logo logo logo logo

Message from the Programme Director

As a global city, Hong Kong is undergoing major political and socioeconomic change. Our public managers and professionals are increasingly challenged by complex problems and dynamic situations. The MPA programme at HKU is designed to prepare students to become public service leaders through equipping them with the analytical and problem-solving skills to meet these challenges.

We are celebrating 40 years of excellence in providing professional education in public administration this year. With our extensive experience, internationally recognized faculty members, a vibrant student body, and well-designed curriculum, we provide our students to strive for excellence and attain leadership roles in public service.

We invite you to read on and explore our MPA programme.

Professor W.F. LAM
Professor, Department of Politics & Public Administration
Director, MPA Programme

The Department and the MPA teaching staff

The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Politics and Public Administration is a founding department of the Faculty of Social Sciences and has played a leading role in research and teaching in Public Administration in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region since 1969. The Department is a core teaching unit at the University, offering a Bachelor of Social Sciences, Master of Public Administration, Master of International and Public Affairs, and Doctor of Public Administration. Our programmes are amongst the most renowned in Hong Kong and many of our graduates are now serving in the upper echelons of the HKSAR Government. At the forefront of Politics and Public Administration education is a commitment to excellence in training our students to become future leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The Programme

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programme, first launched in 1978, is designed to provide high quality professional education to students and prepare them for leadership roles in the public sector.

The curriculum is designed to achieve the following learning objectives:

1. Acquire cutting edge knowledge in public administration and public policy.
2. Understand the changing institutional and political contexts of public affairs.
3. Examine the critical issues and possible solutions to the challenges in governance.
4. Develop professional knowledge and core skills required to become effective public managers and leaders.

Distinctive programme features:

1. an optional live-in course in the Chinese Academy of Governance (國家行政學院)
2. extensive use of interactive teaching methods
3. intensive workshops conducted by distinguished international scholars
4. experience sharing with senior practitioners and professionals from the public, private and nonprofit sectors
5. simulation exercises for training various practical skills
6. opportunities for one-day shadowing with various organizations

Programme Structure

The MPA is offered on a 2-year part-time or 1-year full-time basis. Students are required to complete eight taught courses and one capstone project or dissertation in order to graduate. The eight courses include four compulsory courses, and four courses from a list of electives.

To accommodate midcareer students, the compulsory courses are usually scheduled on Saturdays and elective courses on weekday evenings or Saturday afternoons.

* The optional Mainland live-in course (POLI8008 Public Administration in China) is available to students at additional cost. It lasts for about two weeks and will require time off work. The course will be offered at the Chinese Academy of Governance (國家行政學院).

Students are expected to consult the administrator or Director of the MPA programme regarding the latest information about course offering and course selection. They can also access the syllabuses and regulations of the MPA programme.

Course List

(i) Compulsory courses:

• POLI7002 Public Administration: Scope and lssues
• POLI8017 Workshop in Public Affairs
• POLI8026 Workshop in Managerial Skills
• POLI8027 Public Administration in Hong Kong

• POLI8012 Dissertation OR
• POLI8028 Capstone Project

(ii) Elective courses:
(these course offerings may vary each academic year)

• POLI7001 Human Resource Management
• POLI7003 Public Policy: Issues and Approaches
• POLI7004 Public Management Reform
• POLI8002 Ethics and Public Affairs
• POLI8003 Financial Management
• POLI8004 Government and Law
• POLI8008 Public Administration in China
• POLI8009 Policy Design and Analysis
• POLI8011 Selected Topics in Public Policy
• POLI8014 NGOs and Governance
• POLI8019 Comparative Public Administration Reform
• POLI8021 Organisation Theory and Management
• POLI8023 Selected Topics in Public Management
• POLI8029 Non-profit Management
• POLI8030 Institutional analysis for public policy and management
• POLI8031 Collaborative governance
• POLI8032 Selected Topics in Public Administration
• POLI8033 Program evaluation
• POLI8034 Opportunities and Challenges in Digital Governance

Our Faculty

The MPA programme is taught by faculty members from HKU’s Department of Politics and Public Administration. They are actively engaged in teaching, research, and service.

Distinguished International Scholars

In addition to our own staff, distinguished international scholars and practitioners are invited to give guest lectures and especially to be involved in POLI 8017 Workshop in Public Affairs, which is explicitly international in focus.

