 1 | US$1,100 | Ms. Wang Yun, Sherry | PhD in Pharmacy |
2016/17 | Global Scholarship Programme for Research Excellence for 2016-2017 | 1 | $42,000 | Ms. Wang Yun, Sherry | PhD in Pharmacy |
2015/16 | American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) 2015 Travelship | 1 | US$1,750 | Ms. Li Qingqing | PhD in Pharmacy |
2015/16 | Jacobson Graduate Fellowship | 2 | $25,000 | Ms. Wang Qianwen Chores
Mr. Ng Nga Chun |
PhD in Pharmacy
M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality |
2014/15 | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) | 1 | Monthly stipend & annual travel allowance | Mr. Jiang Minghuan | PhD in Pharmacy |
2014/15 | Janssen Scholarship | 1 | $2,500 | Mr. Hui Ka Ho | MPhil Student |
2014/15 | Jacobson Graduate Fellowship | 2 | $25,000 | Mr. Cheng Kwok Kin
Ms. Chan Ching Man Colleen |
PhD in Pharmacy
M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality |
2014/15 | CUHK Young Scholars Thesis Awards 2014 | 1 | $5,000 | Ms. Fong Yui Kau | PhD in Pharmacy |
2013/14 | Jacobson Graduate Fellowship | 2 | $25,000 | Ms. Fong Yui Kau
Ms. Ko Sze Ka Cindy |
PhD in Pharmacy
M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality |
2011/12 | Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships |
1 | $30,000 | Ms. Fong Yui Kau | PhD in Pharmacy |
Alumni / Student Sharing
Alumni Sharing Video
Dr. Sophia Fong (2009 BPharm Graduate, 2014 PhD Graduate) & Dr. Eric Wong (2007 BPharm Graduate, 2013 PhD Graduate)
Alumni & Student Testimonial
2013 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Joan Zuo
Current Occupation: Associate Director at UCB, United Kingdom
More
Less
2016 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Kenneth To
Current Occupation: Lecturer, SEGi University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
More
Less
2016 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Kenneth To
Current Occupation: Senior Technical Manager, Aptorum Therapeutics Limited, Hong Kong
More
Less
2017 PhD graduate (HKPFS awardee)
Supervisor: Prof. Joyce You
Current Occupation: Associate Professor, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China
More
Less
2018 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Joan Zuo
Current Occupation: Manager, Department of Clinical pharmacology modelling and simulation, GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), United Kingdom
More
Less
2019 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Joan Zuo
Current Occupation: Clinical Pharmacologist at EMD Serono, US
More
Less
2021 PhD graduate
Supervisor: Prof. Kenneth To
More
Less
Career Development
Career Development of MPhil and PhD Graduates (1998-present)
35 MPhil and 39 PhD were graduated from the School of Pharmacy since the launch of the programmes in 1996 and 1998, respectively. The programmes aim to educate researchers to embark on careers that would allow them to become world leaders in their fields, working as University professors, principal investigators in research institutes, senior managers in enterprises, or experts in other professions related to the pursuit and application of knowledge. The following chart summarizes the career development of our graduates from 1998- present.
Academic | Teaching at Academic Institutions |
Community | Community Pharmacies |
Government | Government Organizations (e.g. Department of Health) |
Hospital | Hospital Authority or Private Hospitals |
Industry | Industrial Companies |
Research | Research Study & Research Work |
Our graduates have landed academic and research jobs regionally in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, the United States, Europe, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.
Australia
- Research @ Monash University
Denmark
- Postdoctoral @ University of Southern Denmark
Germany
- Bayer, Germany
Malaysia
- Academic Teaching@ SEGi University
Netherlands
- Postdoctoral @ Leiden University
New Zealand
- Postdoctoral @ University of Otago
UK
- UCB Pharma, UK
USA
- Academic Teaching @
- Case Western Reserve University
- Chapman University
- Marshall B. Ketchum University
- Postdoctoral/ Research @
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- John Hopkins University
- National Cancer Institute (NIH)
- Ohio State University
- Stony Brook University
- University at Buffalo SUNY
- University of California San Francisco
- University of Georgia
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis
- Western University of Health Sciences
- Cleveland Clinic
- Merck, San Francisco
- Revolution Medicines
Mainland China
- Academic Teaching @
- Capital Medical University
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanchang University
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- Peking Union Medical College
- Xi’an Jiaotong University
- Research @ China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- AstraZeneca, Shanghai
- Baxter International Inc, Suzhou
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat Sen University
- GlaxoSmithKline, Shanghai
- Norvatis, China
- Pfizer, China
- Shanghai SIMR Biotechnical Co., Ltd.
- STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Hong Kong
- Research/ Academic Teaching @
- CUHK, HKU, BUHK & HKIVE
- Aptorum Therapeutics Ltd., Hong Kong
- Bright Future Pharmaceutical Laboratory Ltd.
- Community Pharmacies
- DCH Auriga Hong Kong Ltd.
- Department of Health
- Fortune Pharmacal Co., Ltd.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Global Medical Solutions Hong Kong Ltd.
- Hospital Authority
- Jacobson Pharma Group
- Loxembourg Medicine Co., Ltd.
- Maxinase Life Sciences Ltd.
- Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Ltd.
- Phase Scientific International Ltd., Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Ltd.
- Vita Green Pharmaceutical (H.K.) Ltd.
Macau
- Academic Teaching @
- Macao Polytechnic Institute
- University of Macau
Application
Application
Master of Philosophy in Pharmacy (MPhil) |
Application Requirements
Please refer to Graduate School and Flyer for additional information. Application MethodApplicants should complete both Step 1 and 2.
Application Deadline
Remark
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy (PhD)
|
Direct Entry
Please refer to Graduate School and Flyer for additional information. Transfer from MPhil in Pharmacy
Application Method
Application Deadline
Remark
|
Fees |
Tuition FeeTuition Fee: HK$42,100 per annum (for both MPhil & PhD) For local full-time RPg students, please refer to the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students for details. Application FeeApplication Fee: HK$300 |
Other Information |
CUHK SUMMER WORKSHOP for Introducing Pharmacy Research Postgraduate Programmes & HKPFS SchemeFinal year undergraduates or postgraduates, who are interested in applying for the admission of the MPhil and PhD programmes in Pharmacy, are cordially invited to the captioned workshop* offered by the School of Pharmacy, CUHK. This interactive summer workshop is designed for prospective applicants (final year undergraduates or postgraduates) to learn about the MPhil and PhD programmes of the School of Pharmacy, CUHK and the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). Graduate training is a highly personalized experience; therefore, it is critically important that you meet the professors and their graduate students before making one of the most important decisions in your life. We believe this workshop is an invaluable opportunity for you to launch a successful career as a researcher at the forefront of drug discovery, development, and use in a setting of your choice. *The annual summer workshop will be held in early July every year. Please stay tuned for further updates! |
Useful Links |
* Graduate School, CUHK (Admission Section): https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/ * Faculty of Medicine, CUHK (Programme and Admission Section): * On-Campus and Off-campus Accommodation: |
Contact
Please feel free to contact us for further enquiry about the programme. | |
Address:
|
School of Pharmacy 8th Floor, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building Area 39, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong |
Tel:
|
3943-6862 |
Fax:
|
2603-5295 |
Email:
|
pharmacy@cuhk.edu.hk |