Timothy Cheuk Yin Chan, a first year PhD History student (appearing furthest on the right in the image above), shares the factors that led him to pursue his studies at The University of Manchester and his experience as a postgraduate researcher so far.

His PhD research, titled “Britain’s ‘Loss of China?’ Revisiting the Hong Kong Mint through a Global Perspective,” uses archival materials to explore Britain’s influence on the creation of the Hong Kong dollar.

Timothy’s research focuses on the history of the Hong Kong mint

Where did you study before your PhD?

I completed my undergraduate degree at Peking University and my MPhil degree at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Were you considering any other institutions for your PhD study? What were the deciding factors in choosing The University of Manchester?

Other than The University of Manchester, I also considered other universities in the UK, the US, and Hong Kong. My final decision was contingent on several factors:

First of all, the pivotal role of my supervisors cannot be overstated. Their professionalism, inclination, and the productive discussions we had on my PhD proposal were instrumental in my decision to pursue a PhD.

Secondly, Manchester itself played a significant role in my decision. The growing Hong Kong community in the UK, particularly in Manchester, was a key factor. The prospect of being part of a supportive and familiar community was appealing.

Lastly, The University of Manchester’s library resources are a treasure trove, perfectly suited for my PhD research. The University of Manchester stands out in this regard, not only due to its access to a plethora of online resources and books but also because of its numerous important research institutes and centres, such as the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, whose special collections are a goldmine for my project.

The John Rylands Research Institute and Library

What are the main challenges you have faced so far?

The biggest obstacle I faced was clarifying my research’s core question. Similar to other PhD students, my initial proposal suffers from a series of defects. In the beginning, I did not have a clear answer to questions such as “What is your contribution?”, “Your research matters to who?” and “Why do we need to study it now?”. There was a time when I felt I was in the bottleneck. But thanks to my supervisors, I was able to organise myself and adjust my PhD project into a more workable state.

What have been the main highlights?

In January 2024, I embarked on an archival trip to London after I secured a travel fund from SALC. I visited different places during the trip, such as The National Archives in Kew, the British Library, the HSBC London Archives, and the London Metropolitan Archives. It was a great opportunity to get used to some of the major archives in the UK and interact with archivists.

The British Library

How do you balance your time with research with social and non-university commitments?

I maintain a study-life balance by setting up monthly schedules. Each weekday, I allocate a specific time for research or university-related work, usually between 1 pm and 6 pm. Outside this time slot, I relax through different leisure and social activities, such as playing football, watching movies and attending social events.

My research is not solely about a past story but concerns an existing system and the uncertain future of my home city.

Timothy’s Essential Skills for Future PhD Students:

• Self-discipline;
• Time-management;
• Being able to motivate yourself;
• Developing your own working system and following your schedule.

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