Master of Science in Low-Altitude Economy and Management [MSc(LAEM)] [*Subject to University’s Approval]

Scientific Foundations and Applications in Low-Altitude Economy 

This course equips students with the foundational scientific literacy and quantitative analytical competencies essential for evidence-based decision-making in the low-altitude economy. Adopting a “science-to-policy” approach, the course builds understanding from first principles of the physical environment upward to data-driven policy applications. It is structured around three progressively integrated domains. The first domain addresses the physical science of low-altitude environments: atmospheric boundary layer dynamics, urban micrometeorology, and the aerodynamic principles governing small unmanned aircraft operations in built environments. The second domain covers geospatial data acquisition and analytical methods: satellite and drone-based remote sensing (optical, multispectral, thermal, and LiDAR), photogrammetric 3D reconstruction, and spatial analysis for airspace suitability assessment. The third domain develops quantitative methods for policy applications: spatial statistics for risk mapping, introductory probabilistic risk modelling for urban drone corridors, and scenario analysis to support regulatory and infrastructure planning under uncertainty. Throughout all three domains, the course maintains a consistent emphasis on how scientific evidence and quantitative analysis inform and strengthen policy formulation, regulatory assessment, and spatial planning decisions.

Low-Altitude Technologies for Sustainable Cities

This course provides a comprehensive understanding about the challenges and opportunities of integrating low-altitude technologies into sustainable urban development. It investigates the opportunities and constraints of applying urban air mobility and drone logistics within smart city initiatives, while addressing environmental, economic and social considerations. Participants are required to understand the hazards and risks posed to cities under low-altitude expansion. The course leads participants to explore different ways of achieving sustainable cities, including the use of drone-based green logistics, vertiport design for carbon neutrality and low-altitude-related policy making. The course also cultivates participants’ problem-solving ability through case studies and hands-on simulation exercises to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Spatial Governance for Low-Altitude Urban Mobility

This course introduces participants to the theoretical underpinnings of spatial governance for low-altitude urban mobility. It introduces the airspace management concepts and spatial planning frameworks. The course leads participants to understand the corresponding conceptual frameworks of spatial governance and their inter-relatedness with economic and environmental dimensions. Three different aspects involved would be introduced and overviewed: airspace allocation, route optimisation and land-use integration. With reference to the contexts of Hong Kong, China and the Greater Bay Area, participants will be assisted in constructing a general framework on how to promote safe and efficient low-altitude urban mobility with low-altitude human-environment system.

Low-Altitude Economy Activities and Social Ethics

This course addresses the ethical and social dimensions of low-altitude economic activities. The topics to be discussed include privacy concerns, equity issues in access to aerial services, public safety risks and the human dimensions in deploying drone and air mobility technologies. Participants are required to understand the societal risks posed by widespread low-altitude operations. This course addresses emerging governance frontiers, it examines the ethical dimensions of regulatory frameworks, investigates the governance challenges, and develops participants’ understanding of community engagement methodologies. The course will also lead participants to explore different ways of addressing ethical challenges, including the development of governance guidelines, stakeholder engagement and responsible innovation practices.  

Infrastructure Planning and Governance for Low-Altitude Economy

This course examines the planning and governance of infrastructure supporting the low-altitude economy activities. It covers physical take-off and landing facilities, information infrastructure systems and operational coordination requirements. Participants will analyse technical standards, integration challenges and risk management considerations in infrastructure projects. Key components involved would be introduced and overviewed: physical take-off and landing facilities, information infrastructure including communication, navigation and surveillance networks, and operational planning mechanisms for ground-air coordination. With reference to the contexts of Hong Kong, China and the Chinese Mainland, participants will be assisted in constructing a general framework on how to plan and integrate low-altitude infrastructure to support efficient and safe operations.

Low-Altitude Economy Policy and Regulation

This course introduces participants to the comparative regulatory frameworks governing the low-altitude economy activities and technologies. It provides an in-depth understanding of airspace policies and examines the coordination mechanisms across different jurisdictions. Students will learn the corresponding conceptual frameworks of regulatory governance and their inter-relatedness with economic and spatial dimensions. Key topics include differences in licensing, safety standards, data privacy requirements and operational permissions. The course will: (1) assists students in developing analytical frameworks to identify regulatory gaps and propose harmonisation strategies that facilitate seamless low-altitude economic integration., and (2) incorporate scenario-based regulatory simulation exercises in which students role-play as regulatory officials, industry operators, and community representatives responding to emerging low-altitude activities challenges.

Drones and Data Collection for Smart City

This elective course examines the application of drones and data collection technologies within smart city development. It investigates drone-based remote sensing, data processing techniques and integration with urban digital twin systems. Participants are required to understand the technical and operational requirements of drone deployment in urban environments. Students will explore different ways of using drone data for urban modelling, environmental monitoring and emergency response. The course also cultivates participants’ problem-solving ability through hands-on drone operation exercises to achieve smart city development goals.

The Low-Altitude Industry from an Economic Perspective

This course introduces participants to the economic principles and industrial ecosystem of the low-altitude economy. It investigates low-altitude business models and examines the economic drivers, value chains and market structures. The course leads participants to understand the corresponding conceptual frameworks of industrial economics. Key topics include platform economics, cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure investment and the economic impact of regulatory changes. Participants will evaluate the economic impacts of regulatory changes and technological advancements. The course equips students with tools to formulate business models and policy strategies that support sustainable industry growth and competitiveness.

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 analyse 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 organisations, 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.