Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies

Overview

HKUST’s pioneering Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) exemplifies the University’s well-established tradition for innovative teaching, learning, and research. Since its establishment in 2008 , AIS has been dedicated to providing unique education and research programs, empowering students who are keen to make full use of the holistic learning and self-development opportunities available here. 

To tackle the challenging and multi-faceted issues of today’s world—be it climate change, optimizing the big data revolution, or effective management of technology—it is necessary to fuse knowledge and know-how from different fields to bring multiple perspectives to the task of changing the world for the better. 

We strive to tailor our programs to the newly emerging needs of society and of the students we educate. We co-operate closely with corporate partners to offer students projects and professional training with instructors and mentors from industry. Our goal is to provide a nurturing learning environment in which undergraduates and postgraduates can discover their true passion and interests through an education that connects them to the wider world. 

We currently offer five cutting-edge interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: 

  • Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP) 
  • Environmental Management and Technology Program (EVMT) 
  • Individualized Interdisciplinary Major Program (IIM)
  • Innovation, Design and Technology (IDT)
  • Sustainable and Green Finance (SGFN) (Jointly offered by the Division of Environment and Sustainability and School of Business and Management) 

These programs bring together two or more different academic disciplines and offer a brand-new type of educational experience, characterized by 

1) Multicultural cohorts with small class sizes of 2–40 students per cohort per program, which allows close and supportive relationships to develop between students, professors and staff

2) Ambitious curricula across different schools

3) Wide-ranging personal and professional enrichment activities and an exclusive team of professional advisors who provide counseling and career advice to students.

At AIS, we learn, we experience, and we lead without boundaries.

Facts
1
First in Hong Kong
To establish an interdisciplinary academic unit at a local university
1
First in Hong Kong
To create an undergraduate dual degree program integrating technology and business knowledge
(Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management)
1
First in Hong Kong
To pioneer Hong Kong’s first HKIQEP-accredited undergraduate program, nurturing ecologically and economically conscious future leaders to embed and advance sustainability
(BSc in Environmental Management and Technology)
1
First in Hong Kong
To create an experiential learning degree program educating technologists and innovators
(BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology)
1
First in Greater China
To offer an undergraduate program allowing students to create their own major and curricula
(BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major)
Career Prospects

We understand that a student’s development is about more than academic knowledge. An understanding of personal motivations and goals, professional know-how, and business experience all help students plan for their future and adapt well to the working environment. AIS provides a wide range of career workshops and one-on-one individual advice to students to help them map out their own career paths. 

AIS graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills work in professional fields including engineering, banking and finance, consultancy, NGOs, and many more. For detailed employment statistics, please refer to the websites of AIS Programs.

Admissions and Programs

Students interested in BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management, BSc in Environmental Management and Technology, BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology or BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major*, may apply to the programs directly. Students who would like more time to explore their interests can first apply for admissions to the School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Business and Management or School of Humanities and Social Science, and then apply to enroll in one of the AIS majors in the Spring Term of the first year of study. 

If you are interested in the BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major, all HKUST students are eligible to submit the applications during the first year of study. You will be able to explore more after getting in HKUST.

*Subject to the University's approval

Programs Offered by Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies Jointly offered by School of Business and Management and the Division of Environment and Sustainability
Programs Offered by Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies
BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management
BSc in Environmental Management and Technology
BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major
BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology
Jointly offered by School of Business and Management and the Division of Environment and Sustainability
BSc in Sustainable and Green Finance
Admissions Talk (Cantonese)
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Intro to Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies
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“EVMT is inherently interdisciplinary, we don’t need to limit ourselves to one single frame. The diversity of EVMT courses, from economics and finance to hands-on lab work, has sharpened both our business mind set and scientific knowledge, making it easier to apply our skills across different fields in the future. EVMT isn't just about studying climate change or the environment in the abstract; it’s about bringing those vital concepts into the business world. With what we learn in EVMT, we empower businesses to drive sustainable practices and create real, lasting environmental impact, and in doing so, help save the planet.”
Enid LAM (Hong Kong)
Class of 2026
“I have finished my BSc in Bionics. What is bionics? It is the interdisciplinary study of biology, mechanics, electronics, and control. The IIM gave me the wonderful opportunity to tailor-make my own program to my specific interests. With the support of professors and the School, I was able to turn my hand to something I actually enjoy learning!”
Thomas Narayana Swamy (India)
(Majored in Bionics)
Class of 2019
“I am honored to have been one of the first batch of IIM students. I cannot imagine having achieved more in those four years. The individualized curriculum gave me great freedom in my studies and unlimited learning opportunities at HKUST and beyond. I have never regretted my decision to apply to the IIM.”
Felix Cho (Hong Kong)
(Majored in Computational Cognitive Science)
Class of 2019
“Immersed in a program that covers a wide range of topics and offers students opportunities to test and showcase their skills, I became someone who is aware of major issues happening around the world, able to think holistically and come up with recommendations from different perspectives, and proficient in leading, communicating, persuading, and working with others. The skills I learned and the mindset I developed while studying EVMT allowed me to excel in various areas: as a candidate for jobs; as an employee in the workplace; and as myself, in my personal growth.”
Andrew Ng (Hong Kong)
Class of 2018
The Dual Degree Program gave me a platform to participate in many enrichment activities, including corporate projects, international business plan competitions, and executive forums. This exposure to practical challenges in the industry transformed me into a fast problem solver with the ability to understand and interpret corporate operations and provide solutions to enhance business growth.
Sarang GUPTA (India)
BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management
Class of 2016
The Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management (T&M-DDP) offers far more than just two degrees. The faculty members are really supportive and encouraging, always seeking to inspire our creativity and innovation. We are given numerous exclusive opportunities for international exposure that help us continuously challenge the status quo of the world. With the T&M-DDP, we are able to step out of our comfort zone and embark on an exciting journey beyond the known.
Karen LAM (Hong Kong)
BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management
Class of 2021
I have always dreamed of building my own business and creating something that has a positive impact on people’s lives. That’s why I chose the Dual Degree Program: I knew that it would provide me with unique exposure to the worlds of both business and engineering. After graduating from the Dual Degree Program, I created the Lumos Helmet, the world’s first bicycle helmet with integrated lights and turn and brake signals, which makes cycling at night much safer.
Jeff CHEN (Mainland China)
BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management
Class of 2015
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