Master of Arts in Personal Finance

MA(PF) is structured to translate financial knowledge into client-centred financial planning capability. The programme starts with foundations in finance, investment mechanisms, and then develops specialist competence in personal financial and wealth management practice.

Programme Aims

The MA(PF)’s objectives are to:

1. equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and technical competencies in financial markets, investment instruments, and risk analytics for effective wealth management and portfolio construction;
2. enable students to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, life-cycle-based financial plans and wealth management strategies that address diverse client profiles, risk appetites, and evolving socio-economic conditions;
3. develop students' strategic capabilities in integrating emerging financial paradigms, including FinTech innovations, sustainable finance (ESG), and family office governance, into robust personal financial decision-making frameworks; and
4. cultivate high-level professionalism, ethical judgment, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates to convey complex financial concepts to a broad range of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and trainees within the financial services sector, as well as in broader advisory and training contexts.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants should be able to:

1. analyse and apply advanced financial theories, market mechanisms, and quantitative/risk-management techniques to evaluate a wide spectrum of investment instruments and construct optimal portfolios (PILO1); 
2. critically appraise the disruptive roles of FinTech, sustainable finance (ESG), and contemporary regulatory shifts, and assess their strategic implications for personal financial planning, asset allocation, and long-term wealth preservation (PILO2);
3. synthesise and formulate holistic, client-centric financial plans that integrate risk management, tax/estate considerations, ethical fiduciary duties, and wealth transfer strategies to address complex life-stage goals and multi-generational wealth needs (PILO3);
4. communicate and translate complex financial analyses and ethical recommendations effectively to diverse audiences, demonstrating professional advisory competencies applicable to client engagement, team-based wealth management, and financial literacy/training settings (PILO4).

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction is English. 

Programme Structure & Study Pathways

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.

Students are required to complete 24 credit points for graduation. The normal study pathway is shown as below:

There are two options for students to complete the 24 credit points for graduation:

Option 1. Students who opt for coursework will need to take 8 courses.

The normal study pathway is shown below:

# Students are required to complete TWO elective courses (6 cps) in total. They may take both electives in the same semester or distribute them across Semester 1 and Semester 2.
*The offering of elective courses and the quota offered is subject to the programme’s decision and student enrolment. It may vary in each academic year.

Option 2. Students who have sufficient research competencies, obtained approval, and opt for the Research Project, can be exempted from taking elective courses. Their study path is as follows:

^For part-time students, Research Project commences in Semester 2 of Year 1 study.

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.

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

The programme is offered on a self-financed basis. The total tuition fee for the whole programme is HK$184,800, applicable to the 2027/28 cohort.

Entrance Scholarship

Entrance Scholarship is available and awarded on the basis of academic merits with consideration of non-academic achievement.

Programme-exclusive Scholarship and Award Opportunities

The Master of Arts in Personal Finance (MA(PF)) programme offers a variety of exclusive scholarship and award opportunities to inspire students to pursue excellence in academic, professional development, global engagement, and leadership. Such as Merit Award, Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, Summer Exchange Programme Scholarship, etc.

*Note: The above information on scholarships and awards is subject to change. Details are made available for enrolled students.

(May 2026) Alumni Development Forum 2026: Reconnecting for a Personal Finance Future

The master’s programme in Personal Finance hosted the Alumni Development Forum themed on "Reconnecting for a Personal Finance Future" in May 2026. The forum focused on professional development in financial services and personal finance. The Forum supported open discussion, where alumni shared industry updates and practical experience. The Forum also strengthened alumni’s professional networks and enabled them to meet fellow practitioners.

(Apr 2026) Personal Finance Programme’s Students Apply Knowledge in "Financial Board Game" Workshop

Students from the master’s programme in Personal Finance organised a "Financial Board Game" workshop on campus. Acting as facilitators, the Personal Finance students guided the EdUHK community to study some individual financial management tips through role-play scenarios and personal financial decision-making simulation. 

The community deepened the understanding of personal financial planning. From the perspective of Personal Finance students, this workshop was an arena that facilitated students in honing financial communication skills in a counselling context, and utilising engaging tools in the real-world practice.

(Apr 2026) Family Offices: Strategic Wealth Management

The Personal Finance Programme invited managers from WRISE, a full-service family office platform, to exchange with the students. This workshop discussed how Hong Kong based family offices navigate strategic wealth management, especially for Ultra-High and High Net Worth Individuals. Students were able to closely interact with the industry practitioners, and explore trending opportunities in the wealth management field.

(April 2026) Dialogue with Financial Leaders Series | Family Office Development in Hong Kong: Present and Future

This seminar invited Ms. Angel Chia, the Executive Director for Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy, to bring unique insights into legacy building, next-generation leadership, and purposeful wealth stewardship.

(March 2026) Career Talk in Banking | Retail Wealth Management in Banking & Relationship Manager Trainee Opportunities

In this Career Talk, The Hong Kong Institute of Banking (HKIB) shared the comprehensive insights into the banking industry and its mission to nurture future banking talents. The session also featured a banker’s sharing on personal relationship management in retail banking, and an introduction to the Relationship Manager Trainee programme (RMT) at Nanyang Commercial Bank. Such career talks expanded personal finance students’ networks to identify the personal-finance-specific career opportunities.

(March 2026) Dialogue with Financial Leaders Series | Navigating Private Equity Markets

The Programme invited Mr. Danny Lee, a seasoned financial professional, to share insights from his extensive career in private equity. The session will span Venture Capital, Growth Equity, and Buyouts. With over 25 years of global experience, Mr. Lee will also facilitate a discussion on the practical challenges facing these investment sectors today.

