The Department of Politics and Public Administration employs a comprehensive approach to the study of political theory and ethics. The subfield encompasses a wide range of topics, including classical political thought, contemporary political ideologies, as well as theoretical and applied ethics.

While focusing on analytical as opposed to continental approaches, the PPA Department engages with both Western and Chinese philosophical traditions, reflecting Hong Kong’s unique cultural and political context. This cross-cultural approach allows students to explore various theoretical and ethical frameworks for understanding political issues, governance, and public policy.

The subfield has particular research strengths in the areas of Confucianism, perfectionism, paternalism, the ethics of violence, and global justice. Teaching focuses on such topics as democracy, meritocracy, justice, free speech, liberalism, current moral controversies, identity politics, as well as on the ethical and philosophical implications of cultural differences in the context of globalisation and regional politics. The PPA Department also emphasises critical thinking and encourages students to engage with real-world political challenges, fostering an environment that values both theoretical and practical insights and promotes open discourse. Overall, the PPA Department aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of political processes and ideologies, preparing students for careers in academia, public service, and other fields related to governance and policy-making.