Biological research within the ABCT department covers a wide area, from the molecular to the cellular and to the organism levels, with the aim of tackling some of the most important and challenging issues in biological research today. A full list of our biological research areas can be found herein.
The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) is a multi-disciplinary department that embraces chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering and food science. In keeping with the mission of PolyU, ABCT focuses on providing high-quality education and building our strength in basic and applied research to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing society.
Numerous opportunities for research studies leading to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Under our outcome-based framework, research students pursue a series of compulsory and elective subjects in depth, with a view to contributing to the existing body of knowledge, as well as a research project under the supervision of an experienced academic staff member with similar research interests.
PhD students must satisfactorily investigate or evaluate a chosen area, demonstrate an understanding of the context and significance of the work, display sustained independent effort and original thought and present a clear, complete thesis of a quality worthy of publication.
The PhD degree is awarded to students who, on completion of an approved programme of study and research, present a thesis that embodies the results of their research and satisfy the examiners in an oral examination in matters relevant to the subject of the thesis. Students must also complete the coursework requirement before submitting their theses. The subjects are chosen by the student, with advice from the supervisor, from a wide range on offer.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
ST305, 3/F, Ng Wing Hong Building,
Hung Hom,
Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Kowloon
3-year full-time PhD programme
Normally hold an MPhil or equivalent (a research postgraduate degree with a dissertation as an award requirement) conferred by a recognised university.
4-year full-time PhD programme
Normally hold:
A Master’s degree; OR
A Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent qualification), conferred by a recognised university.
PolyU may accept other equivalent qualifications. The decision is made on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
The requirements for those who do not have a degree for which English was the language of instruction at a recognized university are:
An overall score of at least 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); OR
A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 or above for the Internet-based test or 550 or above for the paper-based test.
All English language test scores are considered valid for two years after the date of the test.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
PolyU ranks 65th in the QS World University Rankings and 79th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings internationally.