(Mar 2026) Field Visit to Understand the ESG and Sustainable Practice in Business in Hong Kong

In March 2026, students from the master’s programme in Personal Finance went on an exciting field visit themed "ESG and Sustainable Business Practices". They explored innovative sustainability initiatives in the Northern Metropolis and visited Sino Inno Lab and The Spark. Through guided tours and an engaging workshop, students experienced immersive journeys into sustainable tech and innovation.

Personal Finance students also gained practical, real-world insights from a dialogue with a Sustainability & Innovation Manager at a renowned corporation in Hong Kong, learning how the company incorporates ESG and sustainability into its business operations.

(Mar 2026) EdUHK Alumni Homecoming Day 2026: "Financial Champions" Booth

Students from the Personal Finance Programmes organised a game-based booth during the EdUHK Alumni Homecoming Day 2026. The booth aimed to promote the principles of personal financial literacy among participants of all ages.

(Feb 2026) Outreach Workshop: Managing Money Wisely for a Cross-border Lifestyle

In Feb 2026, students from the master’s programme in Personal Finance led and designed a workshop, reaching out at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This workshop enabled participants to understand the fundamental financial principles of university life and offered practical tips for managing money wisely, suited to a cross-border lifestyle.

Personal Finance students deepen their understanding of personal finance in a cross-border context through preparation for the workshop. They also learned how to implement a financial literacy enhancement proposal tailored to the target audience's specific needs.

(Feb 2026) Embracing Financial Well-being through Teambuilding

Personal Finance students engaged in financial board games to simulate real-world financial life cycles —from investment risks to retirement planning (e.g., MPF). Through these team-building activities, Personal Finance students not only learned money management tips but also experienced the art of financial counselling—a meaningful experience that embodied the spirit of "promoting financial well-being".​

(Feb 2026) Dialogue with Financial Executive at Ant Bank (HK) | Smart Banking in Action: How Digital Banks Are Redefining Finance in Hong

The Programme invited Ms Yvonne Leung, Chief Executive of Ant Bank (Hong Kong), to share with the Personal Finance students how digital banks are transforming Hong Kong’s financial landscape. This session provided a platform for students to observe financial and industrial trends and to expand their connections with leading industrial executives.

(Feb 2026) Understanding the Cross-Border Family Wealth Management and Legacy: Perspective from Legal Issues

To deepen Personal Finance students’ understanding of the legal issues in personal finance, the Programme invited two veteran solicitors familiar with judicial practice in Hong Kong and cross-border legal consulting to deliver a workshop. Students gained an understanding of comprehensive legal tools for personal and family wealth preservation, such as Trusts, Wills, Insurance, Pre-nuptial Agreements, and Post-Separation Accruals. This workshop also enhanced students' legal awareness and motivated them to build up legal capacity for financial planning.

(Jan 2026) Capital for Good: Trends in Asian Impact Investing and Philanthropy

Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), delivered a seminar for the Personal Finance students and the EdUHK communities. The seminar unpacked key trends in impact investing and philanthropy across the region. The seminar also explored bridging wealth management with systemic social investment, inspiring students to think about the sustainability.

(Jan 2026) Personal Finance Ambassador Programme 2025/26: Getting EdUHK students Financially Ready for the Workforce Transition

"TP Boss", a student team from the master’s programme in Personal Finance, implemented a series of interactive games to enhance EdUHK students' financial literacy as they transition into the workforce. The initiative equipped the university community to navigate the financial shifts that accompany the transition from student life to the professional world. This initiative drove the Team to win the Bronze Award in the Personal Finance Ambassador Programme 2025/26.

(Nov 2025) Field Visit to Disneyland Promoting Students’ Mental Well-being

The Personal Finance programme organised a field visit to Disneyland in November 2025, themed on “Disney’s Foundations for Career Success”. The visit engaged students in backstage tours, scenario role-plays, personal strength discovery, peer appreciation games, and executive sharing, all guided by Disney cast members. Students learned to reframe setbacks with a positive problem-solving mindset and sustain calm, resilient well-being.

(Nov 2025) Field Visit to Ocean Park to Explore Sustainability in Tourism

Students from the master’s programme in Personal Finance visited Ocean Park Hong Kong to explore the sustainable practice in tourism. Through a series of engaging workshops, students witnessed real-world scenarios in business sustainability.

(Nov 2025) Pioneer in Financial Literacy Education in China Shared the Insight on “Financial Literacy in the AI Era”

On 13 November 2025, the MA(PFE) Programme invited Professor Song SU, Professor and PhD supervisor at the Business School of Beijing Normal University (BNU), to deliver a seminar on “Financial Literacy in the AI Era”. During the seminar, Professor Su discussed the role of AI in enhancing financial education, the impact of financial literacy on AI application usage, and the challenges of AI in financial literacy. Through dialogue with Professor Su, a pioneer in financial literacy education in China, MA (PFE) students broadened their academic horizons in personal finance and financial education.

Graduates are expected to pursue a career in financial services, including banking, securities, credit management, and private equity. The curriculums will also equip the participants for entering some trending financial fields such as private wealth management, family office, fintech, green and sustainable finance, ESG consulting, etc.

Graduates with strong research capacity could also pursue further studies or research-oriented careers in finance or business studies.

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 (MA(PF)) . In response to this, the Department would like to make the following official statement:

1. The MA(PF) 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/).

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.

- 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 Chinese Mainland 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 Chinese Mainland 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 Chinese Mainland 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.