Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education
Disclaimer Statement
The Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS) has recently discovered that some organisations claim to guarantee student admission to Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education (MA(PFE)). In response to this, the Department would like to make the following official statement:
1. The MA(PFE) has never authorised any third party to be involved in its application and admission process.
2. All applicants must submit their application via the University’s online system.
3. Shortlisted applicants will undergo the rigorous procedure of academic document verification and admission interview. There is no guarantee of admission as it solely depends on the applicant’s qualification and performance.
Please be careful of any claims of “guaranteeing enrollment”, “proxy recruitment” from any organisations. We encourage applicants to submit their applications directly to the University’s online system (https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/online/).
PROGRAMME FEATURES
- It is the first Master of Arts programme in personal financial education in Hong Kong, focusing on both theoretical financial knowledge and workplace application skills to improve participants’ competitiveness in the market.
- Participants will be given opportunities to gain practical and first-hand experience in transferring financial knowledge to individuals and the tools to enable them to be professional financial educators, equipping the skills to operate effectively in the three areas of education, business, and society.
- The demand for financial talents in mainland China and Hong Kong is growing rapidly. Graduates have a wide range of employment prospects, including banking and financial institutions, government agencies, educational institutions, and mass media.
- All subjects are taught in English, in order to strengthen participants’ English proficiency and competitiveness in the international market.
The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) confirms that Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education [MA(PFE)] graduates are eligible to apply for “Fast-track to Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification” - List C candidacy. Under the fast-track arrangement, the MA(PFE) graduates will be exempted from taking the CFP certification education program (courses 1 to 3) and the CFP certification examination (foundation level).
PROGRAMME ENQUIRIES
| Hotline : | (852) 2948 8727 |
| Fax : | (852) 2948 8018 |
| E-mail : | mapfe@eduhk.hk |
| Website : | https://www.eduhk.hk/mapfe |
| In person : | Room D3-1/F-22A, Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong |
| Follow us on |    |
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants should normally hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree or other equivalent qualifications.
- Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfill one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements:
- Overall score of IELTS 6.0 (academic version) (the test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years); or
- TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based test) (the test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years); or
- Band 6 in the College English Test (CET) with a total score of 430 or above (the test result should be valid within two years); or
- Grade C or above in GCSE / GCE OL English; or
- Other equivalent qualifications.
- Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
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.
For details, please visit: https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/EnReq(Pg)/
Disclaimer:
The University is committed to uphold 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.
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.
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.
PROGRAMME AIMS
The MA(PFE)’s objectives are to:
- equip participants with professional knowledge in finance and necessary skill sets for investment analysis;
- enable participants to formulate and implement comprehensive personal finance education for individuals with different financial backgrounds and needs in a society of prolific lifestyles;
- focus on necessary financial knowledge in personal finance and the application of knowledge and skills required for effective financial decision-making, financial planning and hence training, education, and knowledge transfer; and
- equip participants to meet their career goals in either the financial services sector or financial-related educational/training sector.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants should be able to:
- demonstrate solid understanding and a broad spectrum of knowledge and concepts in finance and financial management (PILO1);
- critically evaluate the trend and development of financial and investment markets in a global perspective (PILO2);
- integrate financial knowledge in solving personal financial problems and ethical decision making (PILO3);
- possess high professionalism, creativity and competencies as a financial literacy educator (PILO4); and
- transfer and apply research methods and financial knowledge in the context of professional work. (PILO5).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme comprises 24 credit points (cps). Participants normally take one year (full-time mode) or two years (part-time mode) to complete the programme. They need to attend classes (in the same or different semester(s)) which may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.
PROGRAMME CURRICULUM
Students are required to complete 24 credit points for graduation. The normal study pathway is shown as below:
| Full-time Mode: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Semester | Courses | Credit Points (cps) |
| 1 | I | Core: Global Financial Market and Instruments (3 cps) | 12 cps |
| Core: Quantitative Analysis for Financial Studies (3 cps) | |||
| Core: FinTech and Consumer Finance (3 cps) | |||
| Core: Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Personal Finance (3 cps) | |||
| II | Core: Investment Analysis and Risk Management (3 cps) | 9 cps | |
| Core: Comprehensive Practical Financial Planning (3 cps) | |||
| Core: Financial Literacy Education for All Aged Groups (3 cps) | |||
|
*Elective: |
3 cps | ||
| Total Credit Points | 24 cps | ||
*Choose one out of three elective courses
*The offering of elective courses and the quota offered is subject to the Programme’s decision and students enrolment. It may vary in each academic year.
