Professional Recognition

Faculty of Business and Economics is awarded accreditation by both the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) managed by the European Foundation for Management Development.

The BBA(Acc&Fin), BBA(ADA), BBA(Law) and BBA(Law)&LLB with a professional core in Accounting degree programmes have been accredited as approved accountancy degree programmes under the Qualification Programme (“QP”) of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). Graduates of the programmes are eligible for direct entry to the QP, provided that they have sat and passed the subjects as listed in the approved curriculum for meeting QP’s pre-entry competency requirements. Details of the QP can be found by accessing the HKICPA website: https://www.hkicpa.org.hk.

Graduates of BBA(Acc&Fin), BBA(ADA), BBA(Law) and BBA(Law)&LLB with a professional core in Accounting are exempted from the fundamentals level of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examination scheme. They must take all the non-exemptible papers of the professional level to fulfil the examination requirement for ACCA membership. Details of the exemption can be found by accessing the ACCA website: https://www.accaglobal.com.

Graduates of BBA(Acc&Fin), BBA(ADA), BBA(Law) and BBA(Law)&LLB with a professional core in Accounting are eligible for Associate membership of CPA Australia provided that they have completed all required core curriculum subjects. They can advance to CPA status by completing the CPA Programme and Practical Experience Requirement. Details can be found by accessing the CPA Australia website: https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au.

All BBA, BBA(Acc&Fin) and BBA(IBGM) graduates are eligible for earning the Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA), with part of the CIMA examinations exempted. Details of the exemption can be found by accessing the CIMA website: https://www.aicpa-cima.com.

Students of BBA, BBA(Acc&Fin), BBA(BA), BBA(IBGM), BBA(IS), BBA(Law), BBA(Law)&LLB, BEcon, BEcon&Fin, BFin(AMPB), BSc(MAT) and BSc(QFin) are eligible to start the CGMA® Finance Leadership Program (FLP) while they are studying in the University. The CGMA FLP is an online route to obtain the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Professional Qualification and earn the CIMA membership and CGMA designation. Details of the CGMA FLP can be found by accessing the CIMA website: https://enroll.cgma.org.

The BBA(IS)/BEng(CompSc) programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers (HKIE). Details of the accreditation can be found by accessing the HKIE website: https://www.hkie.org.hk.

The BSc(QFin) programme is fully accredited by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA). Successful graduates from BSc(QFin) who have obtained a GPA of 3.0 or above in the designated courses are granted exemption from Exam 1 of the Professional Risk Manager (PRM^TM) Designation Programme, which leads to the professional qualification of PRM. Details of the PRM Programme can be found by accessing the PRMIA website: https://www.prmia.org.

The BEcon&Fin, BSc(QFin), MFin and MFFinTech programmes are designated Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) University affiliation programmes recognized by CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. They embed a significant portion of the CFA Programme Candidate Body of Knowledge into their curricula and provide students with a solid grounding in practical, relevant, and thought-provoking investment education. CFA scholarships are available to BEcon&Fin, BSc(QFin), MFin and MFFinTech students to take the CFA Examination. Details of the CFA Programme can be found in the CFA Institute website: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa.

The MFin programme is also a FRM Academic Partner of Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). Students of the MFin programme are eligible for the GARP scholarship programme, which shall cover the registration fee for the FRM Examination Part I. Details can be found by accessing the GARP website: https://www.garp.org.

The MAcct Programme is accredited by CPA Australia. Details can be found by accessing the CPA Australia website: https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au.

Graduates of MAcct are entitled to exempt all of the papers at the fundamentals level of the ACCA examination scheme, provided that they have completed the required subjects listed in the ACCA mapping guidance. Details can be found by accessing the ACCA website: https://www.accaglobal.com.

All MAcct graduates are eligible for earning the CGMA, with part of the CIMA examinations exempted. Details of the exemption can be found by accessing the CIMA website: https://www.aicpa-cima.com.

The MAcct Programme is also an accredited programme of the HKICPA’s Qualification Programme (QP). Upon completion of the required subjects, graduates of the programme will qualify for student registration and exemption of the 10 Associate Level Modules of the Institute’s Qualification Programme. Details of the QP can be found by accessing the HKICPA website: https://www.hkicpa.org.hk.

The BSc(ActuarSc) programme has been accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), United Kingdom, students in the programme will be exempted from taking IFoA modules (CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1, and CB2) should they achieve the required marks in specified courses.

