POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Postgraduate Programs 2026/27
Master of Science Program in Technology and Policy
Award Title
Master of Science in Technology and Policy
Program Short Name
MSc(TP)
Mode of Study
Full-time
Normative Program Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Program Fee
Please refer to the Program's website.
Offering Unit
Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship Thrust Area
Society Hub
Program Advisor
Program Director:
Prof Coco Dijia DU, Research Associate Professor of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change
Enquiry
Master of Science in Technology and Policy (MSc(TP)) program will provide professional training to cope with the rapid development in technology-related sectors. In many areas, public policies play a fundamental role in shaping the development, application, and market. We seek to train students and equip them with cutting-edge knowledge in technology sectors and bridge the divide between industries and government. The rigorous two-year program will provide skill-based training in the uses of analytic methods for public policy and the development of expertise in best policy practices, comparable to MSc(TP) degrees offered by leading universities in Europe, the United States. This will be the first program in Greater China that offers a Master's program focusing on technology and policy. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be leaders in government, business, and NGOs to shape public policies of technology, to guide and nurture technologies that change our society.
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify key development and trends in technology sector;
- Define and analyze complex problems in the development and application of disruptive technologies, and design original and innovative solutions for business and government;
- Understand policymaking in technology development and innovation and contribute to policy development through the applications of evidence-based approaches; and
- Communicate effectively with other professionals in a diverse range of task environment.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
39 credits
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Credit Transfer
Subject to the approval of the Program Director, students may apply for credit transfer or course substitution of no more than 12 credits.
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Core Courses
15 credits
IPEN 5110
Foundation in Public Policy
3 Credit(s)
Description
The course will provide an advanced foundation in the study and practice of public policy at the level required for graduate study. The course will cover both the historic foundations of policy studies, as well as emerging approaches and directions. As the study of public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, it will include perspectives from political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science. It will take a broad view of public policy, including taking up some of the core literature on public management and public administration.
or PPOL 5110
Foundation in Public Policy
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course is required for all first-year MPhil/PhD students in Public Policy. The course will provide an advanced foundation in the study and practice of public policy at the level required for graduate study. The course will cover both the historic foundations of policy studies, as well as emerging approaches and directions. As the study of public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, it will include perspectives from political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science. It will take a broad view of public policy, including taking up some of the core literature on public management and public administration.
IPEN 5130
Economics of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces the economics of technology innovation and entrepreneurship through the combined perspectives of microeconomics and macroeconomics. It covers microeconomic core modules concerning consumers, firms, markets, and governments, as well as macroeconomic core modules on economic growth associated with entrepreneurship and innovation.
IPEN 5150
Policy Analysis for Technology and Innovation
3 Credit(s)
Description
Technological innovation is increasingly the source of sustainable competitive advantage for firms worldwide. This course introduces a grounding in the field of technology and innovation, with an emphasis on economic policy and business strategy. The course will be highly interactive and apply multiple disciplines including economics, management, law and public policy.
IPEN 5160
Big Data Applications for Business and Government
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course will cover the key concepts and technologies of big data and data analysis, with a focus on the application of big data in formulating business strategies and policies, and related research issues on how big data affects the direction of business and policy development. The course will provide students with practical training on big data and data analysis based on real-world business or policy issues, ranging from collecting and preprocessing to organizing and analyzing large-scale data.
IPEN 5180
Disruptive Technology and Society
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course gives students a broad introduction to the key disruptive technologies, such as mobile internet, AI, and robotics, that have transformed our society. We will examine the practical applications of these technologies and discuss their socioeconomic impacts and policy responses. We will also look at the potential for businesses and governments to harness these disruptive technologies to deliver new services or improve existing ones and enhance value in public and private sectors.
- Elective Courses
15 credits
Students can take the following courses to meet the elective course requirement:
• Any postgraduate elective courses offered by IPE
• Any postgraduate elective courses offered by PPOL
• A list of other elective courses offered at either HKUST or HKUST(GZ) in a particular year will be announced at the beginning of each intake.
Additional coursework may be required as part of the program preparation.
- Project
3 credits
IPEN 6111
Independent Project in Technology and Policy
3 Credit(s)
Students are required to conduct in-depth, independent research in technology and policy. Each project will be supervised by one faculty member at HKUST(GZ). Students are expected to complete the project in the Summer Term of their first academic year or in the Winter Term of their second academic year.
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Internship
6 credits
IPEN 6050
Internship I
3 Credit(s)
IPEN 6051
Internship II
3 Credit(s)
Students are required to complete a guaranteed internship with a duration of 6 months. Each internship will be supervised by one academic supervisor at HKUST(GZ) and one industrial supervisor as a pair.
Students are required to complete internship reports consisting of two parts. Students are required to pass oral examinations consisting of one Open Topic Report and one Final Report. Each oral presentation should normally take approximately 1 hour. The Open Topic Report will be examined based on the scientific value, feasibility and technical challenges of the proposed topic. The Final Report will examine the industry collaboration progress, final output from the internship and gains of the students.
- Remarks
Students who are interested to spend one to two regular terms studying at HKUST are required to submit an application in their first year of study, and priority for approval will be given in consideration of their academic performance and career plan.
(For 2026/27 intake, the curriculum is subject to change.)
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.
Apply online before the application deadlines.
Application Fee
RMB 250
Application Deadlines
For 2026/27 Fall Term Intake:
International students*
15 Jun 2026
Chinese students
15 Jul 2026
* 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.