Our MPA Students

Our students are a mix of professionals from the public, business and non-governmental sectors. The majority have some managerial experience, although a number are from the top tiers of management, who seek to further their career through obtaining an MPA. The diversity of our student body provides exciting and enriching opportunities for exchange and learning in the classroom.

Our Graduates said:

• "The MPA programme proved to be an eye-opener for me. Despite having been a technical bureaucrat throughout my career, I was amazed that it had opened so many new dimensions to me in the public administration arena. Subjects like policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis, human resources management, as well as financial management were much more enriching than what I had originally expected from a postgraduate course. In retrospect, I consider the time and effort spent at HKU well worth it for the intellectual as well as practical knowledge with which the programme has equipped me." - Ir Chi Keung HON, JP, Director, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, MPA 1997
• "The MPA programme at HKU strikes the appropriate balance between theory and practice; it allowed me to build upon the skills and knowledge I needed in my pursuit to raise the standard of good governance and public service." - Mr. Alan N. LAI, GBS, JP, The Ombudsman, Office of the Ombudsman, MPA 1982
• "I appreciate how the MPA programme is designed to approach concepts and theories through day-to-day issues in society. Al though l had been working in Government for some time, as I went through the programme, I often discovered new perspectives, sometimes enlightened by a more d1eoretical-based framework, sometimes inspired from an "outsider's" standpoint. The programme would not be complete, however, without the good mix of classmates who brought not only ideas but also fun and laughter during class. The network built up is truly an asset to my career as I have access to contacts across many Government departments. I must say their official and unofficial advice has often made my job easier!" - Ms. Leonie H.L. LEE, Assistant Secretary, Education Bureau, MPA 2010
• "Obtaining a second degree from a renowned university has enhanced my career prospects and opportunities. The benefits of earning an MPA from HKU, however, go beyond graduation. As part of the Alumni Association, my learning and development has continued through priority access to seminars and workshops on public affairs and, more importantly, through connection with a large and highly networked group of alumni and peers." - Mr. Tak Keung CHEUNG, Former Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Hong Kong Police Force, MPA 2005

Our Distinguished Alumni

With over 40 years of history, the MPA programme has produced graduates who have not only developed successful careers, but also made significant contributions to Hong Kong. Today we have over 1,000 alumni working in the government, public bodies, non-profit organizations, private firms, universities and educational institutions.

Access to Facilities and Services

MPA students have full access to all campus facilities and services, including libraries, computer facilities, the University Health Services (medical and dental) and sports amenities.

Master of Public Administration Alumni Association (MPAAA)

With over 35 years of history, the MPA programme has graduated over 1,000 alumni, many of whom are now occupying key positions in the civil service, public bodies, non-profit organizations, private firms, and tertiary institutions. They represent our fine tradition of dedication to public service. The MPA Alumni Association, inaugurated in 2005, strengthens our alumni network and ties with society.

The MPAAA welcomes all MPA graduates to join. Please visit http://www.alumni.hku.hk/mpaaa for updated information about the Association.

Admission

The Requirements

Applicants for admission to the MPA programme

(a) shall hold

1. a Bachelor's degree of the University of Hong Kong, or
2. another qualification of equivalent standard from the University of Hong Kong or from another University or comparable institution accepted for this purpose, and

(b) satisfy the English language requirements of HKU; and

(c) if deemed necessary, satisfy examiners in a qualifying examination.

Successful applicants usually have at least three years of working experiences.

A candidate who does not hold a Bachelor's degree of this University or another qualification of equivalent standard may in exceptional circumstances be permitted to register if he or she demonstrates adequate preparation for studies at this level and satisfies the examiners in a qualifying examination. The purpose of this qualifying examination is to test the candidate's formal academic ability or ability to follow the course of study prescribed. Applicants whose undergraduate record is considered to be of an insufficient standard may also be required to sit for the qualifying examination.

Schedule of Fees for regular students 2023-2024 (in HK$) (subject to University's approval)

Dear applicants

As Hongkong Post adopted new postage rates on 1 January 2018, please make sure that sufficient postage is provided when you send us your supporting documents by post. For mails with postage underpaid, we shall return the mails to senders or ask them to pay for the shortage. Such actions may delay the processing of the applications concerned.

For new postage rates please refer to Hongkong Post https://www.hongkongpost.hk/en/postage_rate_2018/

Application forms

Regular Students:

Online application system: http://hku.hk/tpg
Closing Date: 12:00 noon (GMT +8), February 28, 2023

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Regardless of the final admission decision, the Programme will not comment on the suitability or performance of any applicant.