MBAs in Hong Kong: a quick reference guide
HKUST’s MBA programme, founded in 1991, is one of the best in the world. Ranked 14th in the latest Financial Times survey of business schools...
1) Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
HKUST’s MBA programme, founded in 1991, is one of the best in the world. Ranked 14th in the latest Financial Times survey of business schools, it is known for its North American style of teaching, but with a focus on case studies from Greater China and Asia.
Each cohort has 100 to 120 students, more than 90 per cent of whom are non-locals representing around 30 countries. Students learn how to conduct business in China, and are expected to participate in study tours and field trips in Greater China and other countries in Asia.
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: 59th among universities around the world; 6th in ranking of Asian universities
2016 Financial Times Global MBA rankings: 14th
Fees: HK$545,000 for full-time; HK$396,000 for part-time
Duration: 12 or 16 months for full-time MBA; 24 months for part-time MBA
Study mode: lectures comprise only 30 per cent of total course time, with the remainder taken up by discussions, seminars, case analysis, simulations, individual and group projects, and presentations. Methods of assessment may include class participation, individual assignments, group projects and presentations, quizzes, and examinations.
2) Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
The CUHK MBA programme was established in 1966, making it one of the oldest in Asia. Apart from a focus on business in China and across the region, it is also known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship.
The programme offers a range of courses covering start-ups and venture capital investment, offering practical knowledge and advice plus hands-on experience in securing financial resources and exploring business opportunities. Students analyse existing ventures and understand real-world business challenges. They also have the chance to make investment presentations to senior executives, angel investors and venture capitalists, who may help to bring their ideas to fruition.
CUHK also offers a joint programme that leads to the award of both a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and an MBA.
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: 138th in world university rankings; 13th in Asia
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: 26th
Fees: HK$ 510,300 for full-time MBA; HK$356,400 for part-time mode. For the JD/MBA programme, the MBA component costs HK$9,450 per unit for the full-time mode and HK$7,425 per unit for part-time. The JD component costs HK$4,630 per unit for both full-time and part-time options.
Duration: MBA: 12-16 months for full-time; 24-48 months for part-time. JD/MBA: 30 months for full-time; 60 months for part-time.
Study mode: Both weekday and weekend classes are offered for part-time students. Full-time students can participate in a wide range of summer internships or international exchanges, which may extend the period of study to 16 months. Part-time students can also take part in company visits and field trips. Students can also apply for a dual degree programme or collaborative study scheme with partner schools around the world.
3) University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Both the full-time and part-time MBAs at HKU offer the chance to study electives at other prestigious business schools to gain broader international exposure. After completing initial courses in Hong Kong, students can choose to go to London Business School, Columbia Business School in New York, or Fudan University in Shanghai for three to five months. There, they learn alongside MBA, EMBA and master’s students at those institutions, having full access to relevant workshops, seminars and projects.
The programme also makes extensive use of Asia- and China-focused case studies generated by its various research centres. Both the full-time and part-time programmes have an international mix of students. All applicants are required to have at least two years’ postgraduate work experience though, in fact, the average is six to seven years.
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: 44th in world university rankings; 4th among universities in Asia
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: 44th
Fees: HK$513,000 for full-time and HK$354,000 for part-time option
Duration: 14 months for full-time; 2-4 years for part-time
Study mode: Full-time: all students begin with a China immersion course in Beijing, followed by nine months in Hong Kong. In the final four months, they may choose to complete the programme by taking electives at London Business School (LBS), Columbia Business School (CBS) or Fudan University, or remain in Hong Kong.
Part-time: a modular structure is used with each module lasting about five weeks. This allows students to concentrate on one course at a time. Classes are offered on weekdays and at weekends to suit students’ varying work commitments. There is also the chance to spend a semester at LBS or CBS.
4) City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
CityU offers an innovative MBA with an emphasis on global challenges and international exposure. Along the way, students have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience through a range of exchange programmes and workshops involving the likes of Imperial College in London and the University of California at Berkeley. A signature course, the “Enterprise Diagnostic Residential Trip” sees both CityU MBA students and counterparts from overseas visiting mainland cities to conduct consultancy projects for companies in a selection of different industries.
Separately, students are also paired with mentors, known through the alumni network, who help with career advice, coaching and useful introductions.
