The programme aims to (1) enable computer professionals to strengthen and upgrade their technical capabilities in computer software development, (2) broaden students’ knowledge and deepen their understanding of key issues of specific areas in computer science, including artificial intelligence, data science, information security, multimedia, and other related contemporary technologies, and (3) prepare graduates to take up research and advanced innovative development work in the industry or pursue higher research studies.

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and have:

• a recognised bachelor's degree in a computing discipline such as Computer Studies, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent; or
• a recognised bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Electronic Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Manufacturing Engineering, Quantitative Analysis, or equivalent, together with applicable working experience in information technology.

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:

• TOEFL score 550 (paper-based test) or 59 (revised paper-delivered test) or 79 (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• overall band score 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
• score 450 in the new College English Test Band 6 (CET-6) of Chinese mainland; or
• other equivalent qualifications.

Fellowship awards are available for local students admitted to this programme under the Fellowships Scheme supported by the HKSAR Government. This programme in the priority area of “Research and Innovation” is one of the targeted programmes listed under the Fellowships Scheme with 9 fellowship awards. Local students admitted to the programme in full-time, part-time or combined study mode will be invited to submit applications for the fellowships. 

The programme consists of three core courses and two groups of Electives(elective courses). The core courses will enable students to acquire a solid foundation in computer science at the postgraduate level. The elective courses are divided into two groups: Group I and Group II. Students are required to take at least 21 credit units of Electives, including at least 3 credit units of Electives in Group I. The elective courses cover a broad range of areas in the field, including artificial intelligence, data science, information security, multimedia, and other related contemporary technologies. Each course is worth 3 credit units except for the elective Project course which is worth 6 credit units. Through suitable choices of elective courses, students may concentrate on a study stream (Artificial Intelligence Stream, Data Science Stream or Information Security Stream) based on their interests. Alternatively, students may also choose any elective courses without concentration on a particular stream. Refer to the programme’s website (http://www.cs.cityu.edu.hk/academic/mscs/) for details.

• Students may be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science after obtaining a total of 24 credit units (including all the 3 core courses and at least 3 credit units of elective courses in Group I) with satisfactory academic results if they decide to exit early.
• The Project course is optional. Students may take 2 other elective courses in lieu of the Project course.
• By taking one of the Guided Study courses and/or the Project course, students may gain the experience of working on a small-scale research problem (under supervision of an academic staff in the department) to get better prepared for higher research studies.
• Students will have a good chance of admission to higher research studies if they obtain excellent academic results upon graduation.

Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering