| Postgraduate academic programmes leading to higher academic degrees, i.e., MPhil, PhD, and MD, are also available from the Department. These programmes are very popular among local and mainland Chinese mental health professionals evidenced by the fact that there are several times more candidates than available places for postgraduates positions.
Major Research Areas |
Ageing, Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Neurocognitive disorders are a major global health concern. Given the rapidly ageing population, early detection and finding ways to delay or prevent the clinical onset of neurocognitive disorders are of great importance from a clinical and public health perspective.
Not only have our epidemiological studies, one conducted in 1995 and the other in 2005, showed that the prevalence of dementia in Hong Kong had doubled during that 10-year period, we have also succeeded in validating and testing the applicability of a wide range of cognitive screening instruments, which are now widely used throughout Hong Kong.
Additionally, we have identified various risk and protective factors for neurocognitive disorders and conducted a series of randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions for improving cognitive function that have received worldwide attention.
We are now conducting several large-scale population-based studies in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People (HKMMSOP) which examines the latest prevalence and risk factors for dementia and mental disorders in the local older populations.
Sleep and Circadian Medicine
Sleep is of paramount importance to our mental and physical health. Sleep and circadian problems can be the trigger, or the reflection of a wide range of neuropsychiatric syndromes from mood disorders to neurodegeneration.
We have demonstrated that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is highly predictive of future synucleinopathy neurodegeneration. Our current projects in sleep and neurodegeneration include a longitudinal cohort study of typical RBD with in-depth measures of clinical, biochemical and sleep biomarkers, along with a family cohort and national registry of RBD.
Our Sleep Assessment Unit provides specialized service for patients in the whole territory of Hong Kong. It is also an academic hub for epidemiological, translational and clinical research in sleep and circadian disorders.
Neuroscience Development
Major depressive disorder, or depression, can have a devastating effect not only on individuals but on society at large. Despite its high toll, there has been little improvement in treatment efficacy for this disorder. Recently, the Department has established navigated neuromodulation treatment facilities. It has also conducted clinical trials, funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), of neuromodulation interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar affective disorder, and neurocognitive disorders.
Neuromodulation
Major depressive disorder, or depression, can have a devastating effect not only on individuals but on society at large. Despite its high toll, there has been little improvement in treatment efficacy for this disorder. Recently, the Department has established navigated neuromodulation treatment facilities. It has also conducted clinical trials, funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), of neuromodulation interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar affective disorder, and neurocognitive disorders.
Programme Detail
| Programmes Relating to Topics in Psychiatry | Study Period | Mode |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a Research Master’s Degree | 3 Years | Full-time |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a NON Research Master’s Degree | 4 Years | Full-time |
| Master of Philosophy (MPhil) with a Bachelor Degree | 2 Years | Full-time |
| Application deadline: | 1st December 2024 |
| How to apply: | CUHK Postgraduate Application |
| Online application system: | Application for Admission to Postgraduate Programmes |
| Or contact: | Ms. Cheryl Leung (Email: cherylleung@cuhk.edu.hk) |
| CUHK Ranking |
Score: https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/english/aboutus/cuhk-rankings.html |
Graduates’ Feedback
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“The three years of PhD in the Department of Psychiatry were indeed a valuable experience in my life, which brought me to understand that medical research is far more than just posing questions and finding a solution to it, but rather, it is important to keep in mind the roadmap of your research area, such as the most crucial issues that need to be tackled and what are the future directions. My own experience is that hard work, dedication, and perseverance will always pay off, and good research requires critical thinking, which cannot be accomplished overnight, as the old Chinese saying goes, ” Ten years to sharpen a good sword”. Finally, I would like to thank my mentor Prof. Wing and the Department of Psychiatry for recognizing my ability and allowing me to continue my postdoctoral research and join the academic team as a research assistant professor.” by Dr. Joanne Huang |
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“The 3-year’s journey of the Phd programme is the most important part of career development. The professors have trained me think critically and work independently. I also had opportunity to do research work and clinical observation by attending clinic and medical round. After 2-year’s postdoc training at the NIH in the United States, I had been humbly serving back the Department when I re-joined the department as a faculty member from 2012 to 2020. After years, I still remember the professor said: education can change a man. And of course, this programme and its professors changed me from a muddled little young man to a confident researcher and psychiatrist leading a research team at the Guangdong Mental Health Center. ” by Dr. Jihui ZHANG |
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“The PhD program was fantastic that substantially improved my various research skills and gave me an opportunity to strengthen my critical thinking in the field of research. It also equipped me with the ability to conduct research independently. After receiving my PhD degree, I continued my postdoctoral research work in the same research group and furthered my research at the University of Oxford. Currently, I am an assistant professor in our department, and I am committed to carry out my research work in the same field. Without the study in this PhD program, I could not have had such a clear vision of my research career.” by Dr. Yaping LIU |
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“Studying postgraduate research programme in Department of Psychiatry, CUHK has given me precious chance to gain research experience and guided me with my future choice and direction. It was a rich and fulfilling experience that enables me to learn how to conduct clinical research. The supervisor and colleagues are very supportive which I received lots support throughout my postgraduate study. This is also one of the reasons that I continue pursuing research at CUHK after graduation. ” by Dr. Rachel CHAN |
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“My PhD study at the Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, was an important part of my career path. My mentors provided me opportunities and freedom to explore in the field of my interest. The guidance and support made my PhD study rewarding.” by Dr. Suk Ling MA |
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“The three years of PhD study at the department have equipped me with skills to initiate research projects independently and valuable clinical exposure. The experience was challenging, but also satisfying as I had the opportunity to learn from the best local researchers in the field and collaborators around the world. My supervisors were very encouraging and open-minded, and they inspired me to adopt a multidisciplinary approach when conducting mental health research. The study has also helped me to pursue a career as clinical psychologist upon graduation.” by Dr. Lisa MA |
