Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Applied Technology (Applicable to 2022/2023 intake and before)
Awarding Institution | Macao Polytechnic University |
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Host Academic Unit | Faculty of Applied Sciences |
Partner Teaching Academic Unit(s) (if any) | N/A |
Programme Registration Code | IP-N08-D60-1921A-36 |
University Programme Code | PCOM |
Final Award (FHEQ Level of Study) | 8 |
Number of Credits Required for Graduation | 30 |
Normal Period of Study | 3 years |
Medium of Instruction | English |
Specialisation(s) | - |
Professional Accreditation | - |
Partner Teaching Institution(s) (if any) | N/A |
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The programme aims to cultivate high-level IT researchers who possess a wide range of expertise and have the power of initiative and productivity in the divergent fields of Computer Applied Technology. Graduates will be able to pursue careers in various Computing-related fields, such as Data Science, Information Technology and Smart City Development. The graduates shall be competent for positions in Industry, Government and Academic Institutes in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
PROGRAMME INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (PILOS)
Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of:
PILO-1. | Critically evaluate scientific methodologies and mathematical models in Computing. |
PILO-2. | Demonstrate the mastery of a body of knowledge spanning a wide range of Computing-related topics. |
PILO-3. | Identify, assess, analyse complex problems and relevant issues in information-related phenomena. |
PILO-4. | Utilize and synthesize a host of Computing-related methodologies to produce innovative solutions over diverse range of settings. |
Skills and Attributes
On completion of this programme, students will be able to:
PILO-5. | Create new knowledge or original research in Computing, both individually and collaboratively in a team. |
PILO-6. | Plan, design, execute and manage a scholarly research project with professional integrity and risk awareness. |
PILO-7. | Communicate research findings, both orally to diverse audiences and in writing through publishing research papers of scholarly values. |
PILO-8. | Gather and disseminate knowledge at the postgraduate level and beyond. |
PILO-9. | Demonstrate advanced knowledge, research capability and enthusiasm in high-quality research and development. |
PILO-10. | Develop a global vision on knowledge advancement and dissemination. |
PILO-11. | Advocate of professionalism in workplaces and the society at-large. |
PILO-12. | Communicate technically and effectively both in oral and written form. |
By attaining these PILOs, students will have attained the graduate attributes of the University as demonstrated below:
Graduate Attributes | PILOs | |||||||||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
To demonstrate strong academic competence in relevant disciplines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
To think critically and to contribute constructively in teamwork and leadership | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
To communicate effectively both verbally and in writing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
To possess a global vision which enables them to understand issues and problems from different perspectives | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
To articulate effectively in a variety of contexts using knowledge, skills and expertise acquired to serve both the local and international community | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
To have a positive attitude towards society and environment in the development of a fair and caring society | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||
To demonstrate a keen interest in and strong capacity for life-long learning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
To practise high standards of ethical behaviour | ✓ | ✓ |
TEACHING AND LEARNING
In this programme, students will work towards attaining the PILOs through the following teaching and learning activities:
PILOs | Teaching and Learning Activities |
Knowledge and understanding | 1. Taught modules. |
2. Seminars and workshops. | |
3. Research supervision. | |
Skills and Attributes | 1. Taught modules. |
2. Research supervision. | |
3. Research projects. |
ASSESSMENT
In this programme, students will receive assessment activities of the following types in order to assess whether they are able to attain the stated PILOs.
PILOs | Types of Assessment Activities |
Knowledge and understanding | 1. Assignments. |
2. Project reports and essays. | |
3. Examinations. | |
Skills and Attributes | 1. Project reports and group discussions. |
2. Semi-annual progress reports. | |
3. Candidature confirmatory examination. |
The assessment will be conducted following the University’s Assessment Strategy.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Year | Study Focus | Learning Modules | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Code | Title | Type | ||
1 | Knowledge and understanding | COMP8121 | Research Methodology and Ethics | Compulsory |
COMP8122 | Selected Topics in Big Data and Smart Society | Compulsory | ||
COMP8123 | Advanced Topics in Computer Applied Technology | Compulsory | ||
2 | Skills and Attributes | COMP8299 | Thesis | Compulsory |
3 | Skills and Attributes | COMP8299 | Thesis | Compulsory |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The entry requirements are defined in the University’s Academic Regulations Governing Doctoral Degree Programmes. An applicant shall be considered for admission to a doctoral degree programme of MPU if s/he:
- holds: (i) a Master’s degree or the equivalent, or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, with ‘excellent’ academic performance from an accredited higher education institution;
- fulfils other admission criteria prescribed by the programme of study concerned; and
- satisfies the examiner(s) in an interview (if required).
More details about admission are available here.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Each student is allocated a supervisor, a co-supervisor and an academic advisor who provides academic and pastoral support throughout the whole period of study. Supervisors and academic advisors are the first point of contact in matters stated above. Various communication channels are available for students to express their opinions and suggestions, such as via their respective supervisors, academic advisors, student representatives, programme coordinators and assistant programme coordinators, and dialogue meetings at different levels. The dialogue meetings serve as platforms for consultation and discussion between students and respective personnel ranging from the programme, the faculty, the academic support and administrative units, to the university management. Feedback is made by respective personnel to every issue raised by the students during the meeting with follow-up actions tracked. Student surveys are conducted in every learning module on a semesterly basis to collect students’ opinions regarding the delivery of the modules. User satisfaction surveys are conducted annually on central student services. Feedback collected via these surveys will be followed up by the academic units or respective departments.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Students will receive an orientation about their three years of study at the beginning of the first year. Academic advisors and supervisors are appointed to individual students upon admission to provide academic and pastoral support throughout the period of study in the programme. Students may seek academic advices from their supervisors, academic advisors or programme coordinators regarding their learning path/plan and registration of learning modules.
In individual learning modules, the instructors’ office hours and contact information are made accessible to students for any questions regarding their study. Students’ learning engagement and performance will be reviewed on a regular basis by supervisors, academic advisors and programme coordinators to identify learning needs and provide relevant support. Students’ learning performance and progression will also be reviewed by the programme examination board to ensure their learning is adequately supported and their progress is on track.
Counselling services, careers services and student support services are accessible to all students through the Student Affairs Office. A wide variety of extracurricular activities (e.g. seminars, workshops, exchange opportunities, fieldtrips etc.) are available via the Student Affairs Office. Students may make full use of the variety of learning opportunities, both curricular and extracurricular, to develop their academic and holistic capabilities for their future careers or further studies.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A university-wide policy is in place to ensure that all student needs are taken care of and a supportive and accessible learning environment is maintained. When cases of special needs are notified or identified, special arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis with the joint effort of the programme and various student support services of the University, such as the Registry, the Student Affairs Office, the Information Technology Department and the Campus Management and Development Department, etc. to provide the necessary support.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION
The programme has established a double-degree arrangement with University of Bologna (UniBo), Italy, where eligible students will conduct a year of study in Italy, taking taught modules and participating research projects. Successful students will be awarded degrees of both MPU and UniBo.
The programme will have another double-degree arrangement with University of Coimbra (UC), Portugal, starting from the fall of 2023. Students joining this arrangement will spend a year in Portugal in their 2nd or 3rd year of PhD study. Successful students will be awarded degrees of both MPU and UC.