The balance between quantitative and qualitative training; theoretical and empirical knowledge; classroom learning and experiential learning is well-maintained through our meticulously designed curriculum. After building up a solid foundation in both data science and policy studies in their first two years of studies, students can choose their specialization of study based on their interests and strengths. They will also apply what they learnt to solve real-world problems through internship and capstone courses.
DSPS would adopt the most updated and powerful software and coding language for analyzing public policies. At the moment, we mainly use Stata and R in our data analytics courses.
Stata is a licensed data analysis software widely used in the fields of political science and economics. It is quite easy to use and anyone with little or even no coding knowledge can use it effectively to conduct social and policy analytics. R is a programming language developed by scientists with open-source libraries for statistical modeling and machine learning. It is suitable for social scientists, engineers and professionals to conduct exploratory and inferential data analysis.
For other software and coding language such as Python, it is not adopted in DSPS courses at this stage because they are still not as suitable as Stata and R for policy analytics purpose. Despite that, DSPS Programme will provide support such as online learning platform for motivated students to learn these software and languages. Those students are also encouraged to take elective courses outside DSPS in departments including computer science and software engineering.
Yes. Students are required to study overseas in a partner institution and complete at least 9 units of DSPS-related courses approved by the Programme Director. Students who are unable to obtain the required units from partner institutions must make up the shortfall by completing appropriate courses at CUHK, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
Yes. Students are required to take the 3-unit Internship course. The Programme will line up internship opportunities for students while students are also encouraged to find relevant internships by themselves.
Yes. Students are encouraged to take minor programmes that can complement DSPS, such as Data Analytics and Informatics, Computer Science, Sociology, Economics, Social Work, Journalism and Communication, Global Studies, etc.
Our graduates can pursue a wide spectrum of careers in governments, startups, consulting firms, local and international NGOs, policy think tanks, consulting firms, multinational corporations, technology and science sectors.
20.
Students are required to take the four compulsory subjects, i.e. English, Chinese, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, plus two electives. There is no subject weighting and our HKDSE score formula is based on the best 5 subjects.
No. While this will be an advantage, we will teach from basics in our foundation courses.
No.
Please note that non-local applicants are those who:
For details, please refer to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Please refer to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website for details:
Non-JUPAS (Year 1 Admissions): click here
International Students Admissions Scheme: click here
Yes. Please refer to the Admission page of our website.
Yes. Applicants who meet specific requirements as stipulated by the University for particular qualifications (including GCE-AL / International-AL, IB, Cambridge Pre-U, HKALE, associate degree / higher diploma) may apply for “Admission with Advanced Standing”. Please see The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website for details