Each MPhil student is required to complete 4 compulsory courses and at least 2 elective courses with a total of 12 units as approved by the Division. Students are also required to complete a seminar course every academic year and must register for the relevant thesis research course every term throughout their studies. Each MPhil student is required to submit a thesis based on his/her research for examination and pass a final oral defence of the thesis for graduation. Each PhD student is required to complete 4 compulsory courses and at least 2 elective courses with a total of 12 units during the pre-candidacy stage. Students are also required to complete a seminar course every academic year and must register for the relevant thesis research course every term throughout their studies. Each PhD student is required to pass the candidacy examination, submit a thesis proposal and pass an oral examination of the thesis proposal within the maximum period of his/her pre-candidacy stage for the advancement to his/her post-candidacy stage.