| Part-time Mode: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Semester | Courses | Credit Points (cps) |
| 1 | I | Core: Global Financial Market and Instruments (3 cps) | 6 cps |
| Core: Quantitative Analysis for Financial Studies (3 cps) | |||
| II | Core: Investment Analysis and Risk Management (3 cps) | 6 cps | |
| Core: Comprehensive Practical Financial Planning (3 cps) | |||
| 2 | I | Core: FinTech and Consumer Finance (3 cps) | 6 cps |
| Core: Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Personal Finance (3 cps) | |||
| II | Core: Financial Literacy Education for All Aged Groups (3 cps) | 3 cps | |
| *Elective: Contemporary Issues in Personal Finance Education or Internship Programme in Personal Finance Education or Sustainable Finance and ESG Investment |
3 cps | ||
| Total Credit Points | 24 cps | ||
*Choose one out of three elective courses
*The offering of elective courses and the quota offered is subject to the Programme’s decision and students enrolment. It may vary in each academic year.
There are two options for students to complete the 24 credit points for graduation:
1) Students who opt for coursework will need to take 8 courses
| Component | Credit Points (CPs) |
|---|---|
| All 7 core courses and 1 Elective | 24 |
| Total | 24 |
2) Students who have sufficient research competencies, obtained approval, and opt for the Research Project can be exempted from taking the Investment Analysis and Risk Management or Comprehensive Practical Financial Planning and the elective course. Their study path is as follows:
| Component | Credit Points (CPs) |
|---|---|
| 6 core courses | 18 |
| Research Project | 6 |
| Total | 24 |
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
The medium of instruction is English.
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.
| Course Title | Course Code & Outline | |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education (One-year Full-time / Two-year Part-time) | Global Financial Market and Instruments | BUS6031 |
| Quantitative Analysis for Financial Studies | BUS6032 | |
| FinTech and Consumer Finance | BUS6033 | |
| Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Personal Finance | BUS6034 | |
| Investment Analysis and Risk Management | BUS6073 | |
| Comprehensive Practical Financial Planning | BUS6074 | |
| Financial Literacy Education for All Aged Groups | BUS6037 |
Elective: BUS6039 Contemporary Issues in Personal Finance Education | BUS6046 Internship Programme in Personal Finance Education | BUS6071 Sustainable Finance and ESG Investment
Research Project: BUS6040 Research Project
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.
TUITION FEE
This programme is offered on a self-financed basis.
- Local Students: HK$140,800 for the whole programme
- Non-local Students: HK$176,000 for the whole programme
(Applicable to the 2026/27 cohort)
ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
Entrance Scholarship is available and awarded on the basis of academic merits with consideration of non-academic achievement.
Veteran advised MA(PFE) students on career development in the finance sector
Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education [MA(PFE)] Programme invited Mr Xie Long, an experienced enterprise trainer, to deliver a financial career advising session for our students.
Dr TAN Weiqiang, Programme Leader of MA(PFE), presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr Xie.
Mr Xie Long is a commercial bank veteran with over 20 years of experience in financial management and enterprise training. His expertise covers career planning in finance, credit risk control for banking, banking marketing, team management, banking compliance management, and positive leadership. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Mr Xie has served in the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Ping An Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Group, and ZAC. During his tenure as Channel Director and Executive Director at ZAC, Mr Xie was also responsible for in-house training for the business teams and the cadre members.
Mr Xie shared the career advice with our students.
This sharing session framed an overview of the banking and other financial fields for MA(PFE) students and greatly inspired them in their career development in finance. Mr Xie shared many practical and tailored suggestions with our students on their career development in finance, including commercial banking, internet finance, and corporate finance. He also shared his rich experience in banking management with MA(PFE) students.
Specialist in AI and Cybersecurity shared his insight on FinTech Regulations
On 7 November 2023, the Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education [MA(PFE)] Programme invited Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia (IFTA) to share the prospects of FinTech industry in Hong Kong, and invited Dr Arvin Tang, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), to share the latest breakthrough in the regulatory technology within the FinTech industry.
Dr TAN Weiqiang, Programme Leader of MA(PFE), presented the certificates of appreciation to Dr Arvin TANG, (ASTRI) and Ms Yolanda CHAU (IFTA).
At the beginning, Ms Yolanda Chau from Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia (IFTA) described an overview on the FinTech trends in Hong Kong, including the talent demands and career advising for the prospective FinTech practitioners. She also introduced IFTA professional designations - Certified Financial Technologist (CFT). CFT is a globally recognised certification programme for FinTech practitioners. 
Ms Yolanda CHAU shared the FinTech trends in Hong Kong.
