Programme Features
The BASc(GHD) equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and competencies essential for assuming leadership roles. These skills are critical in developing sustainable solutions for today’s rapidly-evolving global health and development challenges.
The Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development [BASc(GHD)] is a four-year undergraduate programme, with a particular focus on the interdisciplinary study in the context of global health and development. This programme is intended to nurture future leaders with a diverse set of knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Our broad curriculum is delivered in partnership with Faculties across HKU, including Architecture, Business and Economics, Law, Science, and Social Sciences. This allows students to develop a core body of knowledge from a multidisciplinary and international perspective. Aside from building knowledge and academic credibility, the programme also encourages the development of practical skills applicable in today’s competitive job market. This is why as part of the programme, students are required to gain practical work experience by undertaking a six-month field placement supported by experts and mentors in a global health and development organisation.
The BASc(GHD) encompasses:
- Basic to intermediate level courses across multiple Faculties (Architecture, Business and Economics, Law, Medicine, Science, Social Sciences)
- Advanced seminars
- Field placement in global health and development organisations
- Mentoring on career choices and leadership
- BASc courses on leadership and big data analytics
Why was the BASc(GHD) created
Challenges from combating chronic and infectious diseases; the development of better and more accessible health systems; the reduction of poverty and inequities; the consequences of societal and conflict-related displacement; to the existential planetary threats of climate change are on the agenda of modern health and development. To tackle such complexities in a rapidly evolving landscape, not only will they require approaches taking the human health development of communities and countries as a whole into consideration, but also a combination of cross-disciplinary ideas. The BASc(GHD) was then created to better prepare the next generation of leaders to work on (and solve) such incredibly important challenges.
“We are right here to help you discover the ambition of this programme and stand by you in preparing your lifelong career. Welcome to the journey from Pokfulam to the world!”
Dr Pui Hong Chung
Clinical Associate Professor of Practice and BASc(GHD) Programme Director
This 96-credit interdisciplinary major is hosted by the LKS Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with Faculties of Architecture; Business and Economics; Law; Science; and Social Sciences.
- Anchoring Courses
- Four anchoring courses, one in each year of study, adopt a case-based problem-solving approach to assist students to navigate the interconnection and interplay among various academic disciplines. These courses include:
- Foundations in Global Health and Development
- Globalisation and Health
- Leadership and Advocacy in Global Health and Development
- Global Health Policy
- Four anchoring courses, one in each year of study, adopt a case-based problem-solving approach to assist students to navigate the interconnection and interplay among various academic disciplines. These courses include:
- BASc Core Courses
- Three BASc Core Courses will be offered in Year 1 and Year 2 to cultivate an interdisciplinary mindset in students, nurture their leadership and advocacy talents, and hone their skills in cutting-edge big data sciences. These courses include:
- Sustainable Leadership
- Approaching Interdisciplinarity: Knowledge Beyond Disciplines
- Data Science 101
- Three BASc Core Courses will be offered in Year 1 and Year 2 to cultivate an interdisciplinary mindset in students, nurture their leadership and advocacy talents, and hone their skills in cutting-edge big data sciences. These courses include:
- Field Placement / Capstone
- The programme highlights the 6-month field placement. Students gain exposure to real-life challenges and the opportunity to receive mentoring from leading global health and development organisations such as UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Contract Research Organisations (CROs), philanthropic foundations and more. In addition to offering expert guidance and professional training workshops, HKU provides a limited number of scholarships to support students during their placements.
- Arts and Sciences
- Economics and Finance
- Globalisation
- Interpretation of Statistics
- Research Methods
- Global and National Issues
- Global Health Governance
- International Law
- Social and Cultural Priorities
- Major Global Trends
- Global Development
- Economics of Development
- International Relations
- Politics and International Trade
- Population Growth and Development
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Global Burden of Disease
- Health and Healthcare Systems
- Planetary Health
- Risk Prevention and Risk Reduction
- Principles of Public Health
Students can create their study plan to add up the remaining 90 credits in various manners, such as taking a minor, and/or electives offered within the BASc(GHD) curriculum or from other curricula across Faculties. Within BASc(GHD) curriculum, the minor options offered include:
Minor in Global Health
Example Courses:
- Environmental Change and Socio-political Conflicts
- Theories and Global Trends in Urban Development
- Bringing It All Together: Seminar in Planetary Health
Minor in Global Development in Asia
Example Courses:
- Economic Development
- Introduction to International Relations
- Global Political Economy
Programme Structure
The BASc(GHD) encompasses:
- Basic to intermediate level courses across multiple Faculties (Architecture, Business and Economics, Law, Medicine, Science, Social Sciences)
- Advanced seminars
- Field placement in global health and development organisations
- Mentoring on career choices and leadership
- BASc courses on leadership and big data analytics
“Modern career-building takes you to a variety of paths. That’s why the BASc(GHD) programme encourages students to cultivate their curiosity and develop a broad body of knowledge and skills, complemented by practical experience, which together enables them to thrive in today’s interconnected world.”
