FAQ - Engineering Undergraduate Program

Engineering involves the acquisition and application of scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge to solve problems in our daily lives. Engineers are therefore problem-solvers who make things work more efficiently and effectively at lower costs. Engineering helps to improve our modern life, as exemplified by great engineering inventions such as computer chips, satellites, medical devices and renewable energy technologies, etc.  The work of engineers can be experienced in all parts of our daily life, which include making a call with mobile phone, playing internet games, managing investments, shopping online, riding on a vehicle, walking across a bridge and even wearing body lotion.  Engineering is everywhere in the world around us.

To learn about the various disciplines of engineering, click here.

Scientists explore the laws of nature to discover new knowledge.  Engineers apply the knowledge drawn from science to solve practical problems.  Scientists explain observed phenomenon and prove something right or wrong to make scientific discoveries.  Engineers apply the scientific and math knowledge to solve problems faced by humanity and improve their quality of life, through a creative, systematic and exciting process.

All students who love science or engineering, and eager to solve problem for a better living of human beings.

Unique features of HKUST:

1. HKUST is consistently ranked among the BEST universities in the field of Engineering and Technology                       

                                    More about HKUST engineering rankings 

2. HKUST School of Engineering (SENG) is recognized for its research and education excellence with significant impact locally and globally
3. The Engineering curriculum is carefully designed to enhance students' academic and personal development, nurture their professional and career development, and broaden their community and international outlook
4. Internationalization – HKUST boasts of its highly internationalized student population due to its comprehensive exchange programs and successful non-local student intake

It is the study of subjects in emerging areas or technologies.  It is not a major by itself but can enrich the major program pursued by students.  Extended Major is a practical balance for students to receive solid training in one discipline (e.g. civil engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.) while diving into an emerging area at the same time. 

For more details, please refer to the Extended Major website.  

The School of Engineering offers 2 Extended Majors at the moment: –

a. Extended Major in Artificial Intelligent (AI)
    Applicable to the following engineering programs:

b. Extended Major in Digital Media and Creative Arts (DMCA)
    Applicable to the following engineering programs:

* subject to University’s approval

Students can only enrol in either one of the 2 Extended Majors, but not both.

Being the first of its kind in Hong Kong, our Extended Major in AI is not a standalone major program, and must be studied together with a major program.  AI has wide applications in almost every industry, including all engineering fields. In this innovative, cross-disciplinary program, students will receive comprehensive training as a professional engineer in their major program (e.g. chemical engineering, electronic engineering, etc.) while also learning how AI can be applied in their major domains. This approach ensures our students are well-prepared to thrive in a future where the ability to harness AI in domain of expertise will give them a competitive edge in their careers.     Upon satisfactory competition, students will earn a "BEng in one of the engineering disciplines with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence".

The workload will only be slightly heavier than that without the Extended Major. On average, students take only one additional course per term throughout the 4 years of studies in comparison with students without an Extended Major.  According to our normative study pathway, students should have no problem in finishing both the degree requirements for their major and the Extended Major in AI or DMCA within 4 years.

Certainly, students who are admitted to an engineering department through department-based admission can apply for opting in to the Extended Major in AI at the end of Year 1, EXCEPT those admitted to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the BEng in Computer Engineering Program.   Vice versa, students who are admitted to Engineering with an Extended Major in AI can also choose to opt out from the Extended Major during their studies if they find that they are no longer interested.

You should seek admission to the School of Engineering first, either through school-based admission or department-based admission.   Then, at the end of Year 1 study, you can apply for the Extended Major in DMCA.  Studies in DMCA will start from Year 2 onwards.  But please note that, students cannot enrol in Extended Majors in AI and DMCA at the same time.  If a student is admitted to Engineering with an Extended Major in AI, the student would need to drop the Extended Major in AI if he/she chooses to enrol in the Extended Major in DMCA.

All undergraduate students have to complete a minimum of 120 credits for graduation. Dividing 120 credits into 4 years, students will take 30 credits each year or 15 credits each semester on average.  Each credit requires around 40-50 hours of work, including contact hours in class, self-study, and assessment, etc. For students enrolled in an Extended Major (either AI or DMCA), they will take one more course per term on average.  

