for International Applicants - Times Higher Education

Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles Faculty of
Business Faculty of Construction and Environment
Faculty of Engineering Faculty
&
Undergraduate
of Health and Social
Sciences Faculty of Humanities School of Design
Postgraduate Studies
School of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty
of Applied Science and Textiles Faculty of Business
Faculty of for Construction International and Environment ApplicantsFaculty
of
Engineering Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities School of Design School of
Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Applied
Science and Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty
of Construction and Environment Faculty of
Engineering Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities School of Design School of
Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Applied
Science and Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty of
Construction and Environment Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Faculty of
Humanities School of Design School of Hotel and
Tourism Management Faculty of Applied Science and
Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty of Construction
and Environment Faculty of Engineering Faculty of
Health and Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities
School of Design School of Hotel and Tourism

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Foreword
Celebrating its 75 th Anniversary in 2012, The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to
become a leading university that excels in professional
education, applied research and partnership for the
betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.
PolyU provides a stimulating educational environment
for students, and a unique combination of Eastern
and Western cultures. We believe that the PolyU
experience helps prepare students to realise their
potential, not only in this territory, which is emerging as
one of the world’s largest and most vibrant economies,
but also in the wider world.
While equipping students with specific professional
knowledge, the University is also firmly committed
to ensuring that our students benefit from an allround
education. We nurture “practical dreamers” of
tomorrow so that they are able to serve the global
society, to challenge the present and enrich the future.
With strong emphasis on holistic development
of students and nurture critical thinkers, effective
communicators, innovative problem solvers, lifelong
learners and ethical leaders, our new four-year
undergraduate curriculum will serve to provide students
with truly value-added educational experience.
Over the years, more than 310,000 PolyU graduates
have made significant contributions to the social and
economic development of Hong Kong, helping to
make this city one of the most dynamic international
metropolises in the world.
I cordially invite you to explore the wide range of study
opportunities presented in this handbook. Whatever
programme you may choose, we will do our best to
ensure that your time with PolyU is both productive
and enjoyable.
Finally, I look forward to welcoming you as one of our
students.
Timothy W. Tong, Ph.D.
President
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Contents
Living and Studying in Hong Kong 2
Reasons to Study at PolyU 4
PolyU’s Distinguished Achievements 6
Your Three Study Options at PolyU 8
Studying at PolyU 10
Choosing Your Areas of Study
Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles 12
Faculty of Business 13
Faculty of Construction and Environment 14
Faculty of Engineering 15
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences 16
Faculty of Humanities 17
School of Design 18
School of Hotel and Tourism Management 19
Student Life at PolyU 20
Accommodation 21
Our Campus 22
What Others Say… 23
1

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Living and Studying in Hong Kong
Asia’s world city
Hong Kong (which means “Fragrant Harbour” in
Chinese) is one of the most dynamic cities in the
world. The city evolved in just over 200 years from a
provincial fishing village into the cosmopolitan city it is
today. Located on China’s South-eastern seaboard,
it is a popular stopover for international travel. Hong
Kong has a multicultural community and enjoys a
unique fusion of cultures and an array of leisure options.
As an international centre of commerce, the city is
home to many major international financial institutions
and business headquarters and has been ranked the
world’s freest economy for 18 consecutive years.* A
world-class city vibrant with life and activities, it is one
of the most promising Asian cities of the future.
Fast facts about Hong Kong
Population : Just over 7 million (2011)
www.censtatd.gov.hk
Land area : 1,104 square kilometres
Climate
: Subtropical climate with temperature ranges from below
10°C in winter to exceeding 31°C in the summer. Rainfall
occurs mostly between April and September.
Language : Chinese and English
are the official
languages. Spoken dialect primarily in Cantonese;
Putonghua has gained in prominence.
2

Unique location
The city’s unique location serves as a gateway to the
Chinese mainland and the rest of Asia. You can easily
visit the mainland, one of the world’s fastest growing
economies. Alternatively, it is easy to hop over to
Macau or other countries in the Asian region.
Dynamic culture
Hong Kong—famously known as “the City of Light”—
presents an ever-changing kaleidoscope of culture and
traditions. A city rising out of the sea and with many
stories to tell, Hong Kong embraces ancient traditions
in easy harmony with the most current international
fashions and developments.
Accessibility
Hong Kong is such a compact place that getting
around is easy. Our well-developed public
transportation network and bilingual signage ensure
your quick, convenient and easy access to almost
anywhere in the city.
Law and Order
Hong Kong’s crime rate is very low by international
standards and it is considered one of the safest cities
in the world. However, you should always take the
common-sense precautions, especially when you
travel alone or out and about after dark.
International and upbeat lifestyle
Hong Kong has something for everyone. As a gourmet
paradise and shopper’s heaven, the city offers a
glittering array of local and international choices. And if
you yearn to escape to greener landscapes, numerous
country parks and hiking trails offer “active relaxation”
and spectacular views over Hong Kong’s picturesque
scenery!
* Poll by Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal from US and Cato/Fraser Institutes of Canada.
3

