Overview

Master of Governance and Policy (MGP)* prepares a rising generation of leaders to collaborate across government, business, and civil society to solve complex public challenges. Designed for a fast-changing geopolitical and economic landscape, the programme blends rigorous, evidence-based study with hands-on policy practice. By leveraging HKU’s strengths in social sciences, business and economics, and law, the MGP develops a collaborative mindset, multidisciplinary fluency, and solution-oriented analytical skills.

MGP offers a rigorous, coherent curriculum that focuses on:

  • The design, structure, process, and consequences of governance at the local, national, and global levels;
  • The role of political leadership and political institutions in shaping policy and leading system transformation;
  • Diverse approaches to governance, including ethics and civic trust;
  • China’s role in the changing global economic and political order;
  • Policy strategies and innovation to meet global challenges in specific policy areas, including trade, social policy, sustainability, and technology, among others; and
  • Rigorous policy analysis, including micro- and macro-economic approaches.

The online information session for Master of Governance and Policy (MGP) – 2026/27 intake will be held via Zoom on January 30 (Friday) at 19:00 – 20:00 (GMT+8).

During the session, you will experience our teaching through a mini-lecture, “Russia vs China: Divergent Outcomes in Transition from Central Planning,” by Professor Wing Thye Woo. Professor Kenneth Wong, Director of the School, will provide an overview of the programme structure, curriculum focus, and admission details.

REGISTER HERE and embark on a journey to explore how governance and policy shape real-world change. We look forward to welcoming you.

Learning Objectives

Acquire multiple perspectives to understand governance and leadership at the global, national, and local levels, including economic, political, legal, and ethical dimensions.
Develop data-analytic skills to assess return on investment and policy impact.
Build specialised knowledge in policy implementation in key areas such as trade, economic policy, social policy, technology, and sustainability, among others.
Develop professional norms and conduct for long-term policy career development.
Acquire a systematic understanding of policy design, implementation, innovation, trade-offs, and effectiveness.
Review critically the assumptions, logic, ethics, and evidence in governance and policy frameworks.
Improve communication, public speaking, and policy memo writing skills for the policy profession.

Career Prospects

Managerial and leadership roles in government, NGOs, multinational corporations, think tanks, and international organizations

Further academic research or doctoral study on governance and policy

Leadership positions that require policy innovation and evidence-based analysis to address complex challenges and drive meaningful change globally

Stay tuned for further updates and detailed information.

Programme Brochure

*This programme is subject to university approval.

Programme Structure

MGP is offered on a one-year, full-time basis. To complete the MGP programme, candidates are required to earn a total of 66 credits.

Compulsory Courses

36

credits

Elective Courses

18

credits

Capstone Project

12

credits

Total

66

credits

Course List

MGAP7001.
Public Governance and Policy Implementation: Comparative Perspective (6 credits)
MGAP7002.
Economics Lessons from Turning Points and Crises (6 credits)
MGAP7003.
Trust, Governance and Leadership (6 credits)
MGAP7004.
Chinese Leadership and Governance (6 credits)
MGAP7005.
Geoeconomics in a Multipolar World (6 credits)
MGAP7006.
Political Ethics in China and the World: Ancient and Modern Perspectives on Public Policy (6 credits)
Method and Data Analysis
ECON6095.
Programme Evaluation for Policy Makers (6 credits)
MGAP7101.
Policy Analysis and Microeconomic Theory (6 credits)
Climate Change
CGRM7105.
Climate Change Law (6 credits)
CGRM7106.
Sustainable Urban Planning and Green Building (6 credits)
Social and Cultural Policy
SOCI8028.
Cultural Policies and Global Cities (6 credits)
SOWK6217.
Current Social Welfare Policy Issues (6 credits)
Monetary Policy
ECON6010.
Monetary Policy: Theory and Practice (6 credits)
MGAP7103.
Economic Policy and the World Economy (6 credits)
Artificial Intelligence
MGAP7104.
Introduction to Geopolitics, AI and Technology (6 credits)
Global Governance
MGAP7105.
International Political Economy: Global Collaboration and Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World Order (6 credits)
MGAP7106.
Global Macro Policy and Governance (6 credits)
Field Trip
MGAP7201.
Experiential Learning in Asia and the World (6 credits)
MGAP8001.
Capstone Project (12 credits)

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to MGP, candidates

  1. shall comply with the General Regulations and the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula;
  2. shall hold
    1. a Bachelor’s degree of this University; or
    2. another qualification of equivalent standard from this University or from another University or comparable institution accepted for this purpose
  3. who are seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the University English language requirement applicable to higher degrees as prescribed under General Regulation G2(b);
  4. preferably have a minimum of three years of professional working experience; and
  5. shall satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination if required.

Who We’re Looking For

Early-career professionals in government, NGOs, international organisations or corporates seeking governance and policy expertise

Analysts and consultants aiming to strengthen evidence-based policy skills

Professionals pivoting into public affairs, regulatory or ESG roles

Applicants with at least 3 years of professional experience are preferred.

Programme Fees

  • Tuition Fee (2026-27 cohort): HK$320,000 (subject to university approval)

Online Application

Application for the 2026-27 cohort will commence soon.

Enquiries