Later, Dr Arvin Tang, the Director of Multimedia Systems and Analytics under the technical division of the Trust and AI Technologies division at Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), shared the latest regulatory technology in FinTech with our students. Dr Tang discussed the regulatory challenges of data protection in FinTech and introduced ASTRI solution to it, namely, a self-developed federated learning platform developed by ASTRI. This federated learning platform motivates the machine learning training and alternative data to facilitate the regulatory improvement, which is also applied in establishing a new ecosystem for the bank industries. Dr Tang also illustrated some empirical evidence to enhance our students’ cybersecurity literacy.
Dr TANG shared the latest regulatory technology in FinTech with our students.
Seminar on Digital Transformation in Asset Management Industry
On 7 November 2023, a seminar themed on Digital Transformation in the Asset Management Industry was successfully held at The Education University of Hong Kong, jointly organised by the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT) and the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS).
Professor YU Leung Ho Philip (right standing), Head of Department of MIT, and Dr HU Zhiyong Fox (left standing), Acting Head of Department of SSPS presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr Eddie PONG (middle standing) as a gratitude.
Professor LI Wai Keung (first from right hand side), Dean of FLASS, also attended the seminar.
Dr Eddie Pong, the speaker of the seminar, is an expertise in quantitative investment analytics and software development. He is the founder of Rivermap Quantitative Research, a FinTech company in Hong Kong.
Dr Pong is experienced in investment management and quantitative analysis. He started his career in London where he worked as an investment manager at Amundi Asset Management. He then moved to ING Investment Management to work in the engineered investment strategies group. Eddie was Head of Asia Pacific Research at FTSE Russell where he oversaw the research and analytics function in the Asia Pacific region.
Dr Eddie PONG discussed the latest trends in the asset management industry.
At the seminar, Dr Pong discussed the latest trends in the asset management industry, focusing on the increasing importance of technologies like machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and cloud computing. Additionally, he explored the growing emphasis on new investment areas such as megatrends and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. 
Dr Eddie PONG interacted with the students on the professional development in asset management.
Dr Pong advised on students’ professional development in asset management field, such as the skills necessary for professionals to succeed, the opportunities and challenges in wealth and asset management.
Seminar: Professor Chor-yiu SIN on Re-balancing hedge position with statistics of hedge ratios
On October 6 (Friday), 2023, Professor Chor-yiu SIN delivered a seminar on “Re-balancing hedge position with statistics of hedge ratios: concepts and applications”. During the seminar, Professor SIN presented his latest findings on hedge efficiency improvement with econometric models to the community of EdUHK.
Professor SIN has been a Professor of the Department of Economics, College of Technology Management of National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan, China since 2014. He devotes to excellence in research on time series econometrics and financial econometrics. His research findings have been published in many international referee journals.
Professor Chor-yiu SIN was delivering the seminar.
Professor Chor-yiu SIN was delivering the seminar.
This seminar was jointly organised by the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT) and the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS), supported by Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education Programme [MA(PFE)]. Academics and students from various majors attended the seminar.
Professor LI Wai Keung (standing), Dean of FLASS, delivered a brief introduction to Professor SIN at the start of the seminar.
Professor YU Leung Ho Philip (left), Head of Department of MIT, and Dr CHAN Kit Wa Anita (right), Associate Head of Department of SSPS presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a souvenir to Professor SIN (centre) as a gratitude.
Seminar: Wealth Management Development in GBA and CFP Certification
On October 4, 2023, MA(PFE) Programme invited Mr Edwin Cheung, Vice Chairman for Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) to deliver a seminar on wealth management in the Greater Bay Area.
During the seminar, Edwin introduced the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification and the career opportunities for CFP holders to the EdUHK students.
Students graduated from MA(PFE) Programme will be exempted from taking three educational courses and one foundational examination for CFP Certification under the fast-track certification offered by IFPHK.
Dr Tan Weiqiang (right), Programme Leader of MA(PFE) presented the Appreciation Certificate to Mr Edwin Cheung (left) from IFPHK.
Mr Edwin Cheung shared his insight on Wealth Management Development in the GBA.
Seminar on ESG Investment, Green Finance and the introductory session for Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA)
On September 27, 2023, Mr Ericson Lee conducted a sharing session for the students from Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education [MA(PFE)) Programme and other majors at EdUHK.
Mr Ericson Lee is currently a dedicated member of the Green Finance Engagement at Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), focusing on ESG education and green finance and policy engagement. He is a professional with knowledge on ESG analysis, sustainable investment strategies, ESG integration and valuation processes. Mr Ericson Lee is also a holder of Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) accreditation.
