Asian and International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian and International Studies at City University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of Asia’s political, economic, cultural, and social dimensions, along with the global context in which Asian countries operate. This programme aims to develop students’ analytical and research skills, preparing them for careers in international affairs, policy analysis, diplomacy, business, journalism, and related fields that require a nuanced understanding of Asian dynamics and international relations. The curriculum combines core courses in Asian politics, history, economics, and culture with specialized electives allowing students to focus on particular regions or thematic areas such as security studies, development, or international organizations. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, case studies, and fieldwork, students gain practical insights into contemporary issues affecting Asia and the world. The programme emphasizes language proficiency and intercultural communication skills essential for effective engagement in international settings. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, exchange programmes, and research projects to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in Asian studies and international affairs, providing a rich learning environment supported by the university’s strong links with institutions and organizations across the region. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse career pathways, including government service, international business, media, NGOs, and further academic pursuits. The Bachelor of Arts in Asian and International Studies at City University of Hong Kong embodies a multidisciplinary approach, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a global perspective necessary to understand and contribute to the dynamic Asian and international landscape.

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

Thesis

The PhD thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to design a sophisticated research agenda, collect data from a variety of sources (including international fieldwork where appropriate), deploy complex 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. The PhD thesis should be of such a standard that, after any necessary revisions are undertaken, there is a realistic expectation that it could be published as a monograph or generate journal-length publications. Upon the completion of the thesis, each student submits to an oral examination conducted by his/her Qualifying Panel. The purpose of the examination is to assess the contents of the thesis, and the suitability of the candidate to be awarded the degree.

Requirements

• Be a current MPhil student in the University who seeks transfer to PhD candidature; or
• Hold a higher degree by research (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
• Hold a taught Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with first 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

• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
• 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 program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of Asian cultures, politics, economies, and international relations. The curriculum is crafted to foster critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and a global perspective, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international business, regional studies, and related fields. Students engage with a diverse array of courses covering Asian history, politics, society, and language studies, as well as international affairs and global diplomacy. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative projects, enabling students to gain practical insights and connections in the region. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, providing mentorship and guidance to help students develop specialized knowledge and research skills. The program also encourages multilingual proficiency, with language courses in key Asian languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean, supporting students’ cross-cultural communication abilities. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue further study or enter careers in government, international organizations, media, business, and academia, both within Hong Kong and globally. The university’s strong regional networks and partnerships with industry players offer valuable opportunities for professional development and employment.

(Please note: if more detailed or specific information is required, please consult the official City University of Hong Kong website or academic catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date data.)