MSSc in Urban Studies
The School of Public Policy has set up a master's program in Urban Studies, which aims to cultivate international professional talents with solid scientific research ability and multi-dimensional and profound understanding of urban problems. With CUHK(SZ)’s unique academic environment, rigorous academic quality standards and internationalized faculty, this programme will provide students with the most cutting-edge curriculum. Outstanding undergraduate students with backgrounds in Urban Policy and Governance, Urban and Regional Planning, Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology, Economics, Management, and other related fields in social sciences are welcome to apply.
| Concentrations | ||
| Urban Policy and Governance | Urban Environment and Resource Management | |
| I. General Required Courses | Units Required for Graduation | |
| URB5010 Overview of Urban Studies | 3 | |
| URB5020 Urban Economics | 3 | |
| URB5030 Social Science Research Methods | 3 | |
| II. Concentration-specific Required Courses | ||
| URB5110 Public Policy in Cities: Theories and Practices | 3 | |
| URB5120 Urban and Regional Governance | 3 | |
| URB5210 Urban Environmental Policy and Management | 3 | |
| URB5220 Resource Evaluation and Planning | 3 | |
| III. Elective Courses | ||
| PUB5420 Political Economy of Transition and Economic Development | 12 (four courses from the group) |
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| PUB5440 Seminar on Selected Topics of Global Business and Public Policy | ||
| URB5040 Statistics for Social Science | ||
| URB5310 Urban Development and Globalisation | ||
| URB5320 Housing and Land Management | ||
| URB5330 Transport, Economics and Policy | ||
| URB5340 Population and Society | ||
| URB5350 Cities and Climate Change | ||
| URB5360 Urban Disaster Risk and Management | ||
| URB5370 Seminar on Selected Topics of Urban Studies | ||
| URB5380 Research Project | ||
| URB5390 Creative Cities and Cultural Industries | ||
| URB5410 Urban Analytics | ||
| URB5420 Digitalizing Urban Environment for Sustainable and Resilient Cities | ||
| URB5430 Urban Spatial Analysis and Planning | ||
| Total Units: | 27 | 27 |
| Required: | 15 | 15 |
| Elective: | 12 | 12 |
*Applicable to students admitted in or after AY2024-2025
Course and Unit Exemption:
Students may be granted course and/or unit exemptions if they have taken similar or equivalent postgraduate courses with satisfactory performance (“B” grade or above). Supporting documents such as academic transcripts, course syllabus must be provided. Exemption for a maximum of six units may be granted. The application should be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School after the endorsement of the Programme Director/Coordinator and the Graduate Panel Chair.
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The School of Public Policy (SPP) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, was inaugurated in 2024. As a postgraduate school, SPP enrols both master’s and doctoral students with the objective of developing modern public policy professionals equipped with a deep understanding of public administration principles as well as proficiency in advanced public policy tools. SPP aims to construct an inclusive and context-based knowledge system for Asian public policy and administration and promote the development of applied social sciences. We aspire to become a world-class public policy school that embodies the public administration ethos of Asia and of China in particular.
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Mission
- The School has positioned itself as an internationally renowned postgraduate school of public policy that embodies the philosophy of Chinese public administration. Guided by our aspiration to "observe the world, research policies, promote development, and benefit humanity", the School is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of talents who are well-versed in Chinese public management concepts and adept at utilizing world-class cutting-edge tools of public policy. In addition, the School aims to build an inclusive and context-based knowledge system for the practice of Chinese public policy and public administration, contributing to the advancement of applied social sciences.
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The Future
- In the future, in response to the most pressing public policy and administration issues faced by the GBA and the country, SPP plans to offer various part-time master’s degree programmes in interdisciplinary fields. These programmes will include, but not be limited to: Public Policy (Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy); Public Policy (AI and Smart Governance); Public Policy (Healthcare and Emergency Management); Public Policy (Environmental and Climate Policy); Urban Studies (Megacity-Cluster Development and Governance). At the same time, leveraging its inclusive knowledge system of Chinese political economy and public policy and administration, SPP will also offer various full-time academic master’s and doctoral programmes, including, but not limited to: Chinese Political Economy; International Development and Global Governance; Regional Economics and ASEAN Studies.
Rooted in Shenzhen and Facing the World.
Office hour: 9:00-11:30; 14:00-17:30
Hotline: 0755-23517999
Admission Email Address: spp_pg@cuhk.edu.cn
Registry Email Address: spp_rg@cuhk.edu.cn
Location: F7-9, CXII, CUHK-Shenzhen
Applicants with relevant educational backgrounds are preferred.
Fulfilled the Graduate School's requirement（https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en/page/26）:
1. Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or
2. Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B"; or
3. Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.
Fulfilled the following Requirement:
1. Applicants with relevant educational backgrounds or excellent English language proficiency are preferred.
2. Fulfilled the University’s minimum English language requirements:
- TOEFL: at least 550 (Paper-based)/ 79 (Internet-based/Home Edition); or
- IELTS (Academic): at least 6.5 (Test Centre-based/ Online); or
- GMAT: at least 21 (Verbal); or
- GMAT Focus Edition: at least 78 (Verbal); or
- Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Hong Kong or in English Speaking Country.
Note:
1）Native English speakers are exempted from the above English language requirements.
