DATA ANALYTICS POLICY ANALYSIS PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM (MPP) 2024-25 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
About HKUST The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a dynamic, international research university in a relentless pursuit of excellence, leading advances in science, technology, business and humanities, and educating new generations of global front-runners. Since its official opening in October 1991, HKUST has established itself as an intellectual powerhouse, energizing the community’s transformation into a knowledge- based society, and securing a place on the academic world map in record-breaking time. In less than three decades, HKUST has risen rapidly in the global academic arena and has been ranked as one of the best universities globally by global university rankings. 2# World’s Top 50 Young Universities Under 50 2021 in QS World University Rankings 23 # Global University Employability Ranking 2021 (No.2 in Greater China, No.1 in Hong Kong) in Emerging/ Trendence, published by Times Higher Education 40 # World’s Top 1500 Universities 2023 (No.3 in Hong Kong) in QS World University Rankings
MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY (MPP) Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with knowledge of the full impact of science and technology innovations and professional skills in the formulation and implementation of innovative solutions to current and emerging global challenges. Situated in HKUST, a leading university in science and technology, the program draws from research and teaching excellence from across a diverse range of disciplines to equip students with a set of core skills in data analytics, economic analysis and management to become effective policy professionals. Designed for students with diverse educational backgrounds, including social science, science, engineering, business, and other fields of study, this two-year full-time program consists of a core curriculum, an optional summer internship upon completion of year one, a second year client-based policy analysis project and elective courses allowing students to develop their areas of specialization. The first of its kind in Hong Kong, this program provides students with complete professional training that focuses on problem-solving skills with real-world cases and examples. CAREER PROSPECT Our program places an emphasis on knowledge, analytic skills and management capacities that are highly transferable across sectors, issue areas and global regions. Graduates of the program may work as analysts, managers, researchers and consultants in a wide variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profi¬t organizations and private sector business. The training provided by the program is particularly relevant for policy professionals in both public and private sectors seeking to advance their careers in industries at the frontline of science and technology advancements, such as information technology and telecommunications, environment, energy, health care, transportation and finance. Prof. Naubahar SHARIF Acting Head and Professor, Division of Public Policy “HKUST’s MPP program is unique in many ways: Its duration of two years allows deep immersion into a student’s field of study, the widespread use of cases as the key to our teaching pedagogy strengthens student learning, and close connections with practitioners are forged through the core requirement of a Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE).”
CURRICULUM The degree requires the completion of 48 credit hours (most courses are three credit hours). All students admitted to the MPP will be required to complete the program on a full-time basis, a minimum of 12 credits and up to a maximum of 15 credits of coursework per semester. Core Courses (24 Credits) The required core courses provide students with a grounding of the various perspectives, skills and tools that policy professionals must possess to develop and manage policies effectively. ・ Foundations in Public Policy ・ Microeconomics and Public Policy ・ Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods ・ Public Policy Analysis ・ Evidence in Public Policy ・ Public Management and Leadership ・ Policy Analysis Project (I & II) Elective Courses (24 Credits) Students have the opportunity to enhance their analytical skills through 24 credits of elective courses, which focus on today's most pertinent policy areas and applied analytical methods. While the Division of Public Policy offers a range of elective courses, MPP students may also have the chance to broaden their perspectives by taking courses from other schools/departments/divisions at HKUST. Please note that the availability to take these courses is subject to the approval of the course instructors, the course offering units, and the MPP Program Co-directors. The potential to access a diverse range of electives across the university is one of the unique strengths of the HKUST MPP, setting it apart from programs elsewhere.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION As part of their 48 credits, MPP students have the option to specialize in one of the two following specializations: science and technology policy concentration or environmental and sustainability policy concentration. A specialization consists of at least four 3-credit courses, of which at least two are offered by the Division of Public Policy. Students pursuing this option must choose their elective coursework based on the requirements for their specialization. Science and Technology Policy Concentration The specialization provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that are essential to professional careers in areas where science and technology are guided by public policy or where science and technology play an integral role in the formulation and implementation of innovative solutions. Environmental and Sustainability Policy Concentration This specialization provides students with the opportunity to acquire the tools, methodologies, interdisciplinary perspectives, and substantive topical knowledge necessary to be effective policy professionals in public, non-profi¬t, and private organizations that cover a broad spectrum of issues relating to the environment and natural resources. Prof. Masaru YARIME Program Co-Director, Master of Public Policy "Our MPP program trains students to acquire up-to-date knowledge and robust methodologies and skillfully apply them to tackle crucial challenges we are currently facing in society. The Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) provides an excellent opportunity to collaborate with clients in various sectors on real-world problems. With strong capabilities for critical thinking, effective communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork, our students are well-positioned for career development in academia, government, industry, and civil society organizations." Prof. Pengyu ZHU Program Co-Director, Master of Public Policy “Our MPP program features a unique two-year curriculum taught by our renowned professors that emphasizes on training critical thinking skills to understand policy issues in depth, enhancing technical and analytical skills to create solutions effectively, and cultivating communication skills to manage policy implementation practically. With this two-year program, students will not only gain extensive training to boost their marketability, but also get more opportunities to secure full-time employment immediately after graduation, or better position themselves in competing for a fully-funded PhD study.”