Most of our students can catch up with the university curriculum without problem.  We will provide professional advising for students who encounter academic difficulties.  Courses intended for students from diverse academic backgrounds are provided.  E.g. There are several versions of physics and chemistry courses that are tailor-made for students with different levels of preparation in the subject.

We understand that students' academic preparation can be quite diverse and the subjects they have followed in pre-university studies can be at different levels.  We have different versions of calculus courses to cater for the needs of students who have done HKDSE M1/M2, and those who haven’t.  It’s the same situation with students admitted on strength of other qualifications.  We target to bring up students' academic attainments to the same level at the end of the first year of study.  By this, students will be able to follow their major programs on equal footing.

The University Common Core requirements aim to broaden the UG education by including courses on communication, critical thinking, student well-being, and subjects outside a student’s major program. It also includes elements of experiential learning which seeks to apply students’ learning in an interdisciplinary context. The HKUST Common Core framework consists of 30 credits. These 30 credits cannot be used to fulfill any other requirements at HKUST except the 120-credit graduation requirement that applies to all HKUST UG programs. 

Bioengineering is broader than biomedical engineering. The latter is more focused on medical applications. Our Bioengineering program also has a significant portion of biomedical content, but it also prepares students for careers in other bioengineering fields, such as synthetic biology (i.e. designing and modifying living cells to make products we want). Offered by the only chemical engineering department in Hong Kong, our Bioengineering program has a stronger emphasis on molecular design and biochemical engineering (e.g. pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, genetic and metabolic engineering, food, etc.), and less emphasis on biomechanics and medical devices and instruments (e.g. bioelectronics, prosthetics, etc.), compared to similar programs in Hong Kong.  Moreover, we recognize that life science and medicine are increasingly data-driven disciplines, and therefore, our Bioengineering curriculum also emphasizes training students in the fundamentals and applications of data science and informatics in the context of life science and medicine.

Computer Science focuses on the theoretical foundations of computing and programming, including algorithms, data structures, and software development. It also includes areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, computer networks, databases, and software engineering. Electronic Engineering focuses on the development of hardware technologies spanning materials, devices, and systems such as microelectronic and photonic chips, integrated circuits, wireless networks, robotics, and quantum structures to provide physical electronics solutions for problems in a variety of domains such as artificial intelligence, communications, computation, automation, energy, and life sciences.  Computer engineering focuses on designing and developing hardware and software systems, bridging the gap between computer science and electronic engineering by integrating principles from both disciplines to create innovative computing solutions.

The BEng in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a degree program that specifically emphasizes the field of artificial intelligence. This program provides a strong foundation in mathematics, engineering principles and AI technologies. It covers topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and data science. The curriculum focuses on developing the technical skills and knowledge required to design, develop, and deploy intelligent systems and algorithms. Graduates of a BEng in AI are well-equipped to work in roles such as AI engineer/developer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI researcher, AI consultant, robotics engineer, natural language processing (NLP) engineer, AI product manager, AI ethicist and AI Entrepreneur. 

On the other hand, BEng in Computer Science (COMP) is a degree program that offers a broader education in Computer Science and Engineering as a whole. It covers fundamental aspects of computing, including programming methodology, computer organization, operating system, data structure, algorithm, software engineering, and theoretical computer science. The curriculum may also include elective courses in AI and machine learning, but it typically offers a more comprehensive understanding of computer science principles and applications beyond AI. Students may explore the areas of their interests, such as vision and graphics, knowledge and information management, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, networking and computer systems. Graduates of a BEng in COMP can pursue careers as software developer/engineer, system analyst, data scientist/analyst, database administrator, network administrator/engineer, cybersecurity analyst, systems architect, web developer, IT project manager, AI/machine learning engineer, and various other fields within the computing industry.

In summary, a BEng in AI focuses specifically on artificial intelligence technologies and their applications, while a BEng in COMP provides a broader education in computer science, encompassing various aspects of computing beyond AI. The choice between the two depends on your specific interests and career goals within the field of technology.

BSc in Computer Science (COSC) is designed for students who are pursuing dual majors.  Students in COSC are required to take an additional major, e.g. Accounting, Chemistry, Global Business, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, etc.  On graduation, the student with 1st major in COSC will be awarded a single degree (i.e. BSc) with two majors.  Students outside the Department of Computer Science can also apply to declare COSC as a 2nd major. There are many possible combinations, e.g. BEng program (1st major) + COSC (2nd major), BSc program (1st major) + COSC (2nd major), BBA program (1st major) + COSC (2nd major), etc. The awarded degree is determined by the 1st major.

