Overview

The DDes represents an alternative path to the achievement of a doctoral qualification. This is a self-financed credit-based programme offered in a mixed mode of study. Subjects are designed to accommodate the learning needs of mature and experienced leaders and educators already holding a master’s degree in relevant disciplines or equivalent qualifications.

Features

The Design program at the School of Design from PolyU Design strives to be the leading professional doctoral programme in Asia, offering training in practice-based research skills and developing interdisciplinary intellectual capability.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Research Ethics for Doctoral Students

Practice-Based Design Research

Design Research Methods

Design Vision Expedition

Practicum

Roundtable Leadership

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

51 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kowloon, Hong Kong (SAR)

Disciplines

Design View 3 other PhDs in Design in Hong Kong (SAR)

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The normal minimum academic qualification required is a master’s degree in related disciplines or an equivalent.

A minimum of 1 year’s full-time teaching experience in an art or design profession in a recognised post-secondary institution, plus at least 1 year’s work experience at the supervisory or managerial level in the art, design, or related industries; OR

Substantial and relevant working experience (normally not less than 3 years at the leadership level in practice-based design or related industries); or at least 3 years of teaching experience in the art or design profession.

An overall score of at least 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at PolyU Design and/or in Hong Kong (SAR), please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

94000 HKD / year

≈ 94000 HKD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

94000 HKD / year

≈ 94000 HKD / year

Additional Details

MPhil/PhD Full-time students (with stipend): 47,000 / annum

Living costs

Kowloon

Hong Kong (SAR)

12000 - 22000 HKD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.