Master of Social Sciences in Global and Hong Kong Studies

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

Introduction

The Master of Social Sciences in Global Hong Kong Studies is the first Master programme that adopts multi-dimensional and multidisciplinary perspectives on studying and understanding Hong Kong. It aims to provide students with a macroscopic perspective in analyzing the historical transformation of global order through the changing status of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereign powers. Having equipped with global and historical perspectives, this programme distinctively encourages students to microscopically examine social, cultural, political and economic aspects of Hong Kong’s development in detail.

Graduates of this programme will be equipped to theorize Hong Kong within an area studies and global context (local in global) and to make sense of global trends through the transformation of Hong Kong (global in local). Such knowledge and skills are applicable to a wide range of careers in the government, mass media, education, non-governmental organizations, as well as in private enterprises.

Graduate of this programme will be able to pursue their doctoral studies, or another Master-level studies, in a variety of disciplines, ranging from China Studies to Hong Kong Studies, from global studies to disciplinary subjects such as sociology and political science, and from interdisciplinary studies to specific disciplinary research degrees.

Programme Aims

The objectives of this Master of Social Sciences in Global and Hong Kong Studies programme are:

1. To develop multidisciplinary perspectives for students to comprehend the transformations and developments of Hong Kong and the world;
2. To foster in students a deep understanding of Global Hong Kong Studies and the interface and interactions between the local and the global dimensions; and
3. To assist students in mastering the skills of researching, exploring and analysing the complex interactions between Hong Kong and the world.

On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following abilities:

• Master the up-to-date knowledge of the complexity and dynamism in Hong Kong’s developments in the national, regional and global contexts;
• Acquire multiple perspectives and innovative skills in studying Hong Kong and its interaction with Greater China, Asia-Pacific and the globalizing world;
• Apply concepts, theories and methodology of Global Hong Kong Studies empirically to case studies and real-life examples by creatively imagining future possibilities as well as solutions; and
• Uphold ethical responsibility and sensitive to the multiplicity and diversity of values in Global Hong Kong Studies.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises 24 credit points (cps). Students normally take one to two years to complete the programme. They need to attend classes which may be held in the evening/daytime on weekdays or weekends at the Tai Po Campus or Tseung Kwan O Study Centre and/or satellite study center near Kowloon Tong as decided by the University.