Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at City University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to prepare students for effective leadership and policy-making roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theories and methods from political science, economics, public administration, and law to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate public policies in complex and dynamic environments.

Throughout the program, students will gain a deep understanding of the political, economic, social, and environmental factors that influence policy decisions and outcomes. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and strategic communication skills essential for addressing contemporary policy challenges. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including governance, public management, social policy, international development, and urban planning, with particular attention to issues relevant to the Hong Kong context and the Asia-Pacific region.

The program is structured to combine theoretical learning with practical applications. Students will engage in case studies, policy simulations, internships, and research projects that provide real-world experience and foster connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. The faculty comprises distinguished scholars and practitioners with extensive expertise in policy research, public administration, and regional affairs, ensuring that students receive up-to-date knowledge and mentorship.

Designed to accommodate diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, the program offers flexible part-time and full-time study options. Graduates of the MPP program will be well-prepared for careers in government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations, as well as for further academic research or doctoral studies. The City University of Hong Kong’s MPP program aims to cultivate innovative, analytical, and ethical leaders committed to designing and implementing policies that promote sustainable development, social equity, and good governance in Hong Kong and beyond.

• POL Staff-led Seminars for Research Students
• Postgraduate Thesis Seminar
• Politics and Public Policy
• Research Design, Methodology, and Ethics
• Teaching Students: First Steps

Qualifying/Annual Report Submission

Students must submit a qualifying report within the specified qualifying period as follow:
Full-time: within 6-12 months from the start of study
Part-time: within 9-18 months from the start of study.

After completing the qualifying report, students must submit progress reports on an annual basis until they have submitted the final version of their thesis for oral examination and have completed any other programme requirements.

Thesis

The 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 indicate prospects for making serious theoretical contributions.

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 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computerbased test) or 79 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band score of 6.5 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 Master of Public Policy (MPP) at City University of Hong Kong is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of public policy formulation, analysis, and implementation in a global context. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, think tanks, and the private sector that interacts closely with public policy issues. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical skills, emphasizing policy analysis, decision-making processes, governance, and the socio-economic factors influencing policy development. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework covering topics such as public administration, economic policy, social policy, environmental policy, and urban planning, ensuring a well-rounded education that addresses contemporary challenges faced by urban and national governments.

The program typically combines core courses with electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as health policy, education policy, or environmental management. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, contributing both academic rigor and real-world insights. Practical experience is often incorporated through case studies, policy simulations, internships, and collaboration with government departments or international organizations. This approach helps students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills vital for effective policy-making.

Additionally, the MPP program at CityU emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent research projects that contribute to the understanding of pressing public policy issues. The campus provides a dynamic learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and access to extensive resources including policy labs and digital libraries. The programme also fosters an international perspective by attracting students from different countries, enabling cross-cultural exchange and networking, which are essential in today’s interconnected global landscape.

Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to influence public policy at various levels, from local government to international agencies. They are equipped to analyze complex policy issues, assess socio-economic impacts, and craft innovative solutions that promote sustainability, social equity, and economic development. The city’s strategic location in Asia, combined with partnerships and collaborations facilitated by CityU, creates numerous opportunities for internships, research projects, and employment in sectors relevant to public policy.

The duration of the programme is typically one to two years, depending on whether students are studying full-time or part-time. Admission requirements usually include a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience (preferable but not mandatory), and proficiency in English. The programme strives to develop leaders who are capable of navigating the increasingly complex landscape of public governance and policy, making meaningful contributions to society and improving quality of life for diverse populations.