Course Structure
The program is divided into 4 parts including core subjects, major subjects, electives and dissertation. The total credits of this program are 60 which each subject consists of 3 credits and the dissertation consists of 12 credits.

Language of Study
Though the program is conducted in English, candidates may choose to write their dissertation in the Chinese language, but are required to:

• submit an abstract in English together with the dissertation;
• assign an interpreter at the dissertation oral examination session at his/her own cost, if the student choose to present the paper in Chinese.

Study Duration
The standard duration for a candidate to complete the PhD degree is 3 years .The minimum time allowed for a candidate to complete the PhD Degree is 2 years, should he or she have been granted block exemption from the coursework requirements.
The maximum time allowed for a candidate to complete the PhD Degree is 5 years . A candidate who wishes to extend candidature must seek permission from the Program Director.

Mode of Study
This program is delivered in the mode of distance education, and students can apply for credit transfer and exemption.
Distance education is a delivery mode that the students can study on the Cyber Campus with web support. Cyber Campus is implemented through web and self-directed study, and it provides the distance learning materials include the syllabus, study guides, lecture notes, prescribed textbooks, reference books, reading or E-learning materials and so on. Cyber Campuses for the three universities are managed by the Hong Kong Lifelong Education Organization which is authorized as the Office for International Programs. Students all over the world can get the materials they need on the Cyber Campus by their login name and password.

Notes:
It is a matter of discretion for individual employer to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.