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Reasons to Study
at PolyU
Supporting the industries
Serving the community
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
(PolyU) is dedicated to supporting the
industries and serving the community.
Established in 1937, PolyU enjoys a
proud and illustrious history and
assumed full university status in
1994. We are internationally known for
our excellence in innovative research and
unique programmes.
Over the years, we have groomed over
310,000 graduates, many of whom
have become leaders in their professional
fields, contributing their knowledge and
expertise to building Hong Kong’s thriving
economy. We look forward to welcoming
you to the PolyU community and hope it
will be an empowering experience which
will enhance your future prospects.
Our strategic location
Hong Kong is located in the heart of Asia, and serves
as a gateway to the Chinese mainland and many cities
in Asia. Our campus is also located right in the heart
of Hong Kong with easy access to key districts and
major attractions.
Our vibrant culture
With over 29,000 students, we have the largest
student community of any of Hong Kong’s publicly
funded universities. These include more than 1,000
international students from over 50 countries annually,
including 550 exchange students from over 220
universities in 25 countries and regions.
Our excellent facilities and services
We offer a wide range of support services and
facilities, such as wireless internet access, student
counselling, health services and sporting facilities.
Facilities to meet your learning needs include an
Industrial Centre, a well-equipped library holdings of
more than 2,300,000 learning and reference items,
and state-of-the-art laboratories.
4

Our faculties and schools
Each of our six faculties and two schools has its
own unique strengths, all providing excellence in
teaching and course delivery. Supported by over 1,200
academic staff members recruited from established
institutions globally, many being international leaders
in their fields, with the substantial industry experience
necessary to provide you with a career relevant
education.
Our unique programmes
You can choose from over 180 academic programmes
at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. All
are designed to equip our students with professional
competency for the globalised world. We are Hong
Kong’s sole provider of full-time Bachelor’s degree
programmes in: Design, Engineering Physics,
Environment and Sustainable Development, Fashion
and Textiles, Geomatics, International Shipping and
Transport Logistics, Medical Laboratory Science,
Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, and
Radiography. Our programmes are flexible and can be
taken with Double-Degree Options and Major/Minor
Combinations.
Our global citizens
PolyU is committed to education and preparing
students to becoming global citizens through quality
learning and teaching. We are the only university in
Hong Kong whose curriculum mandates a Work-
Integrated Education (WIE) component and a
“Preferred Graduate” Development Programme
(PGDP) to facilitate work-based learning. Therefore our
graduates are sought after by employers.
Our outstanding achievements
From cutting edge research, teaching excellence to
international awards and prizes, PolyU is a university
in which you can take pride. In addition to grooming
preferred graduates, we make significant contributions
towards the territory’s success and enhance strong
partnerships by providing an expanding range of
consultancy, professional training and applied research
services to the public and private sectors.
5

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
PolyU’s Distinguished Achievements
A University that
makes you proud
World Recognition
PolyU is one of the top 200 institutions in the world (QS
World University Rankings 2011) and is among the top 30
in Asia (QS Asian University Rankings 2012). We ranked 13
among all institutions in the world which are under 50 years of
establishments (QS Top 50 under 50 2012).
Our Faculty of Construction and Environment came 1 st
in
research performance globally in terms of the total number
of papers published in SCI journals and the total number
of citations in the three disciplines of Civil Engineering,
Construction and Building Technology, and Geomatics
(Thomson Reuters).
Knowledge Transfer
Over 570 consultancy projects serving more than 360
companies and organisations with turnover more than
HKD100M (2011/12).
About 45 applied R&D projects supported by external funding
of over HKD66M (2011/12).
Over 60 licensing agreements with collaborative partners
(2011/12).
Over 400 patents granted and more than 590 inventions
pending patents (as of June 2012).
Our School of Hotel and Tourism Management was ranked 2 nd
in the world among major academic institutions in hospitality
and tourism based on research and scholarly activities (Journal
of Hospitality and Research, 2009).
Our “Arts and Humanities” discipline was ranked 21 st in Asia (QS
Asian University Rankings 2012).
Our School of Design was ranked among the top 30 in the
world and the six best in Asia (BusinessWeek, 2009).
Our Faculty of Business is ranked 60 th in the world and 2 nd in
Hong Kong according to the latest University of Texas at Dallas
(UTD) Top 100 World Rankings of Business Schools, 2007-2011.
Our Faculty of Engineering has gained the 70 th
place in
“Engineering and Technology” subject ranking (QS World
University Rankings 2010).
Our "Mathematics" discipline is ranked among the world top 75
(Academic Ranking of World Universities 2012 announced by
the Shanghai Jiao Tong University) and the world top 100 (QS
World University Rankings by subject 2012).
Serving the Community
Over 7,600 students and staff served more than 520,000 needy
people in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and overseas
through PolyU’s Community Service Learning Programme, one
of the many service programmes in the University (2004-2011).
Collaborating with Sichuan University to establish China’s first
Training Institute on Disaster Management and Reconstruction,
with a donation of RMB200 Million from The Hong Kong Jockey
Club after years of hard work following the Sichuan earthquake
in 2008.
Nurturing Talents
310,000 graduates contributing to the social and economic
development of Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the
world (since 1937).
6

Global Network
Spearheaded and won the consecutive successful bid for the
Erasmus Mundus (EM) Mobility Programme from the European
Commission in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with eleven higher
education institutions across Europe and South East Asia.
An extensive network with over 530 institutions/organizations
located across over 40 countries and regions (as of June 2012).
Student Exchange Programme with over 220 renowned
universities in 25 countries and regions (as of June 2012).
Offshore internship opportunities in 40+ countries and regions
and 20+ cities on the Chinese mainland (1997-2011).
Innovation Awards
More than 170 awards, including 55 Gold Awards in
international invention expos (since 2001).
Research Excellence
About 2,700 research projects in progress with over HKD1,410M
funded by research grants and external funds (2010/11).
Mainland Connections
A strong network in the Chinese mainland through five
establishments, including two outpost centres in Hangzhou and
Xi’an; the Institute on Disaster Management and Reconstruction
in Chengdu; the liaison office in Beijing; and the PolyU Base for
Commercialization, Training and Research in Shenzhen.
Collaborating with 350+ mainland institutions on 900+ projects
(2011/12).
7

