Research Postgraduate Student Handbook (2025/26)
 
 
 
English Enhancement Subjects
 
RPg students admitted Details
from the 2021/22 cohort onwards

All English Enhancement Subjects (ELC6011, ELC6012 and ENGL6016) are credit-bearing.

These students are required to take the Research Language Skills Assessment (RLSA) in their first semester of study at PolyU. Based on their RLSA results, they will be assigned to complete zero to two English Enhancement Subjects (0 to 5 credits) before thesis submission. RPg students can refer to English Language Centre (ELC)’s webpage at Research Language Skills Assessment (RLSA).

Exemption may be granted to either (i) returning students who have taken the ELC6001 and ELC6002, which is equivalent to Band 1 performance; or (ii) returning students who have already taken the Assessment with a result of “ELC6001 and/or ELC6002 exempted”, within eight years of their re-entry to the RPg programmes at the MPhil or PhD level. These students can submit the relevant record to ELC (rpg.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk) to apply for exemption.

For other non-PolyU English enhancement subjects, students may apply for credit transfer. Please note that only credits that have not been used to contribute to an award will be acceptable for transfer. The credit transferred will be counted within the 50% limit of the maximum number of credits that can be transferrable.

If a student fails to take the RLSA within the first semester of study, a Band 3 or below performance will be assigned.
Between 2018/19 and 2020/21 cohorts These students are required to pass two English enhancement subjects, namely ELC6001 “Presentation Skills for Research Students” and ELC6002 “Thesis Writing for Research Students” before thesis submission. They are advised to approach the ELC for details on enrolment procedures. For exemption, RPg students need to pass the RLSA. With strong justification, the Chief Supervisor could recommend, for the Dean(GS)’s special consideration, an RPg student for exemption from taking the English enhancement subjects without sitting the RLSA. The Dean(GS)’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.