Master of Science in Environmental, Social and Governance for Sustainable Development (*Subject to the University’s Approval)

Programme Highlights

• Provide a comprehensive training on theories and practices of ESG
• The first ESG-focused Master programme that uses Putonghua as the major medium of instruction
• Integrate theories and practices of ESG in the contexts of Hong Kong and Mainland China
• Cover essential areas of current major certified ESG examination syllabus

Programme Aims

The aims and objectives of this programme are to equip executives and professionals with solid knowledge of ESG to achieve the sustainable development goals. Through this programme, participants will acquire ability and skill to analyse and evaluate the ESG performance and be able to apply rules and policies to solve ESG related problems.

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
 

1. Understand the conceptual frameworks, theories and practices about ESG and sustainable development.
2. Apply key concepts of ESG pertaining to business structure and technological management
3. Contextualize and re-shape economic, social and environmental relationships.
4. Develop interdisciplinary perspectives on ESG related issues and solutions applicable to industrial and business sectors.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises 24 credit points, including five core courses (15 cps) and three elective courses (choose 3 out of 4, 9 cps). Each course carries 3 credit points. Participants can take one year (full-time) complete the whole programme.

Medium of Instruction

Entrance Requirements (*Subject to the University’s Approval)

1. General Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in Mainland China are required to provide: 
 

1. Degree Certificate and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate issued by the CHSI with a validity period of six months;
2. Graduation Certificate and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate issued by the CHSI with a validity period of six months; and

3. Final Transcript.

2. Work Experience

Applicants with over two years of work experience will be given priority consideration.

3. English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfil one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements:

1. Overall score of IELTS 5.5 (academic version) #;
2. TOEFL score of 59 (internet-based test) #;
3. Band 6 in the College English Test (CET) # with a total score of 430;
4. Grade C in GCSE/GCE O-Level English; or
5. Other equivalent qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

# The test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years. For example, if you are applying for 2026/27 academic year, your IELTS / TOEFL / CET6 test must be obtained on or after 1 January 2024. TOEFL Home Editions, TOEFL MyBest Score, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, IELTS One Skill Retake, Duolingo and National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (全國碩士研究生招生考試) are NOT acceptable.

4. Chinese Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants who obtained a bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and Macau should have attained scores in one of the following Chinese Language or Chinese-related examinations:

1. Level 3 / Grade E in Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) / Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) / Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
2. A score of 110 in the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities in the People’s Republic of China (JEE / Gaokao)(full marks 150);
3. Grade E or above in GCE A-Level/AS-Level;
4. Grade 4/Grade C or above in GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level;
5. Grade 4 or above in International Baccalaureate (IB); or
6. Other equivalent qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

5. Interview

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
 

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee (2026/27 Cohort) is HK$175,000 (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) will need to pay a fee for extended study.

The University reserves the right to make changes to tuition fee without prior notice. 

Disclaimer
The University is committed to upholding the educational quality and standard of the programmes it offers. The University, being funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is one of the nine self-accrediting institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the quality of the educational experience in all programmes offered by the UGC-funded universities is subject to the quality assurance process administered by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC. Individuals who wish to apply for qualification certification in Mainland China after graduation should contact the CSCSE (website: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/index.html) directly for updated details and confirmation. The certification in Mainland China is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate’s qualification certification or recognition in Mainland China or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
 

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.

EdUHK, has not collaborated with any agency in Mainland China or Hong Kong on admission, and does not encourage students to entrust their applications to any third-party agents and we always contact applicants directly on updates regarding the applications. You must complete and submit your own application via the EdUHK online admissions system and provide your own personal and contact details. Please refer to the official EdUHK channels, such as programme websites and the admissions system, for the required information to complete your application.

Important Notes for Students from Mainland China on Overseas Credential Evaluation (國(境)外學歷學位認證)

• Students who have fulfilled the programme requirements will be conferred the degree upon the approval of the University's Academic Board. The University bears no responsibility for the evaluation of its degrees outside of Hong Kong. Students are advised to consult with the relevant authority(ies) for the prevailing rules/regulations.

• Individuals who would seek qualification certification in Mainland China after graduation should contact the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) 中國(教育部) 留學服務中心 (https://www.cscse.edu.cn) for updated details.

• The certification in Mainland China is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate's qualification certification or recognition in Mainland China or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong. 

• CSCSE  takes a very prudent approach in evaluating each application, including the students' residential period in Hong Kong during the entire study period. When evaluating graduates' credentials, the full border entry and exit records of individual applicants will be examined.

• Students who would pursue credential recognition should be aware that short stays in Hong Kong during the study period may not fulfil the CSCSE residential requirements, leading to possible uncertainty and risks to their credential recognition.

• Students are seriously advised to consider the above when making personal plans, such as accommodation and travel plans from Hong Kong, etc. and make necessary arrangements where appropriate.  

• It is the responsibility of the students to be familiar with and comply with the University regulations and guidelines governing the Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Students should refer to the Graduate School website for the General Academic Regulations and the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes for details. 

• Students should consult with CSCSE if they have any enquiries. 

1 June 2025