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Your 3 Study Options at PolyU
Challenge yourself
Here at PolyU, we are committed to helping our
students realize their potentials and preparing them
for their future careers in the globalised world. We
put emphasis on internationalisation of education,
fostering global student exchanges and partnerships
with over 220 universities in 25 countries and regions.
Studying abroad or participating in an exchange is an
excellent way to make new friends, explore a totally
different culture, broaden your academic horizons and
develop self awareness. It can be an enriching and
empowering experience which complements your
formal education and may open career doors you have
not considered before. Deciding to study abroad or
participating in an exchange is an important decision to
make and the experience should be both academically
and personally rewarding. Most importantly, your degree
and the time spent on it should contribute to your future
career. PolyU can be the pathway to your aspirations.
8

As an international student* at PolyU, you have three study options:
Full-time Student exchange Student abroad
If you are currently residing and
studying overseas but want to
pursue your entire fee-paying
programme at PolyU, you can
apply for full-time studies as
an international student.
If your home institution has a
formal student exchange university
agreement with PolyU, you can
apply for student exchange
at PolyU. This means that you do
not need to pay additional tuition
fee to PolyU and your exchange
can lasts from one semester to
one academic year.
If your university does not
have a formal student exchange
agreement, you can still study at
PolyU via the fee-paying study
abroad programme. As with the
student exchange programme,
you can spend one semester to
one academic year at PolyU.
Our academic programmes are all professionally
oriented and designed specifically to meet the
requirements of the business and industrial sectors
and the community. We offer programmes leading
to Doctoral, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, as
well as Postgraduate Diploma and Higher Diploma.
The programmes are supported by 1,200 academic
and research staff members from different parts
of the world. We also offer various Double-Degree
programmes co-hosted by two faculties/departments.
We have a long tradition of welcoming students from
around the world and encouraging our own students to
include a study abroad experience or exchange in their
own study plans. Challenge yourself and sharpen your
competitive edge for the future by studying at PolyU.
* An international student refers to a person who requires a student visa to study in Hong Kong.
9

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Studying at PolyU
A New
Adventure Begins
Academic Year
The academic year begins in September each year.
It is divided into two teaching semesters, each of 14
weeks, and a 7-week summer term.
Teaching
English is the medium of instruction, except for
Chinese-related subjects and specially approved
programmes. Teaching is usually in the form of
lectures, sometimes tutorials and seminars, and
possibly supplemented by laboratory and/or practical
sessions depending on your discipline.
Course load
A typical bachelor’s degree takes four years to
complete with a minimum credit requirement for
graduation being 120 credits. Some programmes
may require more than 120 credits, in order to meet
professional accreditation requirements.
Student exchange and study abroad students are
required to complete a minimum of 9 credits and
a maximum of 18 credits per semester. As most
subjects carry 3 credits each (approximately 42
teaching hours), students are recommended to take
4–6 subjects per semester.
10

Curriculum Structure
Our four-year curriculum places particular emphasis on the development of students’ generic competencies within
the discipline-specific curriculum, and through the University’s general education programme. The structure and key
components of the curriculum is shown below:
University Core (General
Education) Curriculum
[30 credits]
Major Study
[66–102 credits]
Minor Study/Free Electives
[Remaining credits]
Language and Communication
[9 credits plus Reading and Writing
Requirements in English and Chinese]
Freshman Seminar
[3 credits]
Leadership and Intra-personal Development
[3 credits]
Service-learning
[3 credits]
Healthy Lifestyle
[non-credit-bearing]
Common underpinning subjects for the
Broad Discipline
Discipline-specific subjects for Major study
Capstone Project
[minimum 3 credits]
Broadening subjects chosen from the following 4
clusters:
- Human Nature, Relations and Development
- Community, Organization and Globalization
- History, Culture and World Views
- Science, Technology and Environment
[12 credits, 3 credits in each cluster; minimum 6
credits of which should be in subjects designated
as “China-related”]
Work-Integrated Education
[mandatory]
[Including a minimum of 4-credit Discipline-specific Language Requirement
(2 credits in English and 2 credits in Chinese)]
Minor Study [Optional]
[18 credits]
Free Electives
Assessment
Your academic progress will be assessed by methods
that include fieldwork, laboratory assignments,
projects, tests and/or examinations. Examinations
normally take place in December/January and April/
May every year, after the teaching semesters.
Language requirements
We have language and general education
requirements for students who are interested in
undertaking our programmes and you may be required
to take an internal language proficiency test. Please
check with the relative departments or faculties for
further information.
Applicants with physical
disabilities
Applicants who fulfil the essential entrance
requirements and satisfy the specified physical
demands of the selected programme will be
considered for admission on the same academic
grounds as other applicants. Reasonable use of
assistive technology is welcomed where necessary.
Mature applicants
Those who have reached the age of 25 by 1
September in the admission year are considered as
mature applicants. They may be admitted without
filling the stipulated entrance qualifications, but they
must demonstrate sufficient motivation, knowledge
and potential to complete the programme successfully.
Visas
When you are formally given an offer, we will help you
apply for a student visa. Details about visa applications,
immigration regulations, health care and information on
other non-academic matters will be sent to you.
Credit transfers
Normally, no more than 50 per cent of the total credits
required for your reward award can be transferred from
other institutions. For bachelor’s degree programmes,
applicants with GCE A-Level or IB qualifications
may be granted a maximum of 25% of the credit
requirement. Candidates planning to come to PolyU
for exchange should check with their home institutions
about credit transfer arrangements.
11