On the other hand, students who wish to attain professional status as an engineer should choose BEng in Computer Science (COMP), which is accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE).  Students do not need to make the choice upon admission.  They will be invited to declare a specific major in due course after they enrol in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The Data Science and Technology program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in various mathematical and statistical tools, machine learning algorithms, data analytical skills and computing technologies which enable them to make sense of massive data obtained from various sources.  It is suitable for students who have a keen interest in big data analytics and applying them to real life situations. The Decision Analytics program equips students with portable decision analytic skills and domain specific expertise in the knowledge economy. Decision analytic skills include statistics, machine learning algorithms, simulation, stochastic processes, and optimization. Students take elective courses in domain specific areas of the knowledge economy to add significant value to many industries including financial and consulting services among others.  While both programs have statistical learning in common, the focus of the data science and technology program is on big data and computing technologies, while that of decision analytics is on modelling and decisions supported by optimization and data.

The BEng in Electronic Engineering (ELEC) Program is a general degree program with a broad coverage of all areas in electronic and computer engineering. It offers a comprehensive curriculum of electronic engineering principles and applications in microelectronics, photonics, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, data science, signal processing, control and robotic systems, wireless communications and networks, and quantum engineering.  Students may explore these different areas of interests that span materials, devices, and systems. Graduate of BEng in ELEC are well-equipped to assume technical and administrative roles in a variety of electronics-related industries, such as machine learning engineer, semiconductor chip designer, communications engineer, robotics scientist, bioinformatics analyst, and automation systems architect, to name a few.  The BEng in Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits (MEIC) Program, on the other hand, offers specialized educational experiences and co-curricular training opportunities in Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits (ICs) for the burgeoning research and development fields related to the hardware of artificial intelligence technology, wireless and satellite communications, power devices and circuits for electric vehicles and data centers, sensors for Internet of Everything, wearables and personal healthcare devices, micro-displays for augmented reality and virtual reality, etc., which are under intense developments both regionally and globally.  MEIC emphasizes hands-on project components, including cleanroom fabrication of semiconductor chips, IC layout design and tape-out, and device/circuit measurements, through leveraging our unique shared central research facilities in Hong Kong. Graduates of BEng in MEIC can pursue careers in semiconductor microelectronics and optoelectronics design, fabrication and advanced packaging processes, IC and system design, semiconductor chip technology and product developments, semiconductor chip testing and quality control, microelectronics and IC technology marketing and intellectual property protection, and various other fields within the fast-expanding microelectronics and IC industry ecosystem.

Environmental engineering is an interdisciplinary area.  You can pursue the study of environmental engineering with the following three major programs, which are available for students' selection upon completion of their first year of study. (Note: Students of all Schools, not just SENG, can apply for BSc in Environmental Management and Technology.)

a.       BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering 
          (offered by Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

This program provides a sound and long-lasting foundation on civil engineering with a particular focus on environmental technology. Graduates of this program are qualified to join the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Scheme "A" training and become professional engineers in Environmental discipline, Civil discipline or other related disciplines.

b.       BEng in Energy and Environmental Engineering 
          (offered by Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering) 

This program enables students to understand the inter-connected grand challenges of energy and the environment, and how engineering solutions are developed to provide energy to sustain modern societies while protecting the environment. The program combines a strong foundation in the molecular sciences and a comprehensive training in chemical process and product design. Students are prepared for careers in both the traditional and renewable energy industries, as well as in various environmental protection fields (e.g. pollution control, waste management, environmental consultancy). Graduates of this program are qualified to join the HKIE Scheme "A" training and become professional engineers in Environmental discipline, Chemical Engineering discipline or Energy discipline.

c.       BSc in Environmental Management and Technology 
          (offered by the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies)

This program encompasses sustainable development, environmental management, environmental law and regulation.  This is not an engineering program and is not meant for students who aspire to be professional engineers after graduation.

