Building Services Engineering in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has an enviable reputation for leading edge research. We combine academic excellence with an innovative attitude that responds to community needs and enables us to quickly put together multidisciplinary teams to meet the changing demands of the profession and society at large. Over the years staff have developed expertise across a wide range of BSE topics. These specialisms inform both their teaching and the wider developments taking place within industry and the workplace. Our staff’s research credentials mean we are able to respond quickly to issues of the moment, such as the SARS outbreak, and make a meaningful contribution to high priority concerns. We have, in particular, two research centres of excellence - the Research Centre for Fire Engineering and the Research Centre for Built Environment – which are particularly strong in collaborative and applied research.

On-line application for the study of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy is open year-round. Interested applicants can upload their personal information, their areas of research interest, their curriculum vitae etc. through the PolyU website;
http://www28.polyu.edu.hk/aseprospectus/jsp/index.jsp. Application success is to a number of criteria including research topic, research advisement and supervision, academic background of applicant and finally availability of research postgraduate studentships in the Department. Major research areas in the Department include:

Applicants are also welcome to meet staff members from the Department to discuss specific topics on other related areas.

Full-time research students may receive financial support, mainly from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the HKSAR Research Grants Council, or the Department. In addition, opportunities to attend international conferences devoted to research and development in areas relevant to their studies are provided. In suitable cases opportunities are also available for MPhil students to transfer to PhD study.

Candidates applying for the admission must have a good honours degree in a discipline relevant to the research focus of the Department of Building Services Engineering. Candidates should note that the number of research postgraduate studentships varies from year to year. Working experience may be advantageous in some areas of applied research.

For enquiries and academic information please contact:
Professor Niu Jian-lei
Chairman, Departmental Research Committee
Tel : 27667781, Fax : 27746146
Email : bejlniu@polyu.edu.hk