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Choosing Your Area of Study
Broaden your horizons
Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles
www.polyu.edu.hk/fast
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical
Technology (ABCT)
Department of Applied Mathematics (AM)
Department of Applied Physics (AP)
Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC)
We offer a comprehensive range of academic programmes
from Higher Diploma level to Postgraduate studies with various
modes of study. Our programmes focus on application and
industrial relevance, with the aim of enriching multi-disciplinary
knowledge and enhancing our graduates’ competitiveness in
their future careers.
Our faculty has state-of-the-art learning and research facilities
and our staff are active in research and consultancy services.
Key achievements
•• The ABCT received funding from the University Grants
Committee to establish “Area of Excellence” in the areas of
“Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis”
and “Chinese Medicine and Further Development”. Apart
from the establishment of a State Key Lab in Chirosciences
as a partner laboratory to the Shanghai Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Department
has also set up the Food Safety and Technology Research
Centre, the first of its kind run by a higher education
institution. Two ABCT scholars have been selected by the
State Ministry of Science and Technology for the National
Science and Technology Programmes Expert Database.
•• The AMA established the AMSS-PolyU Joint Research
Institute to foster technical exchange and research
cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong
Kong on matters concerning Engineering and Management
Mathematics.
•• The AP is strong in nanomaterials, photonic materials and
devices, smart materials and devices, and theoretical and
computational physics.
•• The ITC is internationally recognized as one of the top three
world-class research centres in the field of textiles and
clothing. Our staff and students won numerous local and
international prizes and awards in areas of Fashion Design
and Textile Technology.
•• International awards won by our departments include those
from the International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques
and Products in Geneva. Winning research projects include
preparation of selenium nanoparticles with strong anti-tumor
activity using tiger milk mushroom, a novel QPAR technique
for extracting valuable information from herbal medicine,
hygienic socks with antifungal microcapsules for patients with
tinea pedis, functional and decorative textile products through
sputtering technology, portable real-time DNA biosensor, quick
test system for formaldehyde in textiles and clothing, discovery
of polyomnics – an innovative class of cell regenerative agents.
We have also obtained patents and licenses locally and from
overseas.
Areas of study
•• Actuarial Science
•• Applied Biology with Biotechnology
•• Applied Mathematics for Science and Technology
•• Applied Physics
•• Food Safety and Technology
•• Investment Science
•• Optoelectronics
•• Range of specialisms in Fashion and Textiles
(Fashion Business, Fashion Design and Fashion Technology)
•• Statistics and Computing
12

Faculty of Business
www.polyu.edu.hk/fb
School of Accounting and Finance
Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies
Department of Management and Marketing
The Faculty of Business is one of the largest business schools
in the Asia Pacific region with over 5,100 undergraduates and
postgraduates, and over 33,000 alumni who are leaders in
their own professions and industries. Our 200 academics are
recruited from all over the world, many with professional and
commercial experiences, dedicated to excellence in business
education, research and scholarship in a professional context.
All programmes are outcome orientated, with emphasis on
integrating theory with business practice. We strive to pursue
academic excellence through a global and interdisciplinary
approach to education and research. We nurture a global
outlook in our students and prepare them for a career in an
international business environment, allowing them to immerse
themselves in the workforce immediately upon graduation.
Key achievements
•• Our Faculty is among a small group of business schools
in the world with Triple Accreditation from AACSB (The
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business),
EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA
(Association of MBAs).
•• We are ranked 60
th in the world and 2 nd in Hong Kong
according to the latest University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
Top 100 World Rankings of Business Schools 2007–11.
The league table was compiled on the basis of research
contributions to 24 leading business journals during the
period.
•• Our Faculty's Finance and Economics research is ranked
42 nd in the world according to a study published in the
Journal of Financial Economics (2009).
st
•• Our Faculty’s shipping research is ranked 1 in the world,
based on 2009 to 2011 data from Thomas Reuters’ ISI Web
of Science.
•• Our Faculty’s port research is ranked 4
th in the world, based
on an analysis of port literature presented at the 2011
International Association of Maritime Economists conference
in a paper entitled “Port Research since 1980: An analysis of
Authorship and Institutional Affiliation”.
Areas of study
•• Accounting
•• Accounting and Finance
•• Financial Services
•• Global Supply Chain Management
•• International Shipping and Transport Logistics
•• Management
•• Marketing
www.facebook.com/PolyU.B.School
www.youtube.com/PolyUfb
13

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Faculty of Construction and Environment
www.polyu.edu.hk/fce
Department of Building and Real Estate
Department of Building Services Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering
Department of Land Surveying and Geo-
Informatics
The Faculty of Construction and Environment is the only one of
its kind in Hong Kong that prepares graduates for a wide range
of professions in the construction industry. Comprised of four
departments, the Faculty has 75 years of professional education
experience and is the biggest higher education provider of
professional manpower for the Hong Kong construction
industry.
Underpinned by years of research, most of our programmes
are accredited and recognized by professional bodies. Our
researchers have been active in applying their expertise and
research findings to challenging practical problems, contributing
directly to the development of industry and society. Examples
include the application of the Mega-Structure Diagnostic and
Prognostic System to monitor the structural health of the
Canton Tower, the formulation of energy-saving strategies for
the International Commerce Centre (ICC) building, the Public
Transport Enquiry Service (PTES) system that was co-developed
with the Transport Department of the Hong Kong SAR
Government, and the advanced Virtual Prototyping Technology
that has been adopted by major construction companies in
Hong Kong.
•• The Faculty’s research strength is also evidenced by its
success in securing competitive funding from the Research
Grants Council. In the category of “Civil Engineering,
Surveying, Building and Construction”, PolyU has remained
in the lead for 19 consecutive years since 1994/95.
•• We are the largest contributor to university-based research
in construction in Hong Kong, with more than 250 research
students enrolled in our MPhil and PhD programmes.
Areas of study
•• Building Engineering and Management
•• Building Services Engineering
•• Building Technology and Management
•• Civil Engineering
•• Construction and Real Estate
•• Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
•• Environment and Sustainable Development
•• Environmental Management and Engineering
•• Facility Management
•• Fire and Safety Engineering
•• Geomatics
•• International Real Estate
•• Project Management
•• Property Management
•• Surveying
•• Sustainable Urban Development
Key achievements
•• We have scored three number ones in the world in research
performance in terms of the total number of papers
published in SCI journals and the total number of citations in
the disciplines of Civil Engineering, Construction and Building
Technology, as well as Geomatics, according to independent
surveys by Thomson Reuters.
•• We were ranked 5
th in the world in terms of the quality
and impact of research publications in the area of Civil
Engineering (which is broadly defined to include a number
of related disciplines such as Construction & Building
Technology and Environmental Engineering), according to the
Taiwan Ranking 2011.
14