Dual degree means two degrees while double major is one degree with two majors.  A degree at the undergraduate level refers to a bachelor’s degree, e.g. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), etc. Currently, HKUST offers one Dual Degree Program, which takes 5 years to finish.  Upon completion of the program, students are awarded two degrees – a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) plus a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

For double major, on the other hand, students are expected to finish two majors in a single degree in 4 years. Students who wish to take a 2nd major will need to achieve a certain level of academic performance and develop a feasible study plan, which enable them to fulfill the requirements of 2 majors within 4 years.  

No, apart from General Business Studies, students can also apply for other BBA programs including Global Business, Finance, etc. Please see the full list of programs available from the Dual Degree Program homepage.

The School of Engineering jointly offers a few programs in collaboration with other Schools, e.g. Data Science and Technology, Risk Management and Business Intelligence, Environmental Management and Technology, etc.  Students admitted through school-based admission can apply to enrol in these programs through major selection. 

Our Engineering program allows flexibility and room for students to take minors or even additional major(s).  Students can declare a minor program starting from the 2nd year of study (but there may be variations in timeline for some minor programs).  Some minor programs will have specific enrollment conditions which would be listed in the program curriculum.

Students will declare a specific major after enrolling into a department through the major selection exercise.  The latest time students can choose a major department is at the end of Year 1. During Year 1, we will monitor students’ preferences for the major departments, and adjust the departments’ quotas as far as practicable, so that the vast majority of our students can get into their 1st departmental choices. However, it is worth noting that quota for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the BEng in Computer Engineering Program would be limited.  Students who have a strong interest in computer science, computer engineering and artificial intelligence should consider applying to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the BEng in Computer Engineering Program through department-based admission.  Similarly, owing to quota limitation, students who are immensely interested in the BEng in Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits Program are encouraged to apply for direct admission to the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering.  Apart from engineering departments, engineering students can also choose any interdisciplinary programs or joint-school programs that our School offers in collaboration with other Schools at HKUST.  These students will be assessed by the program offering units, including interviews.

During your first year, you should follow the Engineering fundamentals which comprise basic science courses, language courses, computing course and the University Common Core. There will also be a specially designed introductory course to enable students to make an informed choice about their engineering major.  As students entering through School-based admission will have an Extended Major in AI, the first year is also a time to learn the basics of AI and how it is applied in different engineering disciplines.    To offer professional advice and counseling to engineering students, the School of Engineering has exclusively established the Centre for Engineering Education Innovation (E2I) to take care of all first-year students admitted through school-based admission.  You will be supported and guided by our professional advising staff, faculty advisors who are engineering professors, and peer mentors.

The courses taken by school-based admission students during year 1 are to a large extent common across all engineering programs, e.g. Calculus, English communication, fundamental science courses like physics, etc.  Your time will not be wasted.

Students who wish to broaden their study can choose to do additional majors or minors after they confirm their first major.   Additional major can be from the same School or another School.  No matter how many additional majors a student has completed, s/he will nevertheless be awarded one single degree only (e.g. BEng or BSc). 

Besides, the School of Engineering offers a dual major program in BSc with other Schools at HKUST – BSc in Computer Science (COSC).  Students in the COSC Program have a first major in Computer Science and select a second major from another BSc program, usually offered by other Schools.  (also see Q.18)

No worry, the Dual Degree Program Office has reserved sufficient places for major selection. Students who enter the School of Engineering through either school-based admission or department-based admission can apply for the Dual Degree Program through major selection.

After students join a major department, they may apply for program transfer should they wish to take other major programs.  The transfer criteria will be determined by the receiving School/department.

Students admitted through department-based admission will not be able to join the School’s major selection exercise any more.  If you really wish to join another department, you need to submit an application to the department that you wish to join.  Your application is subject to approval by the receiving department.

In most departments, declaration of major takes place sometime during the first year of study after entering an engineering department, but there may be some variations in the exact timeline between departments .  Most Departments allow free choice of programs within the Department, e.g. Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, etc.  Requirements may be imposed on certain programs that have a small quota.

No matter whether you are admitted through school-based admission or department-based admission, the requirements to be completed for your degree are the same.  It is unlikely that you can finish your program of study earlier than school-based admission students. However, since you are able to embark on the major program curriculum earlier, you have greater flexibility in designing your study pathway and setting aside time for co-curricular activities like exchange and internship. 

