Postgraduate studies

This page is for students thinking of postgraduate studies in philosophy under my supervision.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly.

First of all, are you really sure you want to study philosophy?

• Please read this first.

OK. So you want to study philosophy, but are you sure you want to apply to HKU? You should consider these issues:

• You should have a very good academic record.
• You also need to have good English language skills.
• We seldom accept students who have not studied philosophy, unless they are really brilliant.
• Many other overseas universities provide a more comprehensive graduate program in terms of the number of graduate courses available.
• HKU requires you to finish an MPhil in two years, and a PhD in three or four years.
• Places are very limited. We do offer studentships, but it is not easy to get one.
• Because the department is a small one, your favorite supervisor might not be available. He or she might be on sabbatical, or already has too many students.
• Part-time students do not get studentships, and it is difficult for them to find free time to write a good thesis.

So are you still sure this is the right thing to do? If so read on ...

• Applicants to HKU should apply to the Graduate School directly. The dept does not process applications.
• But we strongly encourage you to contact your potential supervisors for more information and discussion.
• I am reluctant to accept PhD students unless they have a proven record.
• You should send me a CV, your transcript, a writing sample, and a research proposal.
• The thesis topic should fall within the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of language, or the philosophy of cognitive science.