Programme Code
One-Year Full-time / A1M112
Two-Year Part-time / C2M042*
Programme Leader
Dr. Xiao Hanyu
Enquiry (Admission)
Enquiry (Programme)
(852) 2948-7987 / 7197
Introduction
Strengthening public administration and governance is the primary objective of any modern, international and progressive place in the world.
To enable those who aspire to work in the field of public administration and governance to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest changes in international, national, Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong in the areas of public administration, economy, finance, international relations, security and cyber security, and to explore the latest solutions, the positioning of the Executive Master of Public Administration and Leadership (EMPAL) programme at The Education University of Hong Kong is to cultivate public administration leaders who can promote the continuous development and progress of Hong Kong and the country. The programme emphasises “rooted in Hong Kong, backed by the motherland, connected to the world”, and focuses on enhancing students’ public administration and leadership abilities in terms of “knowledge, skills, values”. It is hoped that after completing the programme, students will be able to achieve basic goals such as “dare to take responsibility, people-oriented, do good deeds” and thus join the ranks of public administration and leadership.
Existing programmes on public administration, public management and public policy are mainly based on the traditional methods of public administration and public policy developed in Western academies. In response to the changing times and international situation, as well as to meet the increasing demands of various stakeholders for improved governance by the government, and to cope with the challenges brought by the latest socio-economic development situation, this programme will invite senior experts and scholars from different fields to provide students with different perspectives and professional practices.
It will enable students to think deeply and analyse issues such as public administration, economy, finance, international relations, security and cyber security under the framework of "One Country Two Systems", and cultivate public management talents with the ability to "rooted in Hong Kong, backed by the motherland, connected to the world", the latest professional knowledge and governance capabilities for government departments and public and private sector organisations in Hong Kong and mainland China.
* For non-local students (NLS), it has been adopted in accordance with the HKSAR Government Policy, please check with the Immigration Department of the HKSAR if you are eligible to study a part-time Programme.
Disclaimer
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
Programme Features
In order to link theory closely with practice, the programme will invite information experts and scholars from different fields to serve as course lecturers and share their frontline experience with students. It will also provide relevant internship opportunities for outstanding students who are interested in working in the field of public administration. The programme welcomes applicants from Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau and other regions who have two years or more of work experience, bilingual proficiency in Chinese and English, and rich experience in different sectors such as public administration, disciplinary forces, business, professional, etc. Applicants with outstanding achievements and qualifications in related fields will be given priority consideration.
Prospective Students
The programme is especially suitable for students who have relevant professional knowledge in public administration, public relations, political science, economics, business administration, etc., or professionals who are interested in public administration, policy research and leadership development.
Future Career Development
The future career development of students is broad, including civil servants, managers of public and private sector organisations, management and professional staff of non-governmental organisations, public policy researchers, community leaders, etc.
Opportunity
The programme will provide in-depth learning to enhance the professional level of students in different fields, and is suitable for students who intend to develop in the fields of public administration, community management, public policy research, etc. The programme will also provide experiential learning such as visits, lectures and interviews to help students quickly understand the necessary knowledge of public administration and leadership.
Programme Aims
The programme mainly teaches the relevant knowledge of public administration, governance and policy as the foundation, and provides students with a broad and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to analyse international, national, Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong issues from multiple perspectives, from micro to macro, including public administration, economy, finance, international relations, security and cyber security, etc. The programme will combine public administration theory, policy research and analysis and other related theories and methods to enhance students' understanding of public administration related issues and phenomena. It will enable graduates to master the development opportunities of international, national, Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong regions, enhance their competitiveness in the region, and cope with the complex and changing challenges in the future.
Upon completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Further deepen their understanding of the political system, governance and development mode, diplomatic position and international relations of the country and Hong Kong, especially the basic knowledge related to regional economy, public finance, security and cyber security, technology policy and media relations that are closely related to future development.
- Strengthen their management and response capabilities to cope with various challenges and crises arising from social, business, public relations, foreign relations and other aspects in their daily work.
- Fully grasp the relevant opportunities and challenges of the latest policies and development of national and regional economy, especially the development prospects and potential under the new development pattern of dual circulation, and become successful public administration leaders with the vision and position of "rooted in Hong Kong, backed by the motherland, connected to the world".
Structure & Medium of Instruction
The EMPAL (One-year Full-time/Two-year Part-time) is a 24-credit-points (cps) programme. The course is mainly taught in the afternoon and evening, with some subjects being taught in the evening or on Saturdays.
Classes in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.
The medium of instruction is mainly Putonghua supplemented with English / Cantonese.