Undergraduate Exchange Program is the flagship enrichment program of HKUST. Students in School of Engineering have the opportunity to study at one of the 140+ exchange partners of HKUST located in over 30 countries and regions around the world. Besides regular terms, students can also choose to participate in credit-bearing exchange at one of the School’s exchange partners in the summer term. All students who meet the selection criteria have the chance to participate in the program.

In addition to no-fee exchange, HKUST has also developed a number of fee-paying summer study abroad programs to suit the interest and needs of students. With the rapid development of virtual courses around the globe, HKUST has also established partnership with a number of overseas institutions to provide virtual exchange/study abroad opportunities to its students.

Students usually go for internship during Year 2 or Year 3 summer, either in Hong Kong or overseas.  Some students may also choose to take leave from study during term time to take up internships.  To promote internship among students, the School of Engineering has established the Center for Industry Engagement and Internship, which provides a platform to facilitate students’ exposure to industrial experience and internship opportunities.

Experiential learning is a new pedagogical approach by which students reinforce and enrich their knowledge and skills by hands-on experience through activities like design projects, competitions, community service, etc.  The School of Engineering is a pioneer in experiential learning.  Students are strongly encouraged to participate in various competitions around the globe. Our robotics teams, which are organised under the auspices of the Center for Global and Community Engagement (GCE), for example, have had their presence in many well-known robotics competitions, locally and internationally.   They are the first team from Asia to scoop the all-round championship in the MATE International ROV Competition that is held in the USA.  In the RoboGames 2024, which is also known as the Olympics of Robots, our robotics teams have brought home 15 medals – 9 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals.

With a strong belief in the educational value of experiential learning, the School launched an innovative experiential learning program – the USEL Program (Undergraduate Student-initiated Experiential Learning Program) a few years ago.  USEL provides a platform for students to try out project ideas of their own and realise their dreams through the support of designated maker-space that are fully furnished with equipment and offer 24-hour access to eligible users, and the guidance of our professors.

Many of our Departments/Units also offer credit-bearing experiential learning courses on a wide range of themes to cater for different students’ interest, e.g. electric vehicles, food science, mobile app development, environmental quality control, aerospace engineering, health care (under the auspices of SIGHT), etc.

Certainly.  HKUST is a research university.  Students are encouraged to be engaged in research as early as they wish.  Undergraduate students who are interested in doing research under the supervision of faculty members can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which is a platform to facilitate matching of supervisors and students.  With some additional work, students may also be able to use their research to fulfill the experiential learning component of the Common Core requirements.

Students can become a qualified professional engineer 4 years after their graduation the soonest.  After students obtain a recognized degree, they need to receive 2-3 years of formal training under the Graduate Scheme "A" Training of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.  Students will learn through practical experience in their companies under this scheme.  After this, students need to gain 1-2 years of responsible experience.  After the 4 years of training and experience, students can then apply for Professional Assessment to become a qualified professional engineer.

Professional skills of engineering are worldwide applicable. All Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs offered by HKUST are accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE).  Through the Washington Accord and the Seoul Accord, HKUST BEng degrees are also widely recognized around the world, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, etc., thus opening up an international spectrum of jobs and career prospects.

Our graduates have no problem in securing employment. Over 60% of our graduating class of 2023 received more than one job offer at the time of graduation.  The majority of our graduating class also received job offers prior to the end of their final year of study.  While the majority of our graduates work in the engineering field and relevant industries, around 40% choose to embark on careers in the commerce and business sector, which also has a huge demand for engineering and IT talents.  Our engineering graduates are popular among employers because of their good quantitative skills and logical thinking.  Some others choose to go on with graduate studies, and are widely welcomed by top-notch overseas universities.  (Also see Q.46).

Our graduates take up a wide variety of positions across many industries. Students may learn about the career prospects of each discipline in greater details from the following:

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

• BEng in Bioengineering
• BEng in Chemical Engineering
• BEng in Energy and Environmental Engineering
  https://cbe.hkust.edu.hk/academic/whatiscbe

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

• BEng in Civil Engineering
  https://www.ce.ust.hk/sites/ce.prod01.ust.hk/files/CIVL%20Leaflet.pdf
• BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering
  https://www.ce.ust.hk/sites/ce.prod01.ust.hk/files/CIEV%20Leaflet.pdf