PROGRAM STRUCTURE TERM 1st 12 credits TERM 2nd 12 credits TERM 3rd 12 credits TERM 4th 12 credits • Foundation in Public Policy • Microeconomics and Public Policy • Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods • Elective 1 • Public Policy Analysis • Evidence in Public Policy • Public Management and Leadership • Elective 2 • Policy Analysis Project I • Elective 3 • Elective 4 • Elective 5 • Policy Analysis Project II • Elective 6 • Elective 7 • Elective 8 The Policy Analysis Project is the capstone module of our MPP program. It aims to provide students with a valuable, engaging, educational and professional experience. Each year, the project will have a different theme that reflects the current policy landscape. This year-long project allows students to work collaboratively in teams of four to six people on real-world challenges, issues, and problems faced by client organizations. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that they have learnt from the MPP program to analyse policy issues, develop solutions and produce professional reports for client organizations. There was a good mix of past clients from the public and private sectors, including Arthur D. Little, Centennial Asia Advisors, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Netherlands Innovation Network, Paypal, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Research For Social Advancement Berhad (REFSA), RAND Corporation, The Center for Green Finance Research (CGFR) of Tsinghua University. CLIENT-BASED POLICY ANALYSIS EXERCISE (PAE)
Please visit https://prog-crs.ust.hk/pgprog/2024-25/mpp for the details of the course curriculum and descriptions. PROGRAM STRUCTURE JIANG, Yuyang (Class of 2025) Bachelor of Management Science in Accounting (2020), Shanghai University of Finance and Economics "During the epidemic period, when I was working in the banking industry, I found that technology companies were heavily indebted and involved in a vicious cycle of capital chain. I was therefore motivated to work for the government, in the Industrial and commercial bureau, with the mission of assisting technology startups and SMEs with financial support. The MPP highlights of capstone projects on innovation and startups, coupled with the faculty expertise and career resources, help me gain insights and knowledge in formulating targeted policies and getting closer in fulfilling my mission." Risk and Regulation Policy Analysis and Design for Sustainable Development Applied Demography Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management Complex Systems for Policy Technology, Innovation and Public Policy Urban Economics and Urban Policy Innovation and Sustainability Finance, Financial Crises and Economic Development Advanced Analytical Methods for Public Policy Ethics and Public Policy China and the World: Policies and Development Strategies Local and Regional Development Environmental Economics Special Topics in Public Policy
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Our program is also dedicated to providing students with the skills that enhance their professional and career development by offering a course, which is designed to equip taught postgraduate students with transferrable skills conducive to their professional and career developments. Attendance at a mandatory training session is required, covering essential topics such as plagiarism, group work, and case study methods. Furthermore, a series of both compulsory and optional sessions on career talks, presentation skills, and English enhancement workshops are offered throughout the program to ensure that students have the necessary skills to succeed. English Enhancement The English enhancement workshops offered in our program are specifically tailored to meet the needs of our students. These workshops aim to improve students' proficiency in the English language, particularly in the context of public policy. The workshops cover a range of topics, including academic writing, policy analysis, and public speaking and presentation skills. Through interactive activities and exercises, students will gain a deeper understanding of the English language and develop the ability to communicate effectively in the field of public policy and professional networks. The workshops are led by experienced instructors who are well-versed in the language and terminology of public policy, ensuring that students receive targeted language instruction that is relevant to their field of study. Career Development Students are strongly encouraged to strengthen their career preparedness and broaden their placement opportunities by identifying, applying for, and taking up an optional internship during the summer between the first and second year of study. To assist in this, a variety of professional and career development training sessions are available. These are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify, apply for, and secure their own internships. These sessions include alumni sharing sessions, workshops, and seminars on resume and cover letter writing, networking skills, job search strategies, and self-exploration based on each student's unique strengths and value.
SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Starting the 2021-22 academic year, we have introduced the MPP Student Advisory Program. This program will assign a faculty member as an advisor to small group of students. The aim is to improve communication between faculty members and students by organizing various enrichment activities and luncheon talks. Through this program, advisors have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of students’ study progress and concerns so that they can provide targeted advice and support, which helps to improve students’ academic performance and foster a deeper connection between advisors and students. On the other hand, students are able to approach a faculty member in an easier way, ensuring that they receive timely advice and assistance. This also allows students to be more proactive in seeking advice on their academic needs. Lam Lok Him (Class of 2025) Bachelor of Arts in European Studies, Politics and Public Administration (2023), The University of Hong Kong "As a graduate student who majors in politics and public administration, I hope to expand my knowledge and specialize in the field of governance. The MPP program can equip me with core skills in research, analysis and management, to succeed in both the public and private sectors. Therefore, I have chosen this program in preparing myself for any future opportunities."
THE ONLY TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME MPP PROGRAM IN HONG KONG Our MPP is the only two-year full-time program in Hong Kong which has provided comprehensive professional training experience for the development of skills and competencies essential for career success. Students will be able to have good time management to look for internship and/ or career opportunities, and even better prepare themselves to apply for MPhil or PhD study relevant to the field of public policy in both local and overseas universities if they are interested in pursuing a research and academic career. WHY STUDY PUBLIC POLICY AT HKUST? INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH HKUST's public policy program takes an interdisciplinary approach to policy-making, drawing on insights from various fields, including economics, political science, and sociology. This approach allows students to gain a broad understanding of policy issues and develop a well-rounded perspective on policy-making. A WORLD-CLASS FACULTY Trained in some of the best universities in the world, our faculty members have established themselves as leading scholars in their fields, and many of them have had extensive experience advising national government bodies, international organizations and major corporations. 100% of courses in HKUST are taught in English, enabling full access to world-class teaching and research across the university. GUARANTEED 24-MONTH VISA TO WORK IN HONG KONG (IANG) Enabling eligible students from outside Hong Kong to explore a myriad of training and career opportunities after graduation. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects and gain hands-on experience in policy analysis and evaluation. GREATER BAY AREA (GBA) DEVELOPMENT Hong Kong is not only an international financial center and a gateway to Mainland China, but also a part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The development of GBA offers exciting business and career opportunities.
Acting Head, Division of Public Policy Prof. Naubahar SHARIF PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Cornell University Areas of Specialization ・ Innovation and technology policy in Hong Kong and China ・ Belt and road initiative MPP Program Co-Directors Prof. Masaru YARIME PhD in Economics and Policy Studies of Innovation and Technological Change, Maastricht University Areas of Specialization ・ Science, technology, and innovation policy ・ Public policy and institutional design for energy, environment, and sustainability ・ Innovation systems of smart cities ・ Sustainability science Faculty Dr. Marie N. BERNAL PhD in Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Areas of Specialization ・ Risk regulation ・ Behavioral and cognitive science implications for public policy ・ Policymaking and policy dynamics Prof. Anthony Bing-leung CHEUNG PhD in Government, London School of Economics and Political Science Areas of Specialization ・ Governance studies ・ Asian administrative reforms ・ Civil service studies ・ Para-governmental organisations and Privatisation ・ Public policy Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN PhD in Historical Demography, University of Cambridge Areas of Specialization ・ Demography ・ Population policy ・ Ageing policy ・ Family policy ・ Health policy Prof. Hyuncheol Bryant KIM PhD in Economics, Columbia University Areas of Specialization ・ Applied Empirical Microeconomics: Development Economics, Health Economics, Education Economics, Personnel Economics, and Policy Evaluation Prof. Michael Shih-Ta CHEN PhD in Economics, Cornell University Prof. King Lau CHOW PhD in Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine Areas of Specialization ・ Genetics ・ Evolutionary biology ・ Cellular and molecular mechanisms ・ Developmental biology ・ Sensory organ differentiation Prof. Alex Jingwei HE PhD in Public Policy, National University of Singapore Areas of Specialization ・ Comparative social policy ・ Policy innovation and entrepreneurship ・ Health policy and governance Prof. Magdalena KLEMUN PhD in Engineering Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Areas of Specialization ・ Technology Innovation ・ Energy and Climate Policy Prof. Pengyu ZHU PhD in Policy, Planning and Development, University of Southern California Areas of Specialization ・ Transportation policy ・ Economic development policy ・ Housing policy ・ Land use policy ・ Applications of Big Data in policymaking FACULTY PROFILE