Faculty of Engineering
www.polyu.edu.hk/feng
Department of Computing
Department of Electrical Engineering
Department of Electronic and Information
Engineering
Department of Industrial and Systems
Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical
Engineering
The mission of the Faculty of Engineering is to educate
technological and engineering leaders of tomorrow. The
achievements of the students and graduates testify to
the success of our commitment to engineering education
innovation. Our bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees offer
broad-based interdisciplinary study opportunities to meet the
emerging needs of industries worldwide.
We are proud of our group of high level researchers who are
eminent leaders in their fields internationally. Over the past five
years, our academic staff members have published over 3,000
journal papers and made some 2,200 international conference
paper presentations. From 2007/08 to 2012/13, amongst the
local institutions, the combined achievements of all of PolyU’s
engineering and engineering-related departments in the
competitive bids to the General Research Grant of the Research
Grants Council were ranked 1 st in terms of the amount of
funding awarded.
Key achievements
•• We have gained significant recognition in the areas of
Engineering, Technology and Computer Science in the
world’s reputable ranking league tables, which include:
- Ranked 70 th in “Engineering and Technology” subject
ranking (QS World University Rankings 2010)
- Top 75 universities in “Engineering/Technology and
Computer Sciences” field, and in "Computer Science"
subject (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2011
published by the Centre for World-Class Universities and
the Institute of Higher Education of Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, China)
- Top 100 universities in “Engineering and IT” subject
ranking* (Times Higher Education – QS World University
Rankings 2009)
(Note: “Engineering” in the above covers PolyU's Faculty
of Engineering plus other Faculties/academic departments
in PolyU working in the engineering area.)
•• Examples of our award-winning research include: a worldfirst
innovative micro injection moulding machine, electric
vehicle, licensed exoskeleton robotic hand training device,
nanostructured materials generation system, palm print
security system, railway monitoring system and a highpowered
LED street lighting system with a modular lamp
holder.
Areas of study
•• Automotive Engineering
•• Biomedical Engineering
•• Computing
•• Electrical Engineering
•• Electronic and Information Engineering
•• Engineering and Technology Management
•• Enterprise Engineering
•• Enterprise Information Systems
•• Industrial and Systems Engineering
•• Information/Software Technology
•• Information Systems
•• Internet and Multimedia Technologies
•• Logistics Engineering
•• Mechanical Engineering
•• Product Analysis and Engineering Design
•• Product Engineering
•• Transportation Systems Engineering
15

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Faculty of Heath and Social Sciences
www.polyu.edu.hk/fhss
Department of Applied Social Sciences
Department of Health Technology and
Informatics
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
School of Nursing
School of Optometry
The Faculty of Health and Social Science emphasises the
integration of knowledge and practical skills, preparing students
to be caring, competent professionals in practice and critical
thinkers in theory. To keep up with changing social care and
health needs, we regularly review our teaching, research and
service activities for relevance and modify or create new ones
accordingly.
We offer academic programmes underpinned by research and
evidence-based practice. We arrange student placements with
different local and overseas hospitals, clinics and organizations
where they can acquire clinical/practical knowledge and
interpersonal skills in realistic settings. We also encourage interand
cross-disciplinary collaborative projects within and outside
the University.
Key achievements
•• The Faculty is Hong Kong’s sole provider of tertiary education
in Medical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy,
Optometry, Physiotherapy and Radiography. We are also the
sole provider of a professional doctoral programme in Health
Science in Hong Kong.
•• The World Health Organization (WHO) has commissioned our
School of Nursing to establish the only WHO Collaborating
Centre for Community Health Services in the Western
Pacific Region. The Centre provides health promotion
projects on the mainland, including the promotion of vision
care education in alliance with the Asia Pacific Council of
Optometry.
•• Our award-winning research includes: A Novel Optical
Method for Retarding Myopia Progression–“DISC” lens and
3D Ultrasound Imaging for Spine Scoliosis.
Areas of study
•• Applied Psychology
•• Education and Child Psychology
•• Guidance and Counselling
•• Health Care (Infection Control)
•• Health Informatics
•• Health Science
•• Medical Imaging and Radiation Science
•• Medical Laboratory Science
•• Mental Health Nursing
•• Nursing
•• Occupational Therapy
•• Optometry
•• Physiotherapy
•• Radiography
•• Rehabilitation Sciences
•• Social Policy and Administration
•• Social Sciences
•• Social Work
•• Sports Physiotherapy
16

