Ph.D in Tea Science

Studying Ph.D in Tea Science at Zhejiang university in China:

Tea Science research content, divided from the big aspects, covers two parts, tea science and tea culture. Tea science is a traditional discipline with a long history and distinctive characteristics, a modern subject also involving natural science and humanities.

 

Necessary information:

• Duration: 4 years
• Degree awarded by: Zhejiang university
• Admission criteria: Master’s degree
• Language of instruction: English
• Format: Full-time
• Tuition Fee: RMB 34,800 Yuan/ Academic Year
• Application fee: RMB 800 yuan (non-refundable)

Note:

• An extra RMB 8,000 yuan/academic year shall be charged for programs whose language of instruction is English.
• The Tuition fee standard mentioned above is for reference ONLY. The tuition fee standard released at registration shall prevail.

 

Curriculum:

• Integrated Practice of Tea Science Ⅰ
• Integrated Practice of Tea Science Ⅱ
• Practice of Tea Processing
• Management of Tea Industry
• Tea Trade
• Tasting and Examination of Tea
• Tea Biochemistry
• Beverage Processing Technology
• Engineering of Tea Processing
• Tea Culture
• Tea Biotechnology
• Analytical techniques for safety quaility in tea and tea products
• Comprehensive Utilization of Tea
• Plant Protection

 

Career opportunity:

1. Tea Scientist: As a tea scientist, you would conduct research on various aspects of tea, such as its cultivation, processing, chemistry, and health benefits. You may work in a laboratory or research institute to develop new tea varieties, improve cultivation techniques, or study the chemical composition of tea
2. Tea Quality Control Specialist: In this role, you would be responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of tea products. You would develop and implement quality control procedures, conduct sensory evaluations to assess taste and aroma profiles, and work closely with tea producers to maintain high-quality standards.
3. Tea Sommelier: A tea sommelier is an expert in the art of tea tasting and pairing. You would have extensive knowledge about different types of teas, their flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and food pairings. As a sommelier, you may work in high-end restaurants or hotels to curate tea menus and educate customers about the nuances of different teas.
4. Tea Consultant: As a tea consultant, you would provide expert advice to businesses in the tea industry. This could involve helping with product development, conducting market research on consumer preferences and trends, advising on marketing strategies for tea brands, or providing training to staff on tea preparation techniques.
5. Tea Educator: If you have a passion for teaching and sharing your knowledge about tea science, you could pursue a career as a tea educator. This could involve conducting workshops or training programs on various aspects of tea for professionals in the industry or organizing educational events for consumers interested in learning more about teas.
6. Tea Agronomist: As a tea agronomist, you would focus on the cultivation and management of tea plants. You would study soil conditions, climate requirements, pest control methods, and other factors that affect the growth and yield of tea crops. Your expertise would be valuable to tea plantations and agricultural research institutions.
7. Tea Product Development Specialist: In this role, you would be involved in developing new tea products or improving existing ones. This could include creating flavored teas, herbal blends, or functional teas with specific health benefits. You would work closely with tea manufacturers to formulate recipes, conduct sensory evaluations, and ensure product quality.

 

Application Requirements:

1. General Requirements

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with proper moral conduct, in good health with no infectious disease or any physical or mental diseases that may affect the normal study, and be under the age of 40 (Age limit is flexible for healthy applicants with certain work experience and high academic ability). Applicants must be valid foreign passport holders and Master’s degree holders (Applicant who provide pre-graduation certificate or student status certificate at application MUST provide Master’s degree diploma prior to registration.)

2. Requirements on nationality

2.1 Applicant who has given up their original Chinese citizenship (including residents in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and become foreign citizens shall provide the documents certifying the cancellation of Chinese nationality, according to the policy of Ministry of Education of the PRC.

2.2 If the applicant has acquired foreign citizenship automatically at the time of birth in a foreign country, whose parents were both Chinese citizens, or one of the parents was a Chinese citizen, parent’s (with Chinese citizenship) permanent resident in foreign country should be obtained prior to the birth of the applicant.

3.Language proficiency requirements: Applicants should meet with Language Proficiency Requirements of Doctoral Degree Programs at Zhejiang University for International Applicants.

• Documents for Application

1. A photocopy of passport.
2. Highest degree certificates. If applicants are university students, they shall provide an official pre-graduation certificate. The original or notarized copy of the academic qualification certificate must be submitted after admission (the degree certificate must be obtained no later than registration).
3. Academic transcripts during Master’s and Bachelor’s degree study, which must be original documents or notarized copies.
4. Language proficiency certificates.
5. Personal statement, in Chinese or English, should include study and work experience, reasons for application and study proposal. No less than 1500 words.
6. Two letters of recommendation from full professors or associate professors. (Professors’ signature, contact phone number and email address must be put on the letter.)
7. Published academic papers or other academic achievements. (If applicable)

8.2023 version of Form for Provisional Acceptance of International Student by ZJU Supervisor.

Applicants shall provide the above form for supervisors to fill. Old versions will not be accepted. Applicants of some programs must provide acceptance letter.

9. Applicants are encouraged to provide GRE、NTS-GAT test score.
10. The above application materials must be in Chinese or English, and notarized copies of translations must be provided for texts in other languages.

 

English language requirements:

• Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing English Proficiency Certificates.
• International applicants who apply for English-taught graduate programs must provide certificates to prove their English language proficiency meets the minimum requirement for admission, which are listed as below:

Exam	score
IELTS	6.5
TOFEL	90
CAE or CPE	180
GRE	320
GMAT	550
NTS GAT Subject	70%

 

Deadlines and intakes:

• Intake Every Year:  September Intake

Doctoral degree programs of Zhejiang University usually start from end of August or early of September every year.