The Project Journey

PHASE 01 Problem Exploration and Team Formation This initial phase is about autonomous discovery and setting the foundation for the project.

Goal

This phase is student-driven, emphasizing autonomous discovery. The core objectives are to:

Engage in self-directed exploration and identify genuine, real-world pain points using Design Thinking methodology.
Define and refine a compelling research problem that possesses both academic value and practical significance.
Autonomously form interdisciplinary project teams of 3 to 6 members based on shared interest in the defined problem.

Deliverables

Complete problem exploration and submit the Research Problem Proposal.
Finalize project team formation and confirm the Project Supervisor (PS) and Academic Supervisor (AS).
Develop the Project Brief defining the problem statement, research framework, and implementation plan.

Timeline

September
(Interest-Driven Exploration)
Participation in seminars, field trips, and Design Thinking course activities.
Mid-October
Initial Team Formation and selection/refinement of the research problem.
Mid-October to Early November
Research Problem Deep Dive, Academic Supervisor confirmation, and Project Brief drafting.
Mid-November
Final deadline for Project Brief approval for all teams.
PHASE 02 PQA (Proposal Qualification Assessment) The Proposal Qualification Assessment (PQA) is a crucial, mandatory milestone for all MPhil students, typically occurring six months after enrollment. It serves as the primary quality assurance gate before teams' transition from the planning stage into full-scale project execution.

Goal & Significance

The PQA is a mandatory, milestone evaluation held approximately six months after enrollment.

Ensure the project meets the academic depth and breadth requirements for the MPhil degree.
Assess critical student competencies, including domain knowledge, design thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Promote interdisciplinary education through the group project structure.

Committee Composition

Consists of the supervisors of the Group Project: Project Supervisor (PS), and all Academic Supervisors (AS). All members are voting examiners.

PQA Components (The 3-Step Process)

Master Thesis Proposal (Submission): The formal written document outlining both the Group Project and the Individual Thesis Research.
Group Roadshow (Presentation): A presentation detailing the overall group project's objectives, progress, and interconnections.
Individual Oral Defense (Evaluation): A formal presentation and Q&A session where the student defends their specific Master Thesis Proposal to the Committee.
PHASE 03 Progress Showcase Held at the end of Semester 2 (typically in May), the Progress Showcase serves as a critical checkpoint during the project implementation phase. It is designed to systematically review project advancement, validate research methodologies, and solicit targeted feedback from the Project Supervisors.

Goal

To assess each group's progress trajectory and internal division of labor, while fostering cross-group knowledge exchange and peer learning.

Evaluation Mechanism

A joint review panel comprising the group's Project Supervisor and other Project Supervisors evaluates the group's overall performance. Project Supervisor of the group additionally conducts individual assessments of each member's contribution. All presentations are open to students from other groups as observers.
PHASE 04 Final Showcase Final Project Showcase is scheduled for the end of the third semester (typically December) and serves as the key assessment for project closure. Each team is required to deliver a comprehensive demonstration and systematic presentation to the review committee, fully illustrating the extent of project achievements and deliverables.

The Evaluation Framework Comprises Two Dimensions

Team level

Focuses on cross-disciplinary collaboration effectiveness, project innovativeness and practical value, design thinking-driven problem-solving capabilities, as well as the team's growth trajectory and supporting evidence collected throughout the project cycle.

Individual level

Emphasises the development of transferable skills (e.g., critical thinking, communication and coordination, self-management, etc.) and each member's specific contributions and fulfilment of responsibilities within the project.

In addition, the results of this presentation will also serve as a core criterion for determining eligibility for the “RBM Education Project Stageshow Event”.

PHASE 05 Thesis Defense The final mandatory milestone, known as the Thesis Examination, is the culmination of the MPhil journey. Its goal is to formally evaluate the student's research capability, the academic quality of the final thesis, and the originality and contribution of the project.

Goal

A successful examination confirms the student has satisfied all academic requirements for the MPhil degree.

Evaluation

The Thesis Examination is judged by a Thesis Examination Committee appointed by the University. The committee assesses the academic merit of the thesis, the student's subject knowledge, and their ability to defend the research. The examination determines whether the student receives a Pass(with or without corrections) or a Fail, finalizing the graduation process.