Research Postgraduate Student Handbook (2024/25)
 
 
 
Transfer from MPhil to PhD
 
  1. An RPg student who is provisionally registered for the MPhil degree may apply for transfer of registration to the PhD degree. It would be optimal if the transfer of registration could be done at the same time when the MPhil student applies for Confirmation of Registration. However, this is not a requirement.  An MPhil student whose registration is confirmed may also apply for transfer of registration to PhD degree.
  2. In support of an MPhil student’s application for transfer of registration, the supervisor(s) should submit a brief report that contains the following information:
    1. the MPhil student’s name and title of the topic of study;
    2. Whether the topic being researched can be extended to PhD level. If not, what additional topics need to be researched in order to ensure that the research programme provides a sufficient basis for PhD-standard work;
    3. A brief explanation as to why the supervisor(s) think that the MPhil student’s past performance indicates he/she has the capacity to pursue a PhD (attaching a list of publications, if any, being prepared or submitted by the MPhil student).
  3. The report, signed and dated by the supervisors, should be submitted to the DoRPgS for decision. If the application from a local MPhil student is approved by the DoRPgS, the D/SRC Secretary should send the applications to AR and GS for updating of records before the effective date of the transfer.
  4. If the application from a non-local MPhil student is supported by the DoRPgS, the D/SRC Secretary will forward the application to AR and GS for updating of records before the effective date of the transfer, for submission to the Director of Immigration for approval. According to the Immigration Department, each application will be considered on its own merits and most applications can be finalised in one or two weeks' time. As soon as the decision is received from the Immigration Department, AR or GS will inform the student concerned in writing. The letter will be copied to his/her Supervisor(s) and the relevant DoRPgS.
  5. The application for transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD, once approved by the DoRPgS, will be effective from the next semester (for those admitted from the 2017/18 cohort onwards) or on the date of approval (for those admitted in or before the 2016/17 cohort).