Dr Ryan Au Yeung
Assistant Professor and BASc(GHD) Admissions Tutor
Admissions Information
For JUPAS Candidates
In addition to satisfying the University entrance requirements, candidates for admissions shall satisfy all of the following requirements in HKDSE:
* Candidates with level 4 in English Language, if admitted, will be required to take 6 additional credits in Core University English to complete their degree studies.
b) attain at least level 3 in two electives^
^ Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 (M1) / Module 2 (M2)) will be recognised as equivalent to a full elective subject.
Scoring Formula
The best 5 subjects of HKDSE$
$may include M1/M2 or Category C subject whichever is higher
Consideration of Other Factors
- Interview performance
- Student learning profile
Consideration of HKDSE Combined Results & Penalty for HKDSE Repeaters
- Best results in the recent three years
Interview
Before release of HKDSE results
- June 2024
After release of HKDSE results
- July 2024
For Non-JUPAS Candidates
University Entrance Requirements
Additional Requirements
- Preference for First Choice Applicants
Interview
- Early Dec 2023 – Late Feb 2024
Competitive Score for IB Diploma and GCE/International A-level Candidates^
IB: 33
GCE/International A-level: 2A*1A (excluding Chinese and English language subjects)
^ Competitive Score refers to the score which most successful candidates achieved over the past few years. Please note however that achieving the Competitive Score does not guarantee admission to the programme as admission decisions are based on a number of factors.
Field Placement and Career Prospects
Student Placement
The programme features a 6-month field placement, during which students gain real-life exposure to tackle challenges as well as the opportunity to receive mentoring from leading global health and development organisations such as UN agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Contract Research Organisations (CROs), philanthropic foundations and more. In addition to offering expert guidance and professional training workshops, HKU provides a limited number of scholarships to support students during their placements.
The past year has seen BASc(GHD) students undertake their placements in locations across the world, and contribute to projects which delve into the breadth and depth of today’s global health and development challenges. Through participation, our students get the chance to work on and compile global-level policy reports for international organisations; work at the interface of international and national policy formulation; explore the role of the private sector and innovative technology in making impacts; and work with NGOs for direct connection with the communities and for the betterment of the lives of people in need.
“It was amazing to be part of the production team for the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022. Near the end of my internship, I had the opportunity to attend a planning meeting with the custodian agency. Together, we brainstormed new ideas for the upcoming report in 2023. It felt like my experience has come full circle.”
Travis Yip
BASc(GHD) Graduate, Class of 2023
Field Placement at United Nations Headquarters (New York)
“Undertaking an overseas placement during my undergraduate study put me in different real-life global health and development settings. I was elated to apply interdisciplinary knowledge during my internship and make impactful changes to the community. This rewarding experience has further confirmed my aspiration to advocate for the underprivileged population in global society.”
Dickson Tong
BASc(GHD) Graduate, Class of 2023
Field Placement at HealthServe (Singapore)
“The Capstone is more than the placement alone – it is designed to make students think critically about the work they are doing, and how it relates to global health and development challenges in a broader sense. Students are also pushed to improve their communication skills by providing timely updates and a presentation to their peers at the end of their placement.
This year we have students working in organisations such as UNICEF, UNDP, IFRC, and a host of NGOs in Asia Pacific, Central Africa, Central Europe, and North America. In addition to gaining valuable professional experiences, these students will take away rich memories of exploring new places and cultures. This is what the placement is all about!”
Dr Andrew Thomas Park
Lecturer and BASc(GHD) Placement Coordinator
Career Prospects
Equipping with a market-centric educational foundation, interdisciplinary skills and practical experience, our students will be able to access a broad range of careers in sectors such as global health, development and economics, industry, academia, government and non-governmental organisations. The competencies, perspectives, knowledge and skills will enable students to take on technical, academic, strategic or leadership roles.