The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Discover Your Future at PolyU: Undergraduate Studies

PolyU’s undergraduate programmes are designed to develop future-ready leaders, professionals and innovators. Typically spanning 4 years, with some extending to 5, these programmes offer a comprehensive learning experience. The medium of instruction is English unless otherwise specified. Graduation requirements range from approximately 120 to 140 credits, depending on the discipline.

Studying at PolyU offers more than just a degree; it is a diverse and enriching educational journey with ample opportunities for learning, growth and exploration. The flexible learning experience fosters innovation and adaptability. The first-year curriculum lays a solid foundation, easing students’ transition into university life and allowing exploration within various fields of a discipline. This approach helps students make informed academic decisions. Towards the end of their first year, students have the opportunity to switch or choose a programme that aligns with their skills and aspirations. Students of health sciences and social work follow specialised pathways to achieve professional goals. 

At PolyU, we are committed to empowering every student to shape their own academic journey. Our curriculum is designed to foster innovation, self-exploration and flexible learning with a global perspective. It includes general university subjects such as artificial intelligence and data analytics (AIDA), innovation and entrepreneurship (IE), leadership education, service-learning, and language and communication. Discipline-specific subjects provide in-depth knowledge in the chosen field. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take electives, complete capstone projects, participate in work-integrated education and gain international experiences through academic exchange programmes, internships and study tours. Students interested in pursuing a specialisation beyond their chosen field have the option of taking a secondary major in AIDA or IE or choosing a minor. Our teaching and learning methods encompass teacher-led instruction, student-centred activities and diverse assessment methods. The academic year typically starts in late August/early September, with two teaching semesters ending in April. Some programmes may also offer a summer term from May to July.

University Rankings

• #7 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024
• #10 Times Higher Education World's Most International Universities 2024
• #19 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024
• #23 QS Asia University Rankings 2024
• #57 QS World University Rankings 2025
• #67 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2024/25
• #77 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• #87 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Programmes

PolyU offers over 160 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with highly ranked disciplines. The University ranks:

• #1 in Hospitality and Tourism Management (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• #1 Management (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• #2 in Civil Engineering (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)
• #2 in Transportation Science and Technology (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• #3 in Civil Engineering (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic subjects 2023)
• #5 in Engineering (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)
• #6 in Mechanical Engineering (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)
• #9 in Mechanical Engineering (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• #11 in Green and Sustainable Science and Technology (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)
• #11 in Hospitality and Leisure Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• #14 in Architecture and Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• #14 in Civil and Structural Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• #18 in Environmental Engineering (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)
• #19 Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• #19 Marketing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• #19 Nursing (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
• #19 Social Sciences and Public Health (U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2024/25)

Ten Faculties and Schools

PolyU programmes are supported by over 1,400 academic and teaching/clinical staff, with over 30 academic units grouped under six Faculties and three Schools. Please visit the following Faculty/School websites to discover the wide range of professional programmes offered.

Faculty of Business
Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (To be established by January 2025)
Faculty of Construction and Environment
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Science
School of Design
School of Fashion and Textiles
School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Academic Structure

The four-year undergraduate degree programme is designed to provide students with a flexible, student-centred, holistic professional education. The overall credit requirements are as follows:

Minimum credit requirement for graduation	120 credits
General University Requirements (GUR)	30 credits
Discipline-Specific Requirements (DSR)	66 - 102 credits

Undergraduate students are required to achieve 30 credits in subjects under the General University Requirements, with the objective of broadening their horizons and promoting their holistic development. Students are also required to fulfil Discipline-Specific Requirements (66-102 credits) to develop fundamental discipline-specific knowledge and skills, so as to prepare them to become professionals in their chosen field. (The curriculum is subject to review, changes may be made from time-to-time.)

Opportunities for Excellence

PolyU students will be exposed to countless learning opportunities both inside and outside classroom, allowing them to specialise in their areas of interest and follow their dreams.

Vigorous classroom learning is designed to develop students’ professional knowledge and sharpen their skills. At the same time, a wide array of "Out-of-classroom" learning opportunities, such as mentorship programmes, industry-based student projects and study tours, are also available for students to prepare themselves for possible career paths. Other out-of-class activities are offered to meet different interests and needs, and for the all-round development of students.

The Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme and the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme provide opportunities for outstanding student-athletes to study at PolyU while continuing their pursuit of excellence in sports. Participants in major international competitions or members of the Hong Kong Teams /Junior Teams are welcome to apply for admission to PolyU through these Schemes. In addition, the University has commenced the “Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme” (STARS). Students who have demonstrated remarkable talents in sports, arts and culture, leadership and community services, STEM, and entrepreneurship will be considered under this scheme. It aims to serve as an alternative admission route for those whose exceptional achievements cannot be fully reflected in their HKDSE results.

Students have plenty of opportunities to engage in research programmes that are supported by the government and research organisations. The Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme has been launched to provide full-time undergraduate students with the opportunity to conduct research projects under the supervision of the University’s scholars. The experience and skills acquired will prepare students for their future endeavours and open up a broader career horizon for them after graduation.

PolyU has an excellent record in knowledge and technology transfer, transforming innovations and research breakthroughs into real-world solutions. The University also fosters entrepreneurship development and promotes an entrepreneurial spirit through providing seed funding, mentoring, training and incubation resources to support student and alumni startup ventures.

Global and Mainland Exposure

PolyU’s extensive global connections help broaden the international perspectives of our future generations. The University also has a solid presence in Mainland China, with six regional bases (in Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi’an) established over the years, and we are setting up Translational Research Institutes in various Mainland cities to transform our research into targeted solutions to meet the industrial and societal needs of those cities. The University also makes good use of the opportunities brought about by the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) development, setting standards for education and research collaborations between institutions of Hong Kong and those of other GBA cities, thereby fostering talent development in the region. Additionally, the Belt and Road Initiative has given a new momentum to the University’s efforts to internationalise and broaden our students’ outlook.

We put a strong emphasis on internationalisation. We have established strategic partnerships with universities, other institutions, industries and corporations all over the world with a view to offering study, exchange, internship and Service-Learning opportunities for students to learn beyond borders and develop their talents in different cultures. We have around 275 student exchange partners in regions across the world, including Mainland China, Macao and Taiwan, Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania and Africa. In the 2022/2023 academic year, around 1,100 PolyU students participated in exchange programmes and over 600 inbound exchange students came to the University.