Prof. Donald How Tian LOW (Professor in Practice) Master in International Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University Areas of Specialization ・ Poverty and inequality ・ Big data and social science research ・ Development economics ・ Political economy of development ・ Population and policy issues in Asia Prof. Albert Francis PARK PhD in Applied Economics, Stanford University Areas of Specialization ・ Applied economics ・ Development economics ・ Labour economics ・ Chinese economy Prof. Ye QI PhD in Environmental Science, State University of New York and Syracuse University Areas of Specialization ・ Energy ・ Environment ・ Climate change policy ・ Governance for sustainability Dr. Michael TYRALA PhD in Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong Areas of Specialization ・ World-systems analysis ・ Global offshore economy ・ Global tax governance ・ Political economy of development ・ Social psychology of late capitalism Prof. Xun WU PhD in Public Policy Analysis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Areas of Specialization ・ Water resource management ・ Health policy ・ Anti-corruption ・ Policy design and innovations Dr Fangxin Francine YI PhD in Urban Development and Policy, National University of Singaporee Areas of Specialization ・ Urban and land policy, ・ City resilience, ・ Risk management ・ Complexity and public policy Prof. Yatang LIN PhD in Economics, The London School of Economics and Political Science Areas of Specialization ・ Environmental economics ・ Urban and regional economics ・ International trade ・ Economic growth and development Prof. Kira MATUS PhD in Public Policy, Harvard University Areas of Specialization ・ Innovation for sustainable development ・ Sustainable production and consumption / sustainable manufacturing ・ Green chemistry and engineering ・ Science advice in public policy ・ Regulation of emerging technologies ・ Sustainability science Prof. Timothy SZE PhD in Jurisprudence, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Prof. Julien de TROULLIOUD de LANVERSIN PhD in Applied Physics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University Areas of Specialization ・ Nuclear policy ・ Nuclear nonproliferation and arms control ・ International security ・ Energy policy ・ U.S.-China collaboration in science & technology ・ Open-source science Prof. James Ka Lei WONG PhD in Government, London School of Economics Areas of Specialization ・ Environmental politics and policy ・ Theories of institutional design ・ Deliberative democracy and governanc Prof. Yan XU PhD in Telecommunications Policy, University of Strathclyde Areas of Specialization ・ Technology and Innovation Management ・ Telecom Industry Development and Policy Open Innovation ・ Information Technology Policy and Standardization ・ Digital Economy Prof. Xiaofan ZHAO PhD in Public Administration, Tsinghua University Areas of Specialization ・ Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy and Governance ・ Theories of the Policy Process ・ Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance Faculty
STUDENT PROFILE We also have students who graduated from well-known overseas universities, such as Lomonosov Moscow State University, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Bristol, University of British Columbia, U of California, San Diego, University College London, University of Melbourne etc. Students from major universities in Hong Kong are also represented in our MPP program. Our fourth cohort (admitted in September 2021) is graduating in 2023. According to our survey results, they have been able to secure some very good job offers and internships in different fields. • Banking and finance: Guotai Junan International (GTJAI), Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), etc. • Consulting: DiDi Global Inc., International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Hong Kong, Our Hong Kong Foundation, PwC, etc. All MPP students admitted are with excellent academic performance and many of them with impressive internship or work experience. While many of our students graduated from top universities in mainland China, such as Fudan University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Zhejiang University, etc., a wide range of universities and majors are well represented among our MPP students, significantly contributing to the diversity of learning in our program. Students’ Bachelor Major (2023 Intake) Business Management and Finance Economics Engineering Humanities and Social Science Language Media and Communication Public Administration Science 21% 18% 4% 28% 19% 1% 5% 4% Employment sector of our graduates (Class of 2023) Banking and Finance Consulting Further Studies Others 24% 16% 12% 48%
