Department of Policy and International Study, CityU
The Department of Public and International Affairs  The Department of Public and International Affairs

Master of Arts in International Studies
文學碩士(國際研究)

About MAIS

The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs.

MAIS is essential for equipping students with the necessary skills to not only understand the dynamics of the rise of Asia but also its impact on their daily lives, the functionality of their societies and economies, and the performance of their states and governments. Without such an understanding, students will be passive receptors of change and remain ill-equipped to maximize their potential in an ever-globalizing workplace.

This programme aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of regional and international affairs. This knowledge will not only help graduates to upgrade their professional abilities, but will also ensure that they are equipped with the necessary tools to understand the global and regional forces that shape our world. The programme will provide advanced training for students seeking to strengthen their analytical skills, develop the capacity to conduct original research, and bolster their communication and presentation abilities.

Programme Aims and Objectives

  • Gain an advanced understanding of international politics
  • Analyse pivotal issues across the fields of political economy, political science, security studies and international relations
  • Undertake research on contemporary issues and problems relevant to international studies
  • Investigate governance challenges facing international organisations, governments, markets and civil societies
  • Gain knowledge to give you a distinct advantage in a competitive world

Why choose MAIS?

  • Learn about the world in cosmopolitan and exciting Hong Kong
  • Choose from an intellectually stimulating and topical selection of courses
  • Be taught by internationally recognized professors
  • Meet new people interested in international issues and build lasting connections

Programme Structure

Students are required to take 5 common core courses (a total of 15 credit units). Four of these courses are conducted in a seminar format: Asian Regional Governance, International Political Economy, Theory in International Studies, and International Relations of Northeast Asia. Students can also choose to write a Master’s Thesis or undertake a group Capstone Project as the fifth core course. The prerequisite for the Master’s Thesis (undertaken in Semester B) is a grade of “A” or “A+” in an elective research methods course offered in Semester A. 

Programme Core Courses (15 credits)
  • Asian Regional Governance
  • International Political Economy
  • Theory in International Studies
  • International Relations of Northeast Asia
  • Master's Thesis or Capstone Project
Three Electives (9 credits)
Students can also choose from an exciting list of electives courses. 

24 credits required for graduation.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and
  • have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized tertiary institution or an equivalent qualification.
  • One or more years of working experience in a related field would be an advantage.
Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:
  • a score of 59 (revised paper-delivered test) or 79 (Internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)@#; or
  • an overall band score of 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)@
@TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the two years preceding the commencement of the University's application period. 
# Applicants are required to arrange for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send their TOEFL results directly to the University. The TOEFL institution code for CityU is 3401.

Normal Study Period

1 Year Full-time / 2 Years Part-time

Career Prospects

MAIS graduates have pursued careers in the following fields:
  • Business
  • Education
  • Government / Public Affairs
  • International Organizations
  • Journalism / Mass Media
  • Public Relations
   

Taught Postgraduate Catalogue
Rules on Academic Honesty

Information for Current Students (sign in required)

Programme Leader: Professor Bradley WILLIAMS
Enquiries: MA.IS@cityu.edu.hk