Programme Introduction
PLANNING AND DESIGNING YOUR FUTURE
The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies [BA(US)] is an interdisciplinary, studio-based and professionally-oriented programme offered by the Department of Urban Planning and Design. It is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge about diverse aspects of cities and urban systems, which forms an essential basis for various urban professions. Throughout their four years of study, students will be prepared to become professional surveyors in the planning and development stream in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
What You’ll Study
Our BA(US) programme places a strong emphasis on understanding of the dynamics and systems of cities; and the interactions between policy/planning interventions and the spontaneous social and economic processes that make up city life. Its four-year curriculum highlights research applied statistical analysis, observation and communication, and covers theories/methods and design thinking/skills during the four years of study. Through integrated problem-based learning, students will analyse urban problems from multiple perspectives and propose appropriate policy, regulatory, design and other interventions. Upon graduation, graduates will have acquired skills in spatial analysis essential for the analysis of the urban economy, society and environment, and the development of expertise in land/property development, and associated government policy/laws.
Overseas and Internships opportunities
Given the programme’s international scope, BA(US) students will have the opportunity to participate in overseas study experiences and professional training through internships.
Professional Recognition
Following approved training and assessment, BA(US) graduates are eligible to become professional chartered planning and development surveyors of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Alternatively, they can continue with Master of Science in Urban Planning to become a professional urban planner – the only programme in Hong Kong recognised by the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP).
Finally, graduates can also continue their studies in other professional postgraduate programmes in urban analytics, urban design, housing management, transport policy and planning, landscape architecture, conservation, environment and real estate, at HKU or other local/overseas universities.
Career Prospects
The BA(US) curriculum is aligned to prepare students to become professional surveyors in the planning and development stream of the surveying profession, and more generally, future global urban leaders. The analytical and communicational skills developed during your degree will open doors to a successful career in almost any field. The programme’s interdisciplinary and multidimensional nature empowers graduates to discover connections and unpack challenges from different perspectives.
Similar to urban studies programmes at major research universities in the UK and the US, graduates can opt to pursue an MPhil or PhD locally or abroad.