Loh Ees Ther (Class of 2025) Bachelor of Economics in Resource and Environmental Economics (2023), Peking University "I have chosen to join HKUST’s MPP program because it offers plentiful resources and a well-structured curriculum. I'm excited to learn and be trained as a professional in public policy. With the university's support and diverse faculty, I hope to gain valuable skills and insights, making a real impact on important issues. It is going to be an awesome journey in broadening my horizon and tackling policy challenges from multiple perspectives!" Tsz Wing Kan (Class of 2025) Bachelor of Arts in Economics (2023), University of California at Davis "The interdisciplinary MPP programme is like a knowledge fusion of the impact of science and technology innovations, analysis, and formulation of public policies, altogether to unlock the potential of innovative solutions addressing global issues. This unique program equips me with the essential skills to tackle complex policy challenges with data-driven insights and a multicultural perspective. I am drawn to HKUST's renowned faculty and diverse student community, where I can foster collaborative solutions to shape a brighter future for societies worldwide." Sonthra Elisha M. (Class of 2025) Bachelor of Science in Global China Studies (2019), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology "It is a wise decision choosing HKUST's MPP programme. Its academic rigor, renowned faculty experts, and real-world applications especially the client-based Policy Analysis Exercise, have all appealed to me. My undergraduate classmate, Jack Li, has spoken highly of the program, further reinforcing my decision. I look forward to enhancing my analytical skills for navigating complex policy landscapes, and the chance to connect with a diverse academic community. This program can be my launch pad for a career focused on practical, and effective policy changes." QUOTES FROM MPP CLASS OF 2025
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY ・ A bachelor’s degree with second-class honors from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification ・ English Language admission requirements set out by the University Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if ・ Their first language is English, or ・ They obtained a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English. *Refer to the total score in one single attempt Proficiency Test TOEFL-iBT TOEFL-pBT TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test IELTS (Academic Module) Minimum Scores 80* 550 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing Sections) Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-scors: 5.5 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ・ While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit their GMAT/ GRE scores. ・ Interests and motivation: Applicants should make a strong case for their interest in pursuing a professional degree in public policy by submitting their statement of purpose about their interests and motivation. ・ Favorable consideration will be given to applicants with relevant working experience and (or) internships. ・ Selected applicants will be invited to face-to-face interviews or video conferencing/ phone interviews by the admission committee. TUITION FEE AND SCHOLARSHIPS Tuition Fee HK$308,000: This includes two years of full-time enrollment (for 48 credits total). SCHOLARSHIPS UGC Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme (Priority Area: Sustainable City) (For LOCAL applicants only) Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program has been approved as one of the targeted programs of the Fellowships Scheme for 2024-25 intake. Local students who are admitted to the program will be invited to submit applications for the fellowships. To avoid double subsidy, students who are receiving other forms of government scholarship (except student financial assistance) for pursuing the same program will not be considered. The fellowship students are required to pay a minimum tuition fee of HK$42,100, which is the prevailing rate of the UGC-funded programs, and the differences will be subsidized by the fellowships subject to a cap of HK$120,000 for each student regardless of the actual study period of the program. MPP Admission and Academic Excellence Scholarship Subject to funding availability, scholarships may be given to selected awardees based on academic and professional excellence. For further details, please visit https://ppol.hkust.edu.hk/mpp-scholarships. The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) In addition, HKUST is one of the few Asian universities chosen by the Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI) as a partner university to offer the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP). Applicants who are non-local students from East, Southeast, and South Asia and admitted to MPP program may be considered for the scholarship program. For more details, please visit https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/prospective-students/scholarship -fees/asian-future-leaders-scholarship-program. APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants should submit their application documents through https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/Admission-to-Hong-Kong-Campus/submitting-an-application/online-application to the Fok Ying Tung Graduate School (FYTGS) of HKUST before May 31, 2024 (for both local and non-local applicants). Early applications are strongly recommended as admissions offers will be made on a rolling basis. Late applications may be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. For applicants from Hong Kong / outside Hong Kong May 31, 2024 Application Deadlines for 2024-2025 Admissions:
ADMISSION ENQUIRIES Fok Ying Tung Graduate School fytgs.hkust.edu.hk Online Enquiry: fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/about-fytgs/contact-us Division of Public Policy ppol.hkust.edu.hk (852) 3469 2001 ppolmpp@ust.hk The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong HKUSTPPOL WeChat HKUST-PPOL Linkedin HKUSTPPOLMPP Instagram HKUST PPOL Facebook Find us on:
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