Programme Curriculum
| Core Courses (15cps) | |
|---|---|
| 3cps | PUA6022 China's National Governance and Development
The course aims to help students achieve a deeper understanding of how China is ruled and what the policy priorities of the new leadership are. It will explore the political governance from historic to modern China. |
| 3cps | PUA6023 Hong Kong SAR’s Governance and Development
This is an advanced course on the politics and governance of Hong Kong with a special focus on the contexts, institutions and processes in the formulation and implementation of public policies as well as the dynamic interactions between the key political actors involved. The course is organized into three parts. Part I overviews the historical development of Hong Kong as a colony under British rule and its transition to a Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Key concepts in the field of politics and public administration will also be critically examined and applied to understand Hong Kong’s special brand of politics and governance.
Part II examines the changing contexts of public administration and policy and the key institutions and actors in the governance of the Hong Kong SAR such as the principal officials accountability system (POAS), the policy making structures, the civil service and other public sector organizations.
Part III analyzes several key issues and challenges confronting the Hong Kong SAR since 1997, such as political participation, civic engagement and its integration into the Mainland under the Greater Bay Area planning. The prospects of Hong Kong under the framework of One Country, Two Systems will also be explored. |
| 3cps | PUA6026 Public Administration, Management and Leadership Skills
This core course aims to help students develop a solid foundation in the knowledge of public administration and learn key skills useful for managing public organizations.
Specifically, this course introduces (a) the public values of public administration, such as efficiency, engagement, ethics, and accountability, and the major theories and key issues of contemporary public administration; (b) the importance of leaders and leadership in public administration, especially under the rapidly changing local, national, and global contexts; and (c) the key challenges confronting the public sector in the contemporary world.
Contending perspectives will be introduced to help students develop the sensitivity and competencies necessary to address both practical and managerial challenges of the public sector in the real world. |
| 3cps | POS6017 Chinese Diplomacy and International Relations: Challenges and Resolutions
This course aims to introduce the evolution of contemporary international relations and strategies of Chinese foreign policy. It provides an introductory survey of Chinese diplomacy from 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was established, to the early 21st century, and its continuities and changes over time.
In addition, the course will explore China's role in the global economy, military relations, culture, and national security policies. Students will also learn about China's relations with selected countries and regions. |
| 3cps | ECO6002 China's Regional Economy and Hong Kong's Economic Development: Challenges and Opportunities
Since China's open-door policy began in 1978, Hong Kong has played a crucial role in its economic reform. However, the emergence of coastal cities and China's gradual integration into the global economy through the WTO has raised questions about Hong Kong's future role in China's economic growth.
This course offers an overview of the economic connections between Hong Kong and China from the 20th century to the present day and examines the potential challenges and opportunities they may encounter. It delves into the various roles Hong Kong has played during different stages of China's economic development and considers the possibilities for Hong Kong's continued contributions to China's growth in the coming years. |
| Elective Courses (9 cps) (Choose any 3 out of the following 6) | |
|---|---|
| 3cps | PUA6024 Public Policy and Public Finance This course explores the role of the HKSAR and the Chinese government in public policy and finance and tries to answer important policy questions such as government response to different issues. Drawing on the cases of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and other countries such as the USA, Japan and Singapore, the course covers topics ranging from fundamental principles of public finance, the role of government, budget process and procedures, revenue generation, intergovernmental fiscal relations to education finance and income distribution. This course aims to help students better understand the intricacies of public finance and public policy. |
| 3cps | PUA6025 Digital Government: Developments and Trends
This course examines the impact of technological transformation on the public sector and public service and the key issues and challenges in the introduction and management of digital government.
After offering an overview of the recent developments of new technologies, such as information and communication technologies (ICTs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), this course will explore the opportunities, challenges, and risks arising from the adoption of such technologies in the public sector and explore how governments can utilize them to address complex public policy problems and enhance both the efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
Furthermore, the socio-economic and political disruptions caused by the advent of such new technologies, and the resulting regulatory challenges and ethical dilemmas for public managers will also be critically examined. |
| 3cps | PUA6027 Technology and Innovation Policies: Development and Trend
The course provides a comprehensive exploration of the development, implementation, and evaluation of technology and innovation policies in various contexts. Throughout the course, students will delve into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of technology and innovation policies. They will also analyze the key drivers and challenges associated with technological advancements and their impact on industries, economies and societies. Specifically, emphasis will be placed on exploring the role of government, international organizations, and other stakeholders in shaping technology and innovation policies.