The BSc(ActuarSc) graduates who attain a B– or higher standard in appropriate courses may obtain Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credit from the following courses of the Society of Actuaries in the United States: Mathematical Statistics, Accounting and Finance, and Economics.

The BSc(ActuarSc) programme has also met strict criteria set by the Society of Actuaries, United States, in terms of quality of curriculum, number and quality of graduates, qualified faculty, strong ties to business, and beneficial research and scholarship. In this regard, the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science has been designated as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries.

The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies [BA(ArchStud)] degree is professionally accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The degree is recognized via the Canberra Accord by its signatories.

The professional degrees of Master of Architecture (MArch) and Master of Architecture (Design) [MArch(Design)] are accredited by HKIA and ARB and recognized by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB), and via the Canberra Accord by its signatories. The MArch degree is also validated by RIBA.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a professional degree, accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA). After two years of approved practical experience, MLA graduates are eligible to sit for the HKILA Professional Practice Examinations in order to gain full professional status, and subsequently apply to become a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) in Hong Kong.

The Biological Sciences (Intensive) Major, Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) Major and Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) Major have been conferred accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), UK, as a reflection of their academic standing and rigour, and also for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates will receive one year of guest membership of RSB at Associate level. This will help them to stay up to date with what is happening across the life sciences, gain additional recognition for their skills and experience, and develop their professional network.

The Master of Science in Environmental Management [MSc(EnvMan)] is accredited for direct application to the GradIEMA membership by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and BEAM Affiliate qualification by the Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited.

The intensive version of the BSc Chemistry-Major Curriculum (144 credits) has been accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Students in the final year of this accredited programme are qualified to apply for membership to RSC. A graduate with RSC membership will have an advantage in seeking professional qualifications, such as Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Students who are registered in the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BTCM) curriculum in the academic years 1998–1999 to 2001–2002, or the Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (BChinMed) curriculum in September 2002 and thereafter will be eligible to sit for the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Licensing Examination in Hong Kong. Those who have passed the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Licensing Examination are qualified for registration as registered Chinese Medicine practitioners with the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong.

The degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is recognized as a registrable primary qualification by the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK).

The BSc (Major in Geology) (Accredited Pathway) has been accredited by the Geological Society of London (GSL). This degree provides an accelerated route to validation as a Chartered Geologist after a minimum of five years of relevant post-graduation experience.

The Course of the Engineering Geology with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Approved Courses Theme of the Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences have been approved by the HKIE.

Two themes of the MSc in Applied Geosciences (Engineering Geology Theme, and Engineering Geology with HKIE Approved Courses Theme) have been accredited by the Geological Society of London. Applications for Chartered Geologist or Scientist (CGeol/CSci) with an accredited MSc benefit from an accelerated route, subject to satisfying all other criteria.

The degree of BEng in Civil Engineering has been accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers.

The degrees of MSc(Eng) in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

The degree of BEng in Computer Science has been accredited by the HKIE.

The degrees of BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering have been accredited by the HKIE.

The degree of BEng in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management has been accredited by the HKIE and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

The degree of BEng in Industrial Engineering and Technology Management has been accredited by the HKIE.

The degree of BEng in Logistics Engineering and Supply Chain Management has been accredited by the HKIE and the CILT.

The degree of MSc(Eng) in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong for full exemption from the examination requirements leading to the Chartered Membership.

The degree of BEng in Mechanical Engineering has been accredited by the HKIE.

The degrees of BEng in Medical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering have been accredited by the HKIE.

The Department of Geography, together with the Department of Urban Planning and Design and the Department of Civil Engineering, offer the Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning [MA(TranspPol&Plan)] programme. Graduates of the MA(TranspPol&Plan) programme will be exempted automatically from the examination requirements leading to the qualification of Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Hong Kong). The programme is also a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Accredited Specialist Programme. Graduates of this programme can apply to other RTPI fully accredited programmes through the advanced standing route.

The University and the governing bodies of the legal profession in Hong Kong have agreed upon a scheme of qualification which will lead to admission to practise in Hong Kong for the University’s law graduates. After completing the University’s Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), an intending barrister or solicitor will attend further courses at the University and must obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL). It will then be necessary for him or her to complete satisfactorily pupillage or a period of employment as a trainee solicitor and attend a specified number of continuing legal education courses in order to qualify for admission to practise as a barrister or solicitor respectively.

The degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) are recognized as registrable primary qualifications by the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

The degrees of Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) and Master of Science in Nursing [MSc (Nurs)] are recognized as registrable qualifications by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

Students who have completed the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy and one year of internship are qualified to register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong as pharmacists in Hong Kong.

Recognition has been granted by the Hong Kong Psychological Society to the degree courses in Psychology offered by this University, entitling graduates to graduate membership in the Society. The courses leading to the Master of Social Sciences in Psychology have been similarly recognized.

The courses leading to the Master of Social Sciences in Clinical Psychology and the Master of Social Sciences in Educational Psychology provide professional training in the respective fields, and are recognized by employing bodies in Hong Kong.

The Master of Social Sciences in Clinical Psychology is one of the few recognized local clinical psychology training programmes of the Hong Kong Psychological Society.

The Master of Social Sciences in Educational Psychology has been accredited by the International Association of School Psychology (ISPA). It is the first programme accredited by the ISPA in Asia. Graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for full membership of the Division of Educational Psychology of the Hong Kong Psychological Society, and registered as a member of the Hong Kong Association of Educational Psychologists.

The courses leading to the PhD with specialization in Clinical Psychology and the PhD with specialization in Educational Psychology are professionally recognized equivalently. All professional Master and PhD programmes are advised by international experts and local advisory committee of leading psychologists in their professions.

The professional degree of Bachelor of Science in Surveying [BSc(Surv)] is recognized by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS), which graduates are admitted to HKIS’ Assessment of Professional Competence.

The Master of Science in Construction Project Management [MSc(ConstProjectMan)], including all its majors, is recognized by CIOB and RICS. The MSc(ConstProjectMan) programme majoring in Quantity Surveying is accredited by PAQS and the Quantity Surveying Division of HKIS.

The Master of Science in Real Estate [MSc(RealEst)], including all its majors, is recognized by RICS, and the General Practice Division and Planning and Development Division of HKIS.

The Master of Science in Digital Management of Built Assets [MSc(DMBA)], revamped from the Master of Science in Integrated Project Delivery [MSc(IPD)] is recognized by CIOB and RICS.

Full professional status is normally earned after an appropriate length of approved practical experience and passing the relevant assessments set out by the respective professional bodies.

The Department of Social Work and Social Administration is a member of the International Association of Schools of Social Work, which implies recognition of the standard of the programmes.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programmes, offered by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, are recognized qualifications by the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board in Hong Kong for registration of social workers.

Graduates of Master of Expressive Arts Therapy (MExpArtsTh) are eligible for professional registration as an Arts Therapist with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association upon completion of 750 supervised practicum hours. They are also eligible to seek qualification as a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) after fulfilling 1,000 supervised practice hours, to be counted after graduation.

Graduates of Master of Social Sciences in the field of Counselling are eligible to apply for membership of Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association.

Graduates of Master of Social Sciences in the field of Mental Health who complete the cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) – Counsellor stream are eligible to apply for membership of Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association. It is also equivalent to Level I training in Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy offered by the Institute of Cognitive Therapy.

The Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology [BSc(SLP)] curriculum (formerly known as Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences) has been accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists.

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies [BA(UrbanStud)] is recognized by the Planning and Development Division of HKIS and the RICS.

The degree of Master of Science in Urban Planning [MSc(UrbanPlanning)] – Urban Planning stream is recognized as a professional qualification by the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP). Full professional status may be gained by the graduates after having the required practical experience and passing the membership assessment of the Institute.

The Urban Planning stream is also recognized by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in the United Kingdom and graduates can become licentiate members to undergo assessment of professional competency to become full corporate members of the Institute.

Graduates of the Urban Planning stream specialized in transport planning are also qualified to apply for chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK) after they have obtained practical experience at professional level.

The new Urban and Regional Planning stream under the MSc(UrbanPlanning) programme is launched in 2024–2025 and is seeking provisional recognition by HKIP. This stream is also recognized by the RTPI in the United Kingdom and graduates can become licentiate members to undergo assessment of professional competency to become full corporate members of the Institute.

The Master of Urban Studies and Housing Management (MUS&HM) [Housing Management (Professional) Stream] is recognized by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH). Graduates of this stream are eligible to apply for Corporate Membership of both Institutes after fulfilling the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

The degree of Master of Urban Design (MUrbanDesign) is accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD) and RTPI in the United Kingdom under its specialism scheme.

The degree of Master of Science in Urban Analytics [MSc(UrbanAnalytics)] is accredited by RTPI in the United Kingdom under its specialism scheme.

The degree of Master of Science in Urban Design and Transport [MSc(UDT)] is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) (Provisional) and is seeking accreditation by HKIUD and United Kingdom’s RTPI as a specialist programme.