Faculty of Humanities
www.polyu.edu.hk/fh
Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies
Department of Chinese Culture
Department of English
English Language Centre
General Education Centre
The Faculty of Humanities (FH) is a leading education providers
in Greater China and Asia in the fields of applied language
sciences, intercultural communication, and Chinese culture
studies. We aim to become an international hub for language
education and cultural studies.
The Faculty’s programmes are designed to equip students
with the knowledge and practical application abilities which
are essential in a wide range of professions. Our students are
trained to be attuned to the needs of our knowledge-based
and technology-intensive society. Situated in the culturally
stimulating urban context of Hong Kong, our programmes offer
the best of both worlds. Whether you are learning Chinese on its
own or striving for multilingual fluency, you will be well equipped
for your career in the Greater China region as well as the wider
international context.
Key achievements
•• Received widespread recognition locally and internationally.
The "Arts and Humanities" discipline at PolyU is ranked
among the top 200 in the world, and ranked 21 st in the QS
Asian University Rankings by faculty 2012.
•• Launched the first professional doctorate programme in
language sciences in Asia in 2012. The Doctor of Applied
Language Sciences (DALS) programme aims to help nurture
and develop a critical mass of future leaders in languagerelated
professions.
•• Spearheaded and won the consecutive successful bid for
the Erasmus Mundus (EM) Mobility Programme from the
European Commission in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration
with eleven higher education institutions across Europe and
South East Asia. The project is the first and only Erasmus
Mundus mobility programme offered to postgraduate
students and academic staff members in South East Asia
and Hong Kong.
•• Established The Speech Therapy Unit in 2012. The Unit
serves to provide valuable clinical experience for the training
of language and allied health professionals and cognitive
science students.
•• Established the PolyU-PekingU Research Centre on Chinese
Linguistics and the PolyU-Tsinghua U Centre for Language
Sciences (PTCLS) in 2011. These Centres manifest the
on-going diversified co-operation between the Faculty of
Humanities at PolyU and sister institutions in the area of
language sciences.
•• Established the China Europa Centre with the China Europa
Forum Foundation in 2012. The China acts as a bridge
strengthening the ties between the two poles of the Eurasian
Continent.
Areas of study
•• Applied Language Sciences
•• Chinese Culture Studies
•• Chinese Language and Literature
•• Chinese Linguistics
•• English for Business and Professional Communication
•• English Language Arts
•• English Language Studies
•• English Language Teaching
•• English Studies for the Professions
•• Japanese Studies for the Professions
•• Korean Language Studies
•• Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
•• Translation and Interpretation
17

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
School of Design
www.polyu.edu.hk/sd
The School of Design has been an important hub of design
education and research for Hong Kong since 1964. Providing
design education from undergraduate to postgraduate levels,
the School is poised to play a leading role in nurturing new
generations of designers and driving design innovation in the
region. PolyU Design is rated as one of the top design schools
in the world by BusinessWeek.
To drive the development of Hong Kong as a design hub
in Asia, and provide additional space for multidisciplinary
collaboration, a new complex named "Jockey Club Innovation
Tower" will be built on campus. The Innovation Tower will be the
first permanent architectural work in Hong Kong by Ms Zaha
Hadid, one of the most influential figures in the world of modern
architecture. The Hong Kong Jockey Club made a generous
donation of HKD249 million to support this remarkable
infrastructure for the future of Hong Kong design.
PolyU Design’s specialisms include advertising, environment
and interior design, product design, communication design and
digital media. Programmes are offered at the higher diploma,
bachelor, master, and PhD levels. Its Master of Design (Design
Strategies) programme was rated by the BusinessWeek among
the world’s best “design thinking programmes”.
Famous designers who graduated from PolyU Design include
Raman Hui (Animation), Freeman Lau (Branding, Art), Vivienne
Tam (Fashion), Anthony Lo, (Automotive), Yip Kam-tim (Film),
Dennis Chan (Jewelry), among others.
Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JCDISI)
The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation was
established in 2011 to become a "third space" in the Hong Kong
design landscape, between academia and business, for the
development and commercialization of innovative multidisciplinary
design projects and products, and the promulgation of best
practices in design innovation for social good.
Key achievements
•• We were rated one of the six best in Asia among the top 30
in the world (BusinessWeek, 2009) and one of the top three
among design schools in China.
•• Our Master of Design (Design Strategies) programme has
been rated among the world's top 30 best "design thinking
programmes". (BusinessWeek, 2009).
•• Our specialised Research Centres and Labs include: Asian
Lifestyle Design Lab, Asian Ergonomics Research Lab,
Information Design Lab, Interaction Design, Lab, M-lab,
Public Design Lab, Space Lab, Strategic Design Lab,
Transportation Design Lab, PolyPlay Lab, User Oriented
Design Lab and RICE Lab.
Areas of study
•• Advertising Design
•• Art and Design in Education
•• Communication Design
•• Design Practices (MDes)
•• Design Strategies (MDes)
•• Digital Media
•• Environment and Interior Design
•• Interaction Design (MDes)
•• Interactive Media
•• Multimedia and Entertainment Technology (MSc)
•• Product Design
•• Urban Environments Design (MDes)
18