Through real-world case studies and global trends, students will gain insights into the diverse approaches and strategies used to foster innovation, promote technological diffusion, and achieve societal progress and sustainable development. They will explore policy frameworks and instruments aimed at enhancing research and development, promoting entrepreneurship, protecting intellectual property rights, and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Furthermore, this course will critically evaluate the ethical, social, and economic implications of technology and innovation policies, addressing issues such as digital divide, privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical considerations associated with emerging technologies. |
| 3cps | PUA6028 Communication, Media and Public Governance
In the digital age, the way in which information flows is constantly changing. At the same time, the interaction between traditional media and new technologies is also influencing communication trends, and the changing media and communication landscape is having an increasing impact on the outcomes of public governance.
This course aims to provide participants with a theoretical overview of communication, media and public governance. It also explores the relationship between communication, media and public governance in the new era through analysis of international, national and Hong Kong cases. Students are also taught to analyze how new media affects public governance and to understand how effective communication and media power can enhance governance. |
| 3cps | PUA6029 Social Research and Social Practice
The challenges the policy community faces today are multiple and exhibit a cross-sector character. The purpose of this course is to familiarise students with different approaches to conducting social research that could contribute to meaningful debates and feasible policy initiatives.
The first part of this course introduces students to the nexus between academic research and policy research. Whilst the audiences of their research may be dissimilar, there is a remarkable convergence between the two as far as the research method is concerned. The second part of the course introduces students to different features of social research, including research design, data collection, and data analysis. Students will be engaged in designing research that has policy implications and will be expected to prepare research reports that can consolidate and communicate their findings.
The final part of the course introduces students to how the policy community can harness the opportunities arising from “big data-turn” in social research. Different policy communities have been developing initiatives to utilize big data in optimizing their policy choices. This part will also introduce students to some best practices in social research and explore the ways in which these best practices will be applied in addressing the needs of the Hong Kong community, and in improving and facilitating the integration and cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in different areas. |
| 3cps | POS6016 Contemporary Security and Cyber Security Issues
The course introduces students to contemporary security issues through a critical exploration of theory and practice. The field of security issues will be moving from military questions to other threats and challenges faced by contemporary societies, covering environmental security, energy security and health security, etc.
One of the core objectives of this course is connecting conventional theories to new problems by combining theoretical and empirical material on international security. The intimate relationships between theory and governance will be examined. Furthermore, owing to rapid advancements in technology, cyber security has emerged as a broad field of security politics and practice, concerned with the security of information environments like the internet. Thus, the course explores the intersections of cybersecurity with crime and societal security. Students will understand how cyberattacks emerge and what governments can do to prevent them or reduce their harm to society.
In addition, the programme will focus on exploring China-related national security issues in a time of unprecedented global changes, where the geopolitical situation is unpredictable and political risks are increasing across the board. Upon completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of the meaning and importance of national security, and will have a greater awareness of national security and the importance of safeguarding national security. |
Disclaimer
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
Entrance Requirements
Recognised Bachelor's Degree or other equivalent qualifications, with at least of 2 years' professional and/or managerial experiences. Applicants who are new graduates and have excellent academic performance may also be considered.
Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in Mainland China are required to provide:
- Degree Certificate（學位證書-中文原件掃描） and Online
Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate
（學位在線驗證報告）issued by the CHSI（學信網）with a
validity period of six months; - Graduation Certificate（畢業證書-中文原件掃描）and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification
Certificate（學歷證書電子註冊備案表）issued by the CHSI（學信網） with a validity period of six months; and Final Transcript（最終成績單-中文原件掃描）.
Applicants are required to submit supplementary documents through online application system:
- Invite two referees to complete the Referee's Report.
Applicants please input information of the referees through the "Confidential Report/References" section in the online application system. The University will send invitation emails to the referees to complete the online referee's report; - Please submit a Study Statement indicating your motivation/expectations to undertake the programme. A Personal Study Statement of 1,000 words in Chinese and 800 words in English related to articulating your interest in this programme. Please upload your statement to the online application system.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee(2025/2026 Cohort) is HK$184,800 (24 cps) for the whole programme, which is provisional and subject to adjustment. Tuition fees paid are normally not refundable or transferable. Students who still need to take courses to meet graduation requirements beyond the regular study period (one year for full-time / two years for part-time *) will need to pay a fee for extended study.
The University reserves the right to make changes to tuition fee without prior notice.
* For non-local students (NLS), it has been adopted in accordance with the HKSAR Government Policy, please check with the Immigration Department of the HKSAR if you are eligible to study a part-time Programme.
Disclaimer
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.