This programme aims to introduce students to an advanced level of understanding and knowledge of the development of China and theoretical perspectives in evaluating the dynamics of the modernization process in the Mainland.

Upon completion, students should be able to:

1. Develop a strong command of knowledge of major social science concepts and theories on governance, economic development and institutional development;
2. Conduct independent research in issues related to development of China in an interdisciplinary and analytical manner;
3. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the various dimensions of marketization and modernization processes;
4. Identify and explain the core features and challenges to governance, socioeconomic development and sustainability of China’s modernization; and
5. Develop social empathy, moral sensibility, critical capacity, multiple perspectives, sustained interest and analytical skills in understanding the changes in contemporary China and development process in other settings.

To be eligible for admission to the MA China Studies programme, an applicant must:

(a) Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in a related social sciences or humanities discipline (preferably politics, sociology, economics, geography, public administration, China studies or development studies) from one of the universities in Hong Kong or from any overseas institutions recognized for this purpose by the University; or

(b) Hold such other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University as equivalent to the above.

Applicants whose entrance qualifications were obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is NOT English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

1. A score of 580 (paper-based test) or 66 (revised paper-delivered test) or 92 (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
2. An overall band score of 6.5 in International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS); or
3. A score of 490 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of China mainland; or
4. Other equivalent qualifications

To complete the programme, students must acquire 27 credits. The overall programme structure is as follows:

Programme core course (18 credits)
Elective (9 credits)
 

Programme Core Course (18 credits)(Compulsory)

Chinese Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Doing Research in China (2 credits)
Key Issues in Chinese Politics (3 credits)
MACS Capstone Project (4 credits)
State and Market in China (3 credits)
Theories of Government and Public Administration (3 credits)

Electives (9 credits) (Examples of elective include^)

China and the Developing World (3 credits)
Comparative Public Administration in Greater China (3 credits)
Environmental Governance in China (3 credits)
Ethics and Political Philosophy of China (3 credits)
Social Change and Urbanisation in Contemporary China (3 credits)

^ Not all the electives will be offered every year. The Department reserves the right to determine the offering list of electives.

The programme is designed for mid-career professionals from the fields of education, media, government institutions and agencies and NGOs, and local and overseas students who plan to undertake a doctorate.

Department of Public Policy
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences