Master of Social Sciences in Global Business and Policy Studies for the Belt-and-Road Initiative
*Subject to University’s approval
INTRODUCTION
The Master of Social Sciences in Global Business and Policy Studies for the Belt-and-Road Initiative [MSocSc(GBPSBRI)] is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and global perspectives to navigate the opportunities and challenges arising from the rapidly evolving geo-economic landscape. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates business, public policy, and international affairs, students will develop the ability to evaluate complex global developments and formulate evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic solutions tailored to diverse economic and regional contexts. Offering a comprehensive and internationally oriented learning experience, the programme allows students to pursue one of three areas of specialisation: (a) Global and Regional Business Development in the Era of Geoeconomics, (b) Comparative Public Policy Analysis with a Focus on Global Trade and Business, and (c) Belt-and-Road Initiative Studies. In addition to rigorous academic training, the programme provides valuable experiential learning opportunities through internships, research apprenticeships, and other professional engagements, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and enhance their career competitiveness in government, international organisations, business enterprises, and the non-profit sector.
PROGRAMME AIMS
The programme aims to equip students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the interactions between global business and the evolving policy environment through three key pillars: global governance, sustainability reporting, and geoeconomics. It provides students with knowledge of the evolution of global financial, monetary and trade systems, examines the growing importance of sustainability and ESG disclosure standards in contemporary business practice, and develops students’ capacity to analyse policy-making and business strategies within shifting geopolitical and geo-economic contexts. Particular attention is given to the Belt-and-Road Initiative and its role in fostering global connectivity and geoeconomic resilience. Through this integrated approach, the programme prepares graduates to navigate complex global challenges and opportunities at the intersection of business, governance and public policy.
Upon the completion of the programme, students shall be able to
- analyse the multiple linkages between global governance, business practices and policy development from different theoretical perspectives and with empirical evidence (PILO1);
- assess the contribution of the Belt-and-Road Initiative in fostering global infrastructural, business, investment, technological and knowledge connectivity (PILO2);
- critically evaluate the ways in which business, policy, technological and sustainability innovations contribute to new business investment opportunities along the Belt-and-Road Corridor (PILO3); and,
- apply appropriate research methods in analysing the features and evolution of global business and the interplays between business, trade, sustainability and the global economy (PILO4).
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Students are required to complete 8 courses (24 credit points) for graduation, comprising 7 core courses (21 credit points) and 1 elective course (3 credit points).
PROGRAMME CURRICULUM
The curriculum integrates global business, public policy, sustainability, geoeconomics and Belt-and-Road studies. Students also develop applied research and professional capabilities through a research apprenticeship and a choice of specialised elective learning.
| Course | Learning focus | Offering semester |
|---|---|---|
| CORE COURSES (21 credit points) | ||
| BRI Political Economy, Geopolitics and Global Governance | Examines the Belt-and-Road Initiative through global political economy, geopolitics and regional governance, including its place in the evolving global financial order. | Semester 1 |
| Global Business, Regulation and Compliance in Cross-Border Projects | Builds knowledge of regulation, compliance, business culture and fundamental project management for cross-border projects. | Semester 1 |
| Sustainable Business and ESG for BRI Investment and Infrastructure | Explores green and blue economy investment trends and the role of ESG reporting in Belt-and-Road infrastructure development. | Semester 1 |
| Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation for Business Development | Develops practical tools and frameworks for policy analysis, with attention to how public policy shapes business development. | Semester 2 |
| Financial Development and Business Ethics | Examines global financial development and the application of ethical considerations in business planning and corporate culture. | Semester 2 |
| Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, and Responsible AI for Sustainable Development | Explores financial and technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area, entrepreneurship, social innovation and responsible AI in sustainable Belt-and-Road development. | Semester 2 |
| Research Apprenticeship | Provides advanced, theme-based research training in business, governance and global connectivity. | Semesters 1 and 2 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES (choose 1; 3 credit points) | ||
| Climate, Environmental Policy and Infrastructure Governance in Global Business | Introduces climate change and the development of sustainable business cases for infrastructure projects. | Semesters 1 |
| Society, Culture and Business Development on the Belt and Road | Develops comparative understanding and multicultural literacy for managing business projects across Belt-and-Road regions. | Semesters 2 |
| Internship | Offers experiential learning for professional growth and career development in contexts connected with the Belt-and-Road Corridor. | Semesters 1 and 2 |
KEY PROGRAMME FEATURES
A future-focused programme connecting global business, public policy and Belt-and-Road development.
| Interdisciplinary Perspective Integrates global business, public policy, international affairs and governance to address complex cross-border challenges. |
Belt-and-Road Focus Examines business opportunities, policy developments and connectivity across Belt-and-Road economies and regions. |
| Sustainability and ESG Builds understanding of sustainable business, green and blue economy investment, and ESG reporting for infrastructure development. |
Innovation and Responsible AI Explores entrepreneurship, social innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in sustainable development. |
| Applied and Experiential Learning Offers opportunities to translate knowledge into practice through an internship elective, project-based learning and professional engagement. |
Research and Analytical Skills Develops evidence-based policy analysis and advanced research capabilities through the core Research Apprenticeship course. |
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
English
TUITION FEE
This programme is offered on a self-financed basis. The tuition fee for 2027/28 is $180,000 for the whole programme.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should normally hold a recognised Bachelor’s / Master’s degree or equivalent.
Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfil one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS (academic version)# Overall score of 6.0; or
- TOEFL (internet-based test)#:
- Score of 80 (for tests taken before 21 January 2026)
- Score of 4.0 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards); or
- Band 6 in the College English Test (CET)# with a total score of 430; or
- Grade C or above in GCSE / GCE OL English; or
- Other equivalent qualifications.
# The test should be taken in test centres, and the result should be valid within two years.
TOEFL Home Edition, 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.
Applicants may be invited for an admission interview.