2）This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. The CUHK(SZ) Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.
3）TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date. GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.
Application Fee
RMB 600, subject to each year's policy (no refund).
Please submit the following items to us.
1. Official Transcripts from the University attended by applicants; If transcripts do not indicate the average score or grade, proof of the average score is required;
2. Copies of Degree Certificates;
3. Documents showing the applicant has fulfilled the English Language Proficiency Requirement;
4. Confidential Recommendation Letters from Two referees respectively (by providing referees’ email in the online application system);
5. Personal Statement and CV;
6. Copies of your Identity Card;
7. Other supporting documents upon request.
Admission Procedure
Applicants need to submit all required materials via online application.
Admission Procedure
The screening of all applications will begin after the application deadline. Applicants with complete application will enter the screening process. Those who are qualified for an entrance exam/interview will be notified via email.
Contact us
Hotline: 0755-23517999
Email: spp_pg@cuhk.edu.cn
First Round:
9:00, September 28nd, 2024 - 23:59, November 22th, 2024
Second Round:
10:00, November 23st, 2024 - 23:59, March 31th, 2025
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Degree |
Master of Social Science |
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Mode of Study |
Full-time & Part-time |
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Instruction Language |
English |
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Study Period |
Full-time: 1 year; Part-time:2 year |
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Credit Unit Requirements for Graduation |
Required Courses：15 units |
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Elective Courses: 12 units |
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Tuition Fee |
RMB 140,000 |
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Scholarship |
Full/half tuition waiver Admission Scholarship (RMB 10,000 to 50,000) “IIA Scholarship” (up to full tuition waiver, sponsored by The Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai) |
*Additionally, international students are eligible to apply for the "Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Study Support Program": up to and including full scholarships, sponsored by The Management Bureau of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen.
Q1: Does the Admission Office accept screenshot versions of transcripts? Can I substitute the Qualification Certificate released by China Credentials Verification for the original degree certificate?
A1: No, we only accept official transcripts. Graduated applicants must submit a scanned copy of their original graduation and degree certificates. Enrolled students must submit an official enrollment certificate.
Q2: Can I be exempted from submitting a language proficiency report if I have studied abroad?
A2: The Programme Office will review the applicant's materials. Applicants will be exempted from submitting a language score if meet the requirements. But applicants are still advised to obtain a competitive language score.
Q3: Can I substitute other types of language proficiency reports for IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT test scores?
A3: No.
Q4: Can I still submit applications if I don't have an up-to-standard GPA or language proficiency score or complete application materials?
A4: A Bachelor's degree is required. It's suggested that a candidate fully prepare his or her application materials before submitting applications or he or she may not pass the preliminary review. However, a candidate is allowed to submit his or her reference letters within 14 days after the application deadline.
Q5: What's the word limit of a personal statement? Any other requirements?
A5: About 1000 words and finish it by yourself.
Q6: Are only academic reference letters acceptable? Can I submit professional reference letters?
A6: Fill in the referrer information in the online application system, and the referrer will receive an invitation email. A reference letter from your undergraduate professor is preferred. If you are already at work, you may seek a reference letter from your employer.
Q7: Can I apply for part-time study?
A7: Yes, applications for the part-time program will open in 2025.
Q8: How long does it take to receive a follow-up notification after submitting my application?
A8: Applicants selected for the examination or interview will be notified by email approximately one to two weeks after the closing date. Students who have not received notification will have to wait continuously for notification.
Q9: Will I be notified even if I am not accepted?
A9: A rejection letter will be issued and the results of your application can be checked in the online application system.
Q10: How soon will I know the result of my interview?
A10: Usually two weeks after the interview, please refer to the online application system or email notification.
Q11: What degree is awarded? Is it recognized officially?
A11: Qualified graduates will be awarded a degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, which can be certified by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange.
Q12: How many applicants will be accepted and how many scholarship places are available?
A12: About 50-60. The admission scholarship coverage rate is 15%-20%.
Q13: I'm not an urban studies major. Is there a chance for me to be accepted?
A13: Yes, applications from different majors are welcome.
Q14: I'm a senior student. Can I apply for the programme?
A14: Yes. You will obtain the conditional offer after passing the entrance examination and all conditions must be met prior to admission.
Q15: Are there any grade requirements for a graduation thesis?
A15: No.
Q16: I'm not an urban studies major, but I have related work experience/I'm interested in the programme. Can I apply for the programme?
A16: Yes.
Q17: When do I have to start applying for admission in 2025?
A17: Applications for admission in fall 2025 are expected to open in mid to late September 2024.
Q18: Do I need to pay tuition in advance after being accepted?
A18: You need to decide whether to accept or reject the offer and respond to the admission letter within two weeks. If you accept the offer, you will need to make the first payment of tuition by the stated deadline.
Q19: What kind of degree is awarded?
A19: Qualified graduates will be awarded Master of Social Science in Urban Studies
Q20: When will the degree be issued?
A20: Please refer to the graduate school notice at https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/ for information on when degree will be issued.
Q21: Can I study for another degree at the same time after enrolling?
A21: No.
Q22: Does the university provide accommodation? How much does it cost to rent a room around the campus?
A22: Subject to notice from the graduate school. About RMB 2,000-4,000 per month.
