PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
MSc in Physics
Introduction
Aim and Scope
With the longest history in Hong Kong (since 1994), the Master of Science in Physics (MSc in Physics) programme in the Department of Physics has been nurturing students who seek to deepen and broaden their understanding of physics through taught courses. Through a series of learning activities that combine lectures, laboratories, guided studies, projects and dissertation, the programme provides students with advanced knowledge of physics in different branches, spanning from classical to quantum and from theory to experiment. At the same time, it strengthens students on different skills such as critical analysis, problem solving, communication, and research. It has been preparing students for different job prospects in education, research, industry and commerce, and further study. The MSc programme complements the mission of the Department to advance knowledge, to serve the community in Hong Kong and the proximal region, and to transfer scientific knowledge to the public.
Programme Structure and Requirements
Study Scheme of M.Sc. Programme in Physics (2026-27)
This is a coursework-based master degree programme. Specific selective courses only for MSc students are offered to suit the background and interest of the students. Students may also enroll in Guided Study and Project courses offered on a one-to-one or small-group settings to acquire knowledge and hands-on experience in both fundamental physics and cutting-edge research, and may opt to work on a dissertation.
Study Modes and Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Coursework Requirement
There is no compulsory course requirement and students are free to select courses to suit their interest and own study plan. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units of physics courses at 5000-level for graduation. With the permission of the Division, up to 3 units of physics (PHYS) courses at 4000-level and/or 6 units of materials science and engineering (MSEG) courses at 5000-level may be substituted.
A dissertation option is open to students upon successful arrangement with a supervisor. Students are required to spend 6 units in the form of a Guided Study or project III course (PHYS 5710, 5720, 5730 or 5990) plus PHYS 5991 (MSc Dissertation), to be taken either in different terms or in the same term. While the courses are to be assessed separately, they together provide the opportunity for a student to acquire the necessary background knowledge and skills of a research area, possibly carry out a project, and compose a dissertation that reflects the student’s broad reading and understanding of the area.
Other Requirements
Students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in order to fulfill the graduation requirement, unless special approval is granted by the Graduate Council.
[Note: Applicants who are interested in applying for the part-time programme should contact the Division in advance for the teaching timetable in order to ensure accessibility of courses offered.]
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to hold by the time of admission, a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering, or have sufficient preparation in Physics if the first degree is in other disciplines, normally with Second Class Honours or overall average result of B or above.
Application Procedures
- Completion of application form on Internet via CUHK’s online application system.
- Required supporting documents should be uploaded to the online application system. Hard-copy submissions are not required at the application stage.
- Copy of official transcripts of all tertiary level studies. The transcripts must be stamped by the Registry (教務處), Undergraduate School (本科生院), Graduate School (研究生院), Transcript Seal (成績專用章), or Archives (檔案館). Stamps from Departments (學系) or Colleges/Faculties (學院) will not be accepted.
- Copy of official explanatory notes indicating the grading scheme (e.g. A = 90-100 = 4.0, B = 80-89 = 3.0, etc) or honor classification system (e.g. 70% or above = 1st Class Honor) of the transcript issued by the University. If the grading scheme is not printed on the transcript, a separate grading scheme must be provided and stamped by one of the above-mentioned offices.
- Copy of degree certificates of academic qualifications (if graduated);
- Copy of TOEFL, IELTS or GMAT test score report, if applicable (see English language requirement).
- Copy of identity document as input in your online application.
- Curriculum vitae (upload it under the “Others” document type in the application system).
- Personal statement (upload it under the “Others” document type in the application system).
- After settling the application fee, provide the contact information of two referees via Application List > View Options > My Referee(s). The Graduate School will automatically send email to the referees and invite them to complete the recommendation online.
- Admission notification will be sent to successful applicants via e-mail.
Application Period
- Applications can be made starting from 1 September
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2027
- Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Tuition Fee
- Full-time: HK$199,200 (per annum)
- Part-time: HK$99,600 (per annum)
- For courses taken beyond the normative study period, tuition fees will be charged per unit enrolled. The per-unit fee is the prevailing tuition fee divided by 24.
Enquiries
Email: msc-adm@phy.cuhk.edu.hk