The sharing session was themed in “The ESG Imperative: Why is it essential and how does it impact all of us?”. During the seminar, Mr Ericson Lee pictured the trends in the fields of ESG investment and sustainable finance. Moreover, He also explored the career opportunities within the ESG industry and shared the accreditation path towards Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) with students present.
Dr Tan Weiqiang (right), Programme Leader of MA(PFE) presented the Appreciation Certificate to Mr Ericson Lee (left) from Friends of the Earth (HK).
Students from MA(PFE) and other programmes took a photo with Mr Lee.
Mr Ericson Lee was sharing the industrial trends in ESG and Green Finance.
Past activities:
2022/23
2021/22
Prof YU Wai Mui Christina, Dr TAN Weiqiang, EdUHK researchers achieve accolades in diverse fields, China Daily (4 Dec 2024)
https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/599342
Prof YU Wai Mui Christina, Professor Christina Yu on HKJC's financial literacy programme, RTHK (21 Nov 2024)
https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/backchat/episode/989132
譚偉強，《提升基層金融素養 推動共同富裕》，刊於《文匯報》，2024年6月15日。
https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202406/15/AP666ca396e4b05df3a51f7909.html
譚偉強、麥萃才，《增強理財知識 做好退休打算》，刊於《文匯報》，2024年6月7日。
https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202406/07/AP66621855e4b0a7ef3f0436a1.html
譚偉強，《打造國際人才交流高端平台》，刊於《文匯報》，2024年5月27日。
https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202405/27/AP66539778e4b0bd97947372c9.html
譚偉強，《家族辦公室專才培養宜提速》，刊於《文匯報》，2024年4月25日。
https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202404/25/AP66296739e4b01def1fdfece1.html
譚偉強，《教基層學用手機支付 縮小數字鴻溝》，刊於《文匯報》，2024年4月9日。
https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202404/09/AP66144f65e4b009ba85365621.html
教大碩士結合金融和理財教育元素 畢業生運用所學 助人自助出路廣
(明報JUMP, 24 Jan 2024)
https://jump.mingpao.com/career-news/edu-career-supplement-2024/%e6%95%99%e5%a4%a7%e7%a2%a9%e5%a3%ab%e7%b5%90%e5%90%88%e9%87%91%e8%9e%8d%e5%92%8c%e7%90%86%e8%b2%a1%e6%95%99%e8%82%b2%e5%85%83%e7%b4%a0-%e7%95%a2%e6%a5%ad%e7%94%9f%e9%81%8b%e7%94%a8%e6%89%80%e5%ad%b8/
譚偉強、翁明宇，《公社科應介紹內地與本港經濟發展》，刊於《明報》，2023年2月1日。
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A7%80%E9%BB%9E/article/20230201/s00012/1675183183696/
譚偉強，《擺脫跨代貧窮 需「學」「研」深度參與》，刊於《明報》，2022年11月17日。
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A7%80%E9%BB%9E/article/20221117/s00012/1668618522740/
Learn to be a money sage
(英文虎報 The Standard, 26 Jan 2021)
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/fc/4/226921/
大學生「碌」卡是精明還是會惹上一身債？
(信報財經新聞, 朱文英博士, 21 Oct 2020)
https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/culture/article/2610991/
教育小朋友理財 延遲滿足換取更大獎勵
(信報財經新聞, 朱文英博士, 15 Sept 2020)
https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/culture/article/2581695/
教大明年首辦理財教育碩士
(星島日報, 3 Sept 2020)
https://std.stheadline.com/daily/article/2273209/
教大明年辦理財碩士課 校長張仁良：樂意客串
(明報, 3 Sept 2020)
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E6%95%99%E8%82%B2/article/20200903/s00011/1599070176386/
【中環解密】教大首辦理財碩士課程 張仁良或客串
(信報財經新聞, 3 Sept 2020) https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E4%B8%AD%E7%92%B0%E8%A7%A3%E5%AF%86-%E6%95%99%E5%A4%A7%E9%A6%96%E8%BE%A6%E7%90%86%E8%B2%A1%E7%A2%A9%E5%A3%AB%E8%AA%B2%E7%A8%8B-%E5%BC%B5%E4%BB%81%E8%89%AF%E6%88%96%E5%AE%A2%E4%B8%B2-193100407.html
教大明年開辦個人理財教育碩士課程 校長張仁良或客串上陣授課
(hket.com, 2 Sept 2020)
https://topick.hket.com/article/2742209
講求事實數據的理財教育
(信報財經新聞, 姚偉梅教授, 8 Jun 2019)
https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/culture/article/2157737/
