Admission Requirements

The Master of Social Sciences programme in the field of Population and Policy Analysis provides a pioneering approach to understanding current population issues, such as ageing societies, low birth rates, and migration, and how policies can be enacted to manage and mitigate some of society's greatest future challenges. We provide training on the methods, research design, and policy strategies required to identify the impacts of changes in population size and structure. Our programme pools demographic and policy expertise across the Faculty of Social Science to provide the research and analytical skills to address far-reaching population issues and real-world problems.

Contact Info

mpoppa@hku.hk

1. Comply with the General Regulations

2. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or an Equivalent Qualification

(a) Applicants should preferably hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as the social sciences (e.g. Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Economics), technical disciplines (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science), or a closely related area. We expect candidates to be familiar with quantitative research methods, as shown through strong academic performance in relevant courses, certifications, or professional experience.

(b) Those with limited formal training in either domain may still be considered if they show strong motivation and a clear plan to pursue domain-specific or technical study upon admission. Relevant professional experience in policy analysis, demographic research, or data-driven social inquiry may also be considered.

3. Satisfy HKU’s English language requirements

(a) Applicants 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 is required to obtain valid and satisfactory results from one of the following examinations:

A. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
B. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
C. GCE (General Certificate of Education)
D. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
E. Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language

For the acceptance range of performance for respective examinations, please refer to Taught Postgraduate Admissions website for information.

(b) Applicants with qualifications from universities or comparable institutions where the medium of teaching and examination is English should provide:

An official letter or equivalent proof, such as transcript or degree certificate, confirming that the applicants’ qualifications were obtained from a university or comparable institution where the medium of instruction is English