The School of Humanities and Social Science (SHSS) prepares students to become leading global citizens of the 21st century by cultivating the communication, critical thinking, moral reasoning, and analytical skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. With Hong Kong’s largest interdisciplinary program in the humanities and social sciences, SHSS courses cover more than 15 academic disciplines and include creative arts offerings in music, writing, and film.
Some believe that "soft skills" are hard to learn, and yet they are the most enduring of all; they are retained years after graduating from university, as one adapts to new employment opportunities and communities. SHSS embraces this reality. Our school is known for global best practice in undergraduate training through the use of innovative pedagogies such as blended online courses, digital technology, group projects, service learning, multimedia assessments, fieldwork, and research opportunities.
Our strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide offer students and faculty ample international opportunities for collaborative research, in-residence exchanges, joint student training, and dual degree programs. The SHSS community extends well beyond HKUST’s physical campus.
With the knowledge they gain at SHSS, graduates can pursue careers in various fields, such as business, government, and community services. Some of our graduates also pursue postgraduate studies at top institutions in Hong Kong and overseas, e.g., Cornell University, London School of Economics, and Princeton University.
The School of Humanities and Social Science offers two undergraduate programs: the BSc in Global China Studies and the BSc in Quantitative Social Analysis. Students can directly apply to the two programs.