Program Design

The curriculum is composed of 52 credits, with around 60% gained through studying required courses and the remaining 40% though elective courses.

Our teaching modes and methods of assessment vary between courses to ensure that you gain the most benefit from the interactive course content, faculty members, fellow students, and invited guests. Lectures comprise only 30% of course delivery, with the remainder taken up by discussions, seminars, case analysis, simulation, individual and group projects, and presentations. These modes maximize the use of case-based interactive learning, using real-life business cases from within Greater China and the rest of the world. The language of instruction for all courses is English.

Methods of assessment differ between courses but can include class participation, individual assignments, group projects and presentations, quizzes, and exams, depending on the nature of the course. Faculty members select the appropriate mix of delivery and assessment for the best teaching results.

To maximize the diversity of each group and the opportunities to appreciate new and often challenging perspectives, the MBA Office assigns student groups to required courses based on their academic, cultural and industry backgrounds.

Students are expected to complete the MBA in 16 months. Those with considerable work experience and international exposure may join the accelerated 12-month option upon approval at admissions.

12-month Option
The general criteria for eligibility for completing the program in 12 months are strong work experience and significant international exposure. Approval for the shorter duration is given on an individual basis at the discretion of the MBA Office.

16-month Option
With largely the same curriculum as the 12-month program, the full 16-month program includes an optional internship in the first summer and an Exchange Program in the fall of the second year. All 16-month full-time students are guaranteed a place in the exchange program, which will enhance their international exposure and help them develop a more global perspective. 

The differences between the 12- and 16-month options are shown in the following table.

Term		12-month Option	16-month Option
Summer	Aug	Non-credit bearing: MBA Accelerator Putonghua Training Program Residential Program with required course “Preparing to Lead” (2 credits)
Fall	Sep–Dec	Required Courses (20 credits) Soft Skills/ Career Development Workshops
Winter	Jan	Required courses (4 credits)
Spring	Feb–May	Required course (2 credits) Electives (16 credits)	Required course (4 credits) Electives (14 credits)
Summer	Jun–Aug	Required course (2 credits) Electives (6 credits)	Option for Internship or consultancy project
Fall	Sep–Dec		Electives (8 credits) at HKUST OR Exchange School

If you do not have a business or quantitative background, you will be required to complete an MBA Accelerator course, delivered over eight sessions. The Accelerator is designed to bring you up to speed with the rest of the intake, focusing on accounting concepts and quantitative and spreadsheet skills.

Also available is a Pre-Session Mandarin Course, delivered by the HKUST Language Center free of charge to newly admitted MBA students. Learning Mandarin will be particularly important if you are interested in exploring career opportunities in mainland China, or with China-related enterprises in Hong Kong or elsewhere. The course is offered at two levels over three weeks, integrating Mandarin training with various cultural activities.

If you have already taken courses equivalent to the required courses offered by the HKUST MBA program, you can apply for exemptions. However, you will be required to replace the exempted courses with electives of equal credits. You will also need to provide supporting documents such as course syllabuses or an academic transcript for approval.