This programme is research-oriented. A student is required to:

• Complete an approved programme of supervised research;
• Present a written thesis which demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in the candidate’s field of study and which describes and summarizes the research undertakings and findings;
• Satisfy the Board of Examiners in an oral examination (and any other examination if deemed necessary), on matters relevant to the subject of the thesis; and
• Comply with supervision, attendance and all coursework requirements as laid down by the respective Faculty/ School/AVA.

Academy of Visual Arts

Our research postgraduate programme is based on identifying, understanding and developing creative practice as a specialised field of knowledge production. It is particularly focused on practice-led research strategies and methodologies in the visual arts with the intention of supporting the development of the individual creative arts practitioners' works and research. The programme is studio-based, enabling the production of new bodies of work within a structure of tutorials, seminars, and lectures that requires research candidates to evaluate and reflect on a range of conceptual, philosophical, material and theoretical frameworks, and demonstrate their understanding of contemporary critical thinking and visual art practice.

Practice-led Research is concerned with the nature of practice and leads to new knowledge that has operational significance for that practice. The focus of the research is to develop knowledge about practice, or to advance knowledge within practice. The output of practice-led research will accumulate as a written thesis, which may also include a creative outcome. By comparison, Practice based Research is an original investigation undertaken to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice.

Current areas of research expertise include but are not limited to: Body Aesthetics and Performance Art, Chinese Arts (practical and theoretical), Contemporary and Modern Art, Design, Hong Kong Art and Culture, Interactive Media, Time-based Media, Material Culture, Museum and Curatorial Studies, Public Art and Community, and Visual Culture Studies.