Ph. D programme in digital science

Digital technology is being integrated into all fields and the whole process of human ecological civilization construction by providing new ideas, new business forms and new models. The curriculum focuses on the study and research of high-tech digital technology, aiming at cultivating high-end digital technology talents with Chinese and Western vision and innovative ability. We will cooperate with famous high-tech enterprises, research institutes and universities, including Huawei, Gree, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiaotong University or Xi’an Jiaotong University, and universities in Canada and Portugal, to achieve the high level of integration of enterprises, universities and institutes. In the process of addressing the advanced frontier problems of the digital science and technology, the great advantages of“One Country, Two Systems”will be utilized to establish world-class research teams for high-quality teaching and scientific research. In general, we strive to nurture high-end talents in digital technology for the development and construction of our country and the Greater Bay Area via cooperating with enterprises and conducting high-end scientific research.

Curriculum will be built on a hub structure that includes:

kernal: Digital technologies, including the Internet, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, virtual technology (VR/AR/MR) , blockchain and the meta-universe; Discipline, academic and service system: original research, teaching and knowledge innovation in digital science and technology;

Inner ring: digital economy, which is primarily characterized by “commercial digitization, digital commercialization”. Some related fields in Macau: Fintech, Smart Tourism, Digital Hotel, Immersive Cultural Experience, Smart Healthcare, Smart Supervision, etc. Discipline, academic and service system: Original research, teaching and specialized service in the commercial application of digital technology and the service industry application of digital technology ;

Outer Ring: digital society and culture, including but not limited to: digital society construction and governance, digital culture co-construction and sharing; Discipline, academic and service system: research, teaching and social services in the fields of smart city, digital art design and digital museum.

In terms of the development strategy, considering the fact that the degree programme starts late and has undergone a long process, priority will be given to research and development, which can pave the way for the quick establishment of talent teams and disciplinary systems supported by high-end academic platform via high starting point and large investment. With reference to the school-running models of The Hong Kong University of Science and technology (HKUST) , Southern University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong University of Science and technology (HKUST)(Guangzhou) , an original and application platform and distinctive direction for cutting-edge digital technology has been established, including: cross-border big data integration circulation and security, virtual technology intelligence applications, machine learning and intelligence services; cross-border big data compliance and security in Macau, “Smart monitoring in Macau”, “Virtual Technology and Smart Tourism”, “Machine Learning and Smart Healthcare and Wellness”, and “Geographical Data Integration and Monitoring of Key Processes and Factors of geographical changes” has been adopted through a “Build-up system” approach and cooperating with regions. We adhere to the equal significance of original and applied research and priority of incubation. In terms of university development resources allocation, priority will be given to scientific research and the leading role of digital technology research and development in discipline construction will be given full play to. The principle of “original research as the foundation, and applied research as the focus” has been determined, and the relationship between the kernal of hub and the inner and outer rings of the hub should be balanced. We will establish the“Sino-western Digital Technology Research & Development Base” in Hengqin as a research and development and graduate education base, and gradually expand the industry, university and research entity that integrates research and development, degree education and incubator.

Despite the fact that there exist some digital technology-related courses in higher education institutions in Macau, there is a lack of courses which integrates industry, university and research and can give full play to digital technology research and development characterized by “One Country, Two Systems” in Macau with a hub-kernal structure.

  • Course positioning

We will give full play to the great advantage of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macau, build a high-end digital technology academic hub and platform for cooperation and exchange, implement teaching and research of integrated industry, university and research, and construct a sino-western digital technology research and development base.

  • Course features
    • We will give full play to the great advantage of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macau, SAR and focus on sino-western perspectives, and the cultivation of innovation and entrepreneurship ability.
    • The academic structure of the discipline hub is composed of the kernel, inner ring and outer ring of the hub.
    • Research and development focus on cross-border data, virtual technology, smart healthcare and geographic integrated monitoring.
    • Research and development, degree education and incubator are integrated.
  • Cultivating objectives

To cultivate high-end professionals in digital technology with sino-western perspective and digital technology research ability and development skills who can satisfy the development and construction needs of the country and the Greater Bay Area.

  • Job orientation

After graduation, students can join all kinds of institutions of higher education and research institutes, engaged in digital technology-related professional teaching and research. They can also join relevant international organizations, government departments at all levels, engaged in digital technology-related development and management. In addition, they can join various giant multinational enterprises, assisting or taking principal responsibility for digital technology-related research, development and management.

  • Admission requirement

Those with a master’s degree may apply for admission through Doctoral Postgraduate Entrance Examination organized by MMC. Priority and preference will be given to those who major in computer science, information science, information security, artificial intelligence, statistics, software engineering, Communication Engineering, information engineering, applied mathematics, and related fields.

  • Graduation requirement

Students must complete a total of 34 credits (3 compulsory courses, 4 specialized optional courses, academic project, and graduation dissertation) for the duration of study (3-7 academic years) before applying for graduation;

Students will be conferred a Ph. D. degree in digital technology if they have satisfied all the requirements of the program during the course of study, have passed all the courses and have gained approval from the academic committee of MMC.