Asian and International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian and International Studies at City University of Hong Kong offers students an interdisciplinary education designed to deepen their understanding of Asia's diverse cultures, societies, and political landscapes, alongside a comprehensive view of international affairs. This program aims to equip students with analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a global perspective essential for careers in international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, media, and business sectors engaged in Asia-Pacific regions. The curriculum combines core courses in Asian history, politics, economics, and cultural studies with international relations, foreign policy analysis, and language proficiency. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as Chinese Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, or International Affairs, tailoring their academic journey to align with their career aspirations and interests. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and research capabilities through a variety of coursework, projects, and internships. The program encourages experiential learning through overseas exchange programs, internships with diplomatic missions or international companies, and research collaborations. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to interpret complex geopolitical developments, contribute to cross-cultural understanding, and participate actively in the global economy and diplomatic initiatives within the Asia-Pacific region. With a flexible curriculum and a vibrant campus environment, students are supported by a dedicated faculty experienced in Asian and international studies, fostering an academic atmosphere that values diversity, innovation, and global engagement. The program’s comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable about Asia’s multifaceted issues but are also equipped with the skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in a rapidly changing world.

• Research Methods for the Social Sciences
• Directed Study in Research Works
• Teaching Students: First Steps

Thesis

An MPhil thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to design a research agenda, collect data from a variety of locally available sources, deploy methodologies in a systematic way, build a coherent argument that addresses relevant literature and debates, and make a serious contributions to the relevant literature through theoretical innovation and original empirical research yielding a significant discovery.

Requirements

• Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.
• Applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University and individual Colleges and Schools. The University’s minimum English proficiency requirement for research degree programmes is 593 (paper-based test) or 243 (computerbased test) or 95 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable. 
• Official certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications (Certificates and transcripts that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) [Applicants who obtained degrees from institutions that gave degree classification and/or grade point average but are not shown in the certificate or transcript are required to also send copies of any other official documents that indicate their formal degree classification or grade point average.]
• Certificates of professional qualifications, if applicable (Certificates that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) 
• (In support of the applicant’s publication record, if applicable) the front page of the papers (for papers that have been published) or the letter of acceptance (for papers that have been accepted for publication). [Applicants to the School of Law must also submit a self-assessment (of not more than 400 words) of their publications together with full copies of their best three publications. Where any publication so submitted is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an abstract in English.]
• Nominate two academic referees who can comment on their academic performances (proposed supervisor and persons from non-academic circles are normally not acceptable as academic referees). 
• A non-refundable application fee of HK$200 will be charged for each online application. Settlement of the application fee shall be made via online credit card payment.

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Studentship
• Research Tuition Scholarship
• Conference Grant
• Research Activities Fund
• Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarships

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian and International Studies at City University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to cultivate students' understanding of Asia's dynamic political, economic, social, cultural, and historical landscapes within a global context. The programme aims to develop students' analytical and research skills through interdisciplinary coursework, emphasizing critical thinking and an awareness of contemporary issues affecting Asia and the broader international community. Core subjects include Asian politics, international relations, Asian economics, regional security, cultural studies, and language proficiency in at least one Asian language. Students can also choose specialized electives that deepen their knowledge of particular regions or thematic areas, such as Southeast Asia, East Asia, or Global Governance. The curriculum is structured to promote experiential learning, encouraging internships, field trips, and study exchanges that provide practical insights and global perspectives. The programme also emphasizes the development of multilingual communication skills and intercultural competence to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, international business, media, NGOs, or academia. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in research projects, seminars, and conferences that foster academic and professional growth. The programme collaborates with regional institutions and offers opportunities for students to participate in global programs, enhancing their cross-cultural understanding and network-building abilities. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to pursue careers across Asia and internationally, benefiting from the university's strong ties in the region and its emphasis on both regional expertise and global awareness.