School of Hotel and Tourism Management
www.polyu.edu.hk/htm
We take pride in our evolution into one of the largest schools
of hospitality and tourism management in the world and the
leading school in Asia. More than 2,000 students are enrolled
in the School and our academic staff have been recruited from
18 countries and regions around the world, bringing a strong
international scope to the School. Our emphasis on workintegrated
education with local and international placement
opportunities equips our students for management careers in
the hospitality and tourism industry globally.
As a global centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism
education and research, we provide a unique learning
environment for our students. Our Chee-woo Lui Hotel and
Tourism Resource Centre, the first of its kind in Asia, houses
various forms of learning materials from around the world.
The Bistro 1979 training restaurant provides a real setting for
students to learn about food and beverage management and
also practise their service and management skills. The Vinoteca
Lab is used for a variety of classes including wine appreciation
and prepares students for the demands of our city’s new wine
hub status. The Samsung Digital Lab for Hospitality Technology
features state-of-the-art facilities for studying hospitality
technology management and preparing project work. In 2011,
the official opening of Hotel ICON has further strengthened the
School’s efforts in nurturing hospitality students to address the
growing demands of the hospitality and tourism industry in Hong
Kong, the region and around the world. Wholly-owned by PolyU
and an extension of the School, Hotel ICON is an embodiment
of the University’s credo “Where Innovation Meets Application”,
bringing together the School’s longstanding excellence in
hospitality education and PolyU’s continued commitment to
supporting Hong Kong’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Key achievements
•• The McCool Breakthrough Award was bestowed by the
International Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional
Education (I-CHRIE) on the School recognising its
breakthrough in the form of Hotel ICON - the heart of the
School's innovative approach to hospitality and tourism
education.
•• Professor Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor of the
School was honoured by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization with the UNWTO Ulysses Prize in 2011. The
Ulysses Prize is awarded to distinguished scholars who have
made outstanding contributions to extending the frontiers of
knowledge in the field of tourism.
•• We were ranked 2
nd globally in research output and scholarly
activities according to a study published in the Journal of
Hospitality and Tourism Research in 2009.
•• We were awarded the 2003 International Society of Travel
and Tourism Educators Institutional Achievement Award
in recognition of our significant contribution to tourism
education, and are currently a member of the UNWTO
Knowledge Network.
•• We were also chosen by the International Academy for the
Study and Tourism as the home of its permanent secretariat.
Areas of study
•• Convention and Events Management
•• Food and Beverage Management
•• Hospitality and Hotel Management
•• Hotel and Tourism Technology Management
•• Tourism Economics and Financial Management
•• Tourism Management
19

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Student Life at PolyU
Beyond the classroom
In an exciting city like Hong Kong,
there is always plenty to do and explore.
You can immerse yourself totally in the
international lifestyle on weekends but
while you are on campus, check out other
student activities on offer.
International Affairs Office
www.polyu.edu.hk/iao
The International Affairs Office offers a variety of
services to encourage the development of international
relations.
Mainland and International Student
Services
This office provides one-stop support service for nonlocal
students in the areas of career development,
placement services, counselling and personal
development. Students looking for advice could also
approach this office.
Student Affairs Office
www.polyu.edu.hk/sao
A wide range of activities and programmes, such as
Lunch Talks, Leadership Development Programmes,
Complementary Studies, P. E. Programmes and Active
Lifestyle activities are organized by this office.
Culture Promotion Committee
www.cpc.polyu.edu.hk
The Committee is dedicated to promoting culture
and arts to students. It organizes over a hundred
programmes and performances each year, covering
dance, theatre, visual arts, film and video, orchestral
music, carnivals artist-in-residence programmes, etc.
Students’ Union
The PolyU Students’ Union is the hub for student
activities for full-time undergraduate students. You will
be able to enjoy a variety of discounts in shops and
restaurants throughout the city and also participate
in activities/events organized by the Student Union at
membership prices.
International Student Association
The Association is a student body run by international
students on campus to create and organize activities
tailored for international students.
Faculty Students’ Associations
There are student associations representing full-time
students of the faculties/schools. Within each Faculty
Students’ Association, there are various joint societies
and course clubs.
Affiliated Clubs
These clubs provide members with sports, social
entertainment and other activities/events. There are
a total of 46 affiliated clubs divided into four main
categories: cultural making, entertainment, recreation
and sports.
20

Accommodation
Your new home
Depending on your student status, you can either choose to live in university-managed accommodation or
arrange for off-campus accommodation on your own with our assistance.
As an international full-time undergraduate
student on government-funded programmes:
• you will be guaranteed a place in universitymanaged
accommodation for the first three years
of study; or
• you can arrange for your own accommodation offcampus
As an exchange student:
• you are allocated a place of accommodation at
university-managed accommodation as part of your
programme; or
• you can also arrange for your own accommodation
off-campus.
As a study abroad student:
• y o u a r e r e q u i r e d t o a r r a n g e y o u r o w n
accommodation off-campus
As a taught postgraduate student:
• you will have to arrange your own accommodation
off-campus, or stay at one of the off-campus
accommodation lodgings arranged by the University
on a self-financing basis.
As a research student:
• you are eligible for one year of residence in the
university-managed accommodation subject to
availability.
Please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/hall/nonlocal/nls_
sfls.html for more details.
University-managed accommodation
www.polyu.edu.hk/hall
You can truly immerse yourself into the lifestyle of
a PolyU student by staying at the Student Halls of
Residence. All rooms are fully furnished with a shared
bathroom between two adjacent rooms. Each room is
air-conditioned and equipped with broadband Internet
access. In addition, a variety of hall activities are
arranged for the residents.
Living in Student Halls will cost between HKD10,680
and HKD11,440 per year (2012/13). Other forms
of university-managed accommodation include
private premises near the campus, which will cost
the same or slightly more, depending on the type of
accommodation.
Living off-campus
If you prefer to arrange for your own accommodation
off-campus, our Student Affairs Office can provide
information to help you get started.
If you decide to live off-campus, do choose a place
which is safe and convenient for you to travel back
and forth from the University. Inspect carefully and take
time to familiarise yourself with the tenancy agreement
or contract before committing to any accommodation
arrangements.
21

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Our Campus
Meeting your needs
We offer a range of services and amenities to facilitate the learning and social needs of our community of students and staff.
Key services
Host family scheme
Student exchange and study abroad students will be
assigned a host family (a PolyU staff member) and
have the opportunity to experience the life of a local
family in Hong Kong on selected weekends/holidays.
On-line buddies
This is a service for student exchange and study
abroad students: the “On-line Buddy programme” will
put you in touch with a current student at PolyU to
help you prepare for your studies.
Orientation
Orientation programmes will be arranged by the
Student Affairs Office to help you adapt to studying
and living in Hong Kong.
Mentorship progamme
Full-time undergraduate students will be assigned
mentors selected from among our senior international
students to help you adjust to life at PolyU.
Health care service www.polyu.edu.hk/uhs
Primary health care services including clinical
consultations, medication, first-aid, minor operative
treatment, immunization and physical check-ups are
available as needed. Subsidised primary dental care is
also available.
Career service
You may want to consider working in Hong Kong after
your study to gain some local experience. It is never
too early to start planning your career. Our Career
Service will provide you with relevant support and
other services if you so require.
Counselling service
Counselling services are also available to help you
in such matters as resolving personal issues or
discussing your career options.
Key facilities
Self-study language centres
You can learn and improve your Chinese and English
language proficiency whenever you wish and on your
own terms at our self-study language centres. All our
centres are equipped with a wide range of multimedia
materials and equipment.
Pao Yue Kong Library www.lib.polyu.edu.hk
This is the University’s main library. Its collection
contains more than 2.3 million items and it houses
some 3,400 study places.
Computing facilities www.polyu.edu.hk/its
A full range of computing facilities and services is
available. This includes access to more than 500 PCs,
email systems, Internet connections and e-learning
platform.
World-class sports facilities
With an Olympic-standard swimming pool, natural
grass soccer pitch, squash and tennis courts, modern
gymnasium and even a golf practice area, it is easy to
stay in shape with such a wide variety of sport facilities
and related trainings.
Getting all you need in flip-flops
You will find the basic amenities on campus within
easy reach such as convenience stores, banks,
bookshops, student canteens and cafes offering an
array of cuisines at affordable prices.
22

What Others Say…
Jason
Yin Jeh
Ngui
Faculty:
Faculty of Construction and Environment
Department:
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
Home Country:
Malaysia
Life in this huge multicultural city is quite like that in Malaysia, but mild
seasonal changes in Hong Kong is indeed a fresh experience for a student
from a tropical country like me. This is a place like no others where one could
seek for a great touristy spots and widespread greens at the same time!
Bottom line, seeing is believing. Come and explore Hong Kong through
studying in PolyU for yourself!
Ahmed
Gidado
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Department:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Home Country:
Nigeria
The vibrant and dynamic city of Hong Kong, PolyU's diverse student community, my
supportive faculty and cooperative staff made studying at PolyU a unique experience.
I was able to have access to world-class facilities including numerous state-of-theart
laboratories, advanced computing facilities, sporting facilities and an opportunity
to become part of a community which is inarguably one of the biggest and most
organized students' hostels in the world.
Ron
Rongwei
Lin
School:
School of Design
Home Country:
Singapore
Studying in Hong Kong has opened up my eyes to
interesting insights. I'm loving the seasonal changes, as
I get to put on different layers of apparel in winter, which
is something I don't get to experience back in Singapore.
I'm blessed to have a friendly bunch of classmates which
made my stay a fruitful one.
23

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies for International Applicants
Shawn
Soyeon
Park
School:
School of Hotel and Tourism Management
Home Country:
Korea
As one of the full-time Korean students at the School of Hotel
& Tourism Management, I am proud to be a PolyU alumnus
through such a connection. On my journey of discovery at
this world-class University, I have acquired competences
which will help me become well-equipped for my career,
so that I will develop into an independent and confident
professional. I want to thank PolyU for all the lessons,
experiences and valuable memories.
Alexander
Rose
School:
School of Design
Home Country:
UK
My choice of coming to study at Hong Kong in PolyU was one of the best
decisions I've made in my life (and I'm being 100% truthful when I say that).
I've learnt from the leading professionals in graphic design, I've had the
opportunity to meet so many people from around the world and I was totally
embraced into the country and Chinese culture from the moment my feet got
off the plane. I miss Hong Kong so much now, but the memories are priceless.
Miles
Goff
Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Science & Textiles
Department:
Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology
Home Country:
Canada
Studying at PolyU, and Hong Kong in general, has proven to be an
unforgettable experience for me. As soon as I arrived, I knew the
exotic mystique of this Western-rooted, uniquely Asian metropolis
would captivate me over the coming months. The city has served
as the ideal microcosm of South Eastern Chinese society; from
its bustling wet markets to the radiating calm of its many temples.
Hong Kong has certainly given me a precious glimpse into the
Chinese culture.
24

Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles Faculty of
Business Faculty of Construction and Environment
Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Health and Social
Sciences Faculty of Humanities School of Design
School of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty
of Applied Science and Textiles Faculty of Business
Faculty of Construction and Environment Faculty of
Engineering
For further information
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
International Affairs Office:
Faculty of Humanities School of Design School of
Room M1601, Li Ka Shing Tower
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Applied
Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2766 5116
Science Email: international.study@polyu.edu.hk and Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty
Mondays to Fridays: 9:00am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 6:00pm
of Construction and Environment Faculty of
Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays: Closed
Engineering
The information contained this booklet is correct Faculty at the time of publishing of in August Health 2012. and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities School of Design School of
Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Applied
Science and Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty of
Construction and Environment Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Faculty of
Humanities School of Design School of Hotel and
Tourism Management Faculty of Applied Science and
Textiles Faculty of Business Faculty of Construction
and Environment Faculty of Engineering Faculty of
Health and Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities
www.polyu.edu.hk/iao
School of Design School of Hotel and Tourism