Text Area
Individualized Interdisciplinary Program (IIP)
IIP offers MPhil/PhD students a broad academic freedom to create a unique research postgraduate program focused on a specialized area of research in ways that best suit their own intellectual interests and passions, by working on an interdisciplinary research topic and using courses from different Departments/Divisions from the same or different Schools and different local Universities (under the Cross-Institutional Course Enrolment Scheme) to fulfill the curriculum. It aims to create an organic study curriculum pattern to facilitate their intellectual growth, exploration into novel research direction and a long term commitment in an interdisciplinary research field bridging seemingly unrelated areas. IIP would make an ideal choice for these students with academic and research interests which extend beyond the boundaries of HKUST’s existing RPg programs. IIP students have to develop a research plan and framework which allow them to explore their unique research interests and to work with their primary supervisor and co-supervisors to pursue and complete their degree. The program is intended to meet the needs of applicants who have well-articulated research goals which cannot be reached through established RPg programs.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Generate an advanced degree curricula that interrelates knowledge and skills from selected academic areas, and proficiency in the areas of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods of research;
- Develop knowledge and understanding of appropriate concepts, methods, and materials in disciplines which appropriately constitute the framework of their studies;
- Demonstrate curricular understandings and proficiency of research skills through a comprehensive exam, group interaction and evaluation, professional presentations, and the successful completion of thesis defense;
- Develop multi-dimensional perspectives and innovative problem-solving skills to existing and emerging problems; and
- Develop distinctive skill mix that enables them to communicate effectively with people of different levels and disciplines within and across organizations.
