The dissertation aims to offer an opportunity to develop students’ competence in exploring in depth an aspect of education. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the dissertation research, the originality of the research and its contribution to the field of study.

Students are entitled to a number of consultation meetings with their dissertation supervisors to discuss the topic and research methodologies, as well as to report progress, review work completed, and finalize the written report.

Students are expected to demonstrate in the dissertation their abilities to undertake rigorous research and report the research in a recognized academic form. The anticipated length of the dissertation is about 15,000–20,000 words in English, or 20,000–25,000 characters in Chinese.

Details and requirements on the preparation of the dissertation are listed in a separate handbook distributed to students upon submission of dissertation outlines.