Tung Wah University of Hong Kong|School of Nursing|Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing equips students with advanced expertise through research in specialized areas of Nursing and Health Sciences. The curriculum highlights healthcare innovation, interprofessional education, and leadership, equipping graduates to address contemporary challenges in the healthcare sector.

Guided by the School of Nursing’s strength in applied research, students develop the skills, mindset and knowledge necessary to drive advancements in nursing practice, education, and policy. This practical orientation gives graduates a distinct advantage, making them highly valued in both academic and clinical settings.

The programme aims to equip students as an independent researcher with expertise in their specialised field. Specifically, it seeks to:

Develop the ability to conduct rigorous, independent research, generating new knowledge and advancing evidence-based practice;
Strengthen research skills, including critical analysis, methodological proficiency, and effective communication of findings across academic and professional contexts; and

Cultivate leadership potential within the research community and the broader field of nursing.

Programme Structure

To develop students' ability to conduct independent and rigorous research in nursing, focusing on generating new knowledge and contributing to evidence-based practice;
To enhance students' research skills, including critical analysis, methodological proficiency, and the ability to effectively communicate research findings within academic and professional settings;
To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address ethical considerations in nursing research, ensuring responsible conduct and adherence to ethical guidelines; and
To prepare students to engage in academic and professional discussions in their research area, fostering leadership potential within the research community.

Study Mode

Full-time: 36 months
Part-time: 48 months

Language Instruction

Courses are conducted in English

Programme Leader

Professor Rick Yiu Cho KWAN

FAAN
FHKANM (Education)
PhD, School of Nursing, PolyU
MSc (Clinical Gerontology), School of Public Health, CUHK
BN, Nethersole School of Nursing, CUHK
RN, PRCC in Intensive Care Nursing (IANS), PRCC in Renal Nursing (SPACE, HKU)

Email: rickkwan@twc.edu.hk

Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications from a recognised university:

A Master’s degree (with a thesis as an award requirement) in nursing or a related health sciences discipline; or
A Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours in nursing or a related health sciences discipline, with evidence of successful completion of a supervised individual research project that includes a thesis*; or
An equivalent qualification (in terms of QF level, QF credits and study volume, and attainment level), e.g. a relevant non-PhD doctoral degree from a recognised university.

*Applicants must provide evidence of research achievement or experience, or their application may not be considered.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants should obtain one of the followings to fulfil the English language proficiency requirements:

TOEFL iBT: 79; or
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall and at least 5.5 in each sub-category; or equivalent; or
Applicants whose entry qualification from a recognised university is taught and assessed in English.

2026/27 Tuition & Fees

As of 2026/27, the tuition fee for PhD in Nursing would be HK$305,100 for local students and HK$350,850 for non-local students (subject to annual adjustment).

2026/27	LOCAL	NON-LOCAL
Full-time	HK$101,700 per annum	HK$116,955 per annum
Part-time	HK$76, 275 per annum	HK$87,717 per annum

Note:
¹ Tung Wah College will adjust the tuition fee of its programmes based on the Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) to be announced by the Government annually.
² Tuition fees are normally charged by two instalments per annum and are payable before the commencement of each semester. New students are required to settle the balance of the tuition fee for the first semester of their study (i.e. after deducting deposit) upon programme registration.
³ All fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Programme and Study

1. What is the typical duration of the PhD programmes @ TWC?

The normative duration of study for a PhD programme is 3 years (full-time), or 4 years (part-time).

The programme allows a maximum of 5 years (full-time), or 6 years (part-time) for students to complete their programme.

2. Can I work and study at the same time?

There are full-time and part-time mode of study for our PhD programmes.

Full-time students should not engage in any full-time employment. If you are currently working and would like to enroll in the PhD programme, you may consider enrolling in the part-time mode.

3. When do the PhD programmes @ TWC begin every year?

There will be intakes in Semester 1 (September) and Semester 2 (January) every year.

4. What is the programme structure and timeline for the PhD programmes @ TWC?

There are two main components in studying PhD @ TWC: discipline courses and thesis research.

The discipline courses provide solid foundation of knowledge of the field and essential research and language skills training for entering students. This would usually be completed in the first year of study.

Throughout the course of study, students shall identify their research topic and work with their supervisors to develop their thesis research. To graduate, students have to produce a PhD thesis and pass the viva.

Eligibility

1. What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the PhD programme @ TWC?

Please refer to the admission requirements of each programme. You may find the information about each programme at link.

2. Can I apply directly with a bachelor’s degree?

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours in nursing or related health sciences discipline can apply, but they need to show they have completed a supervised individual research project that includes a thesis during their undergraduate studies.

3. Can I apply if my master’s degree is from a taught master programme?

Applicants with a taught Master’s degree in nursing or related health sciences discipline with a thesis as an award requirement can also apply.

4. Is professional experience required?

Professional experience is not required, but since the PhD programme @ TWC emphasizes on applied research and integrating research with practice, it would be a gain to develop your research during your study.

5. Is there a requirement for English language proficiency?

Yes, applicants are required to fulfill the minimum requirement for proficiency in English language:

TOEFL iBT: 79; or
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall and at least 5.5 in each sub-category; or equivalent; or
Applicants whose entry qualification from a recognised university is taught and assessed in English.

Application for Admission

1. What is the tuition fee for the PhD programme?

The annual tuition fee for local students is HK$101,700 (full-time) and HK$76,275 (part-time) for 2026/27. As for non-local students, the annual tuition fee is HK$116,955 (full-time) and HK$87,717 (part-time) for 2026/27.

Tuition fee will be reviewed annually based on the Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) announced by the Government.

2. How much is the application fee for PhD programme @ TWC?

The application fee for each programme is HK$200. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment should be made when submitting the application.

3. What supporting documents are required?

All supporting documents required are listed in the Application Checklist. Use the Application Checklist to facilitate your preparation of the PhD application.

4. Do I need to provide the official copy of my supporting documents?

Applicants must submit official copy (or officially verified copy) of their transcripts and certificates of their academic qualifications.

5. Will I be need to attend an interview?

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with the PhD Admissions Panel. The Invitation to interview will be sent out by email.

6. Is there financial support for PhD Programmes @ TWC?

There is no financial support for prospective PhD students for the time being. Any update information will be posted at the Graduate Research Office website.

Offer Acceptance and Registration

1. When will I receive my admission offer?

The admission offer will be announced by email.

2. Can I defer the admission date?

You may contact the Graduate Research Office or your Programme Leader first to discuss the matter.

3. Can I defer the acceptance of the admission offer and the deposit payment?

You may contact the Graduate Research Office or your Programme Leader first to discuss the matter.

For any program enquiry or any further questions regarding to the application to postgraduate programmes @ TWC, please contact the Graduate Research Office.

Graduate Research Office
Email: applytwc@twc.edu.hk Tel: +852 3859-8928