POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Postgraduate Programs 2026/27
Master of Science Program in Smart Manufacturing
Award Title
Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing
Program Short Name
MSc(SMMG)
Mode of Study
Full-time
Normative Program Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Program Fee
RMB 280,000
Offering Unit
Smart Manufacturing Thrust Area
Systems Hub
Program Advisor
Program Director:
Prof. Kaihao ZHANG, Assistant Professor of Smart Manufacturing
Website
Enquiry
Smart Manufacturing systems are fully integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond quickly to meet changing demands and conditions in smart factories, supply networks, and customer needs. To state it simply, it is the use of real time data and cutting-edge technologies to support factories in making effective and accurate engineering decisions and creating highly differentiated, cost-effective, and competitive products that match market needs.
The Smart Manufacturing Thrust established under the Systems Hub at HKUST(GZ) aims to enhance HKUST(GZ)’s international visibility in this field and foster the development of smart manufacturing in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond through nurturing talents and exploring novel R&D achievements.
The Master of Science Program in Smart Manufacturing provides professional training and educates a new breed of workforce for the fourth industrial revolution, featured by advanced computer technologies (such as AI and big data) and new manufacturing technologies (such as 3D printing). We seek to train and equip students with cutting-edge knowledge in smart design and manufacturing technologies, sensing, data analytics, and control. The rigorous program lasting for two-years (full time) (38 credits in total) will provide theoretical, experimental, and data-analytical training comparable to similar MSc degrees offered by leading universities in China and other countries. The MSc(SMMG) program is strategically in line with the Smart Manufacturing Thrust and will educate and produce the much-needed workforce for the region and beyond.
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest smart manufacturing technologies, including Additive Manufacturing (both metallic and non-metallic), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics;
- Explain how to design and optimize smart manufacturing processes and systems, including manufacturing and production processes, equipment, and logistics, to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality;
- Explain how to collect, process, and analyze data from manufacturing/production processes, equipment, and products to make informed decisions and improve business outcomes;
- Acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in engineering, computer science, data analytics, and business management that is essential for success in the field of smart manufacturing;
- Develop communication and collaboration skills that are necessary for working in cross-functional teams in a dynamic and fast-paced business environment; and
- Develop project management skills that are crucial for implementing smart manufacturing processes and systems, including how to plan, organize, and execute projects, and manage resources effectively.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
38 credits
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Credit Transfer
Subject to the approval of the Program Director, and the University’s regulation governing credit transfer, students may apply for credit transfer or course substitution of no more than 6 credits.
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Required Courses
12 credits. Students are required to select at least 4 courses from the following 5 pillars.
Pillar 1: Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
MSSM 5001
Additive Manufacturing Introduction
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course covers selected topics of current interest in additive manufacturing. Students will study the fundamentals of various additive manufacturing techniques, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), two-photon lithography, stereolithography (SLA), etc. The additive manufacturing process (FDM or SLA as an example) will be illustrated by actual model design, system setup and fabrication of parts.
Pillar 2: Design and Digitization for Manufacturing
MSSM 5003
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
3 Credit(s)
Description
This is a course in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) that focuses on the principles and techniques involved in designing products for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing and assembly processes. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize the design of products, considering factors such as ease of manufacturing, assembly, and overall product quality.
Pillar 3: Systems, Simulations & Control
MSSM 5011
Computerized Numerical Control Technology
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course covers the contents of the principle and applications of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC), like the fundamental technologies of numerical control (including interpreter, interpolator, control of acceleration and deceleration, and position control system), and the characteristics and industrial applications of typical CNC controllers and CNC machine tool.
Pillar 4: Materials & Micro/Nano Fabrication
MSSM 5013
Introduction to Precision Engineering
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques used in precision engineering, including tool materials, mechanics of cutting, ultra-precision machine elements, MEMS and nanoscale additive manufacturing. Based on these accumulations, this course also covers topics such as the industry growth, global state and the future of precision engineering.
Pillar 5: Robotics and Automation
MSSM 5014
Robotics Manufacturing
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces students to wide fundamental concepts, techniques, and technologies in robotics-enabled manufacturing automation and optimization. The course covers wide topics including robot kinematic and dynamic modeling, GPU-based solid modeling, control system design, sensors and perception, motion planning, and process control. Students will explore integrating robotic techniques into the manufacturing process to enable design automation and optimization for smart manufacturing.
- Elective Courses
12 credits
Students may take any postgraduate elective courses offered by the SMMG Thrust. Subject to prior approval of the Program Director, students may take up to 6 credits of postgraduate courses offered by other Thrusts that align with their study plans.
- Industry Internship Project
8 credits
MSSM 6001
Industry Internship Project I
4 Credit(s)
Description
The Industry Internship Project provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and academic training to real-world manufacturing environments, allowing them to gain practical experience and witness the application of smart manufacturing concepts in action. Students are required to complete an industry internship with a duration of 6 months. The internship consists of two parts. In MSSM 6001, students are required to submit a mid-term progress report for review by the academic and industry supervisors. Graded PP, P or F.
MSSM 6002
Industry Internship Project II
4 Credit(s)
Description
The Industry Internship Project provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and academic training to real-world manufacturing environments, allowing them to gain practical experience and witness the application of smart manufacturing concepts in action. Students are required to complete an industry internship with a duration of 6 months. The internship consists of two parts. In MSSM 6002, students are required to submit a final internship report for review by a committee consisting of the academic and industrial supervisors, and the Program Director. Graded P or F.
The Industry Internship Project provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and academic training to real-world manufacturing environments, allowing them to gain practical experience and witness the application of smart manufacturing concepts in action.
Students are required to complete an industry internship with a duration of 6 months. The internship consists of two parts. In MSSM 6001, students are required to submit a mid-term progress report for review by the academic and industry supervisors. In MSSM 6002, students are required to submit a final internship report for review by a committee consisting of the academic and industrial supervisors, and the Program Director.
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Capstone Project
6 credits
MSSM 6003
Capstone Project
6 Credit(s)
Students are required to undertake a capstone project in the last term of the program. The capstone project should generally be combined with the industry internship training and coursework study, with a duration of a regular term. By the end of the term, students need to finish and submit a project report and give a defense presentation.
* Postgraduate students who are Chinese citizens are required to fulfill the Political Education requirement (3 credits for master's students, 2 credits for PhD students).
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
1. General Admission Requirements of the University
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
2. English Language Admission Requirements
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
3. Additional Information
A bachelor’s degree in Applied Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, Automation or other Science and Engineering fields is preferred.
Apply online before the application deadlines.
Application Fee
RMB 300
Application Deadlines
For 2026/27 Fall Term Intake:
International students*
15 Jun 2026
Chinese students
15 Jul 2026
Application Open On
21 July 2025
* All international students are required to obtain a student visa (X visa) for studying in China's mainland. For details on student visa (X visa) requirements, please click here.