Prospective applicants can choose to take a general MBA programme or supplement that with up to two “concentrations” from the four options of finance, information management, marketing, or supply chain management
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: between 201st and 250th in world university rankings; 16th in Asia
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: not available
Fees: the general curriculum costs HK$256,400 for local students and HK$297,200 for non-locals. With one concentration it is HK$314,090 (local) and HK$ 364,070 (non-local). With a double concentration, it is HK$371,780 (local) and HK$430, 940 (non-local).
Duration: 12 to 30 months for full-time; 2-5 years for part-time
Study mode: If studying full-time, participants attend two to three day-time classes per week for core courses. There are also two weekday evenings or one weekday evening plus one Saturday afternoon for electives. For the part-time option, most courses are delivered in intensive mode which requires attendance at two weekday evening classes or one weekday evening (normally Wednesday) plus one Saturday afternoon. Each course lasts four or six weeks.
5) Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
With an emphasis on practicality and close relations with the business world, the PolyU MBA is only available in part-time format. It is designed for more mature students with a minimum of four years’ work experience at managerial level and/or in an equivalent professional capacity. Many students have more than 10 years’ working experience and they are expected to draw on that in contributing actively to class discussions and group projects. During the programme, they also participate in workshops, networking events and company visits in Hong Kong, on the mainland, and overseas.
All the professors are involved in research projects touching various industries, which allows them to stay closely in touch with business leaders, line managers and entrepreneurs. Such partnerships ensure the curriculum content is completely up to date and relevant to today’s business environment.
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: between 201st and 250th in world university rankings: 22nd in Asia
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: not available
Fees: HK$229, 500 for part-time option
Duration: 2-4 years for part-time students
Study mode: classes normally take place on Saturdays and Sundays. Subject to the enrolment number, weekday evening classes may also be offered. In most cases, assessment is based on coursework, projects and examination results. Students are expected to be actively involved in the learning process and to share their professional experience with classmates.
6) Hong Kong Baptist University
About the university
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: between 351st and 400th in world university rankings; 44th in Asian university rankings
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: not available
7) Macquarie University Graduate School of Management (run by the Hong Kong Management Association in Hong Kong)
The MGSM MBA is known for its flexibility. Prospective students can choose from a range of options designed to accommodate different schedules and rates of progress. It is possible to study either part-time or full-time and to take individual courses on a week-by-week basis or in an intensive block format. The same courses are taught in classes in Hong Kong as on the campus in Australia, and there is also an interactive online platform providing easy access for students who travel regularly.
Anyone looking to update a specific area of knowledge or explore options before enrolling for the full programme can begin by taking a single study unit. The choice of subjects includes marketing, international management, and finance, as well as the management of logistics, operations and technology. These units are generally taught in Australia.
MBA students can also participate in internship projects with Australia-based organisations and join exchange programmes with the university’s overseas partners. Such exchange schemes range from two weeks to four months.
About the university/programme
2016 Times Higher Education (THE) rankings: between 301st and 350th in world university rankings: 34th in the “150 under 50” rankings
2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: 56th
Fees: overall fees are HKD326,720 based on a cost of HKD20,420 per course unit
Duration: 2 years for full-time; at your own pace for the part-time option
Study mode: Full-time, part-time, or single-unit plus interactive online classes
8) Manchester Global MBA (Part-time) Programme
The University of Manchester’s global MBA programme was first established in Hong Kong in 1992. It is, according to the latest financial times survey, the top ranked U.K MBA in the city, and the 35th ranked MBA in the world. This prestigious part-time programme aims to develop reflective leaders capable of navigating the most challenging global trends and tensions, with a schedule designed to minimize career disruption.
The course has both a modern and real-world focus, with a structure that is based primarily on practical themes rather than traditional subject areas. Students who enrol in the programme will be given the opportunity to attend workshops in all 6 of the University of Manchester’s global campuses. They will also be able to continue their studies at any of these campuses should they decide to take their career overseas. International exposure and the development of global networks are strongly encouraged, as the University covers the hotel costs at two overseas centres for elective modules.
About the university/programme
Triple accredited MBA Course: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB (Top 1% of business schools to achieve this)
No. 1 UK MBA in Hong Kong, UK #5, Europe #12, World #35 (5 year average rank - Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2012 - 2016)
Fees: HK$386,000 for part-time mode (A range of scholarships/ Funding Schemes (HK$50,000 per student) available to benefit students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences).
Study mode: students only study on campus three times a year. Each course is structured around an intensive, three-day workshop, where the students learn in small multinational groups from expert faculty and talented peers. Physical time for the students out of the office is scheduled in advance for minimum career disruption.
To be continued
