Based on detailed studies of Hong Kong’s community processes and existing urban structures, we design scenarios for more human-centric and sustainable future urban environments.
Introduction
In a time of unprecedented global challenges, the need for sustainable and healthy cities has become more obvious. As the world is becoming increasingly aware of the fragility of our ecosystems, human and planetary health, there is a renewed urgency to explore urban design solutions that incorporate principles of social and environmental sustainability, as well as the capacity to adapt to societal changes.
The MSUD programme aims to address these challenges through rigorous research and design projects, focusing on the economic, cultural and regulatory processes that shape cities and the human interactions and experiences that constitute urban life. The courses engage with theoretical and scientific literature, international and regional case studies, and new advanced methods for the analysis, simulation and visualisation of urban areas.
The 16-month programme features a connected studio approach, using research and design scenarios to explore strategies for Hong Kong’s urban regeneration and development. Continuing our previous research agenda on the re-visioning of the “Northern Metropolis” developments, studio 1 and 2 will both focus on the Northern New Territories. Studio 1 will engage with existing towns and villages in this region, studying the collaborative social processes, function mixing and community structures that exist within the high-density urban fabric of Hong Kong. Studio 2 will continue this research through the design of a series of “new” new towns, incorporating existing settlements, landscapes and ecologies, and new types of mobility, social infrastructure and modes of living and working.
Using international case studies, field research and speculative urban design proposals, the studios explore new urban models for a healthy and sustainable future, while incorporating opportunities for community-led initiatives, entrepreneurialism and the improvement of our current and future urban environments.
For further details, please visit the programme website and download the study scheme.
Accredited Qualifications
Internship Programme
The internship programme is offered in the summer term to complement the course work. It allows students to gain experience in leading urban design firms in Hong Kong and link their academic research to issues with relevance in professional practice. Participation in the Internship Programme is on a voluntary basis.
Companies List 2024
Aecom
Architecture Commons
BLEND Architecture
Chinachem Group
CURB – Macau
Hassell
LCC (Land + Civilization Compositions)
One Bite Design Studio
Ove Arup & Partners (HK) Ltd
P&T Group
SOM
The Oval Partnership Ltd
International Workshop
As part of the MSUD programme, an international urban design workshop will be held in different locations around the world. The workshop will be organised with one of our international partner programmes, offering an opportunity to work with additional teachers from renowned institutions.
The most recent programme in June 2024 was in Barcelona, organized in collaboration with the International Forum of Urbanism (IFOU). This international workshop brought together students and academic staff from CUHK, the Catalonian Polytechnic University (UPC) and the University of Lisbon.
Admissions
Application for admission to Master of Science in Urban Design programme in the academic year 2025-26 should be submitted via the Graduate School Online Application System no later than 17 January 2025 (Main Round) or 11 April 2025 (Clearing Round). Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
In addition to the Entry Requirements set by the University, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or a related area recognised by the country where the school is located, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B". Priority will be given to applicants with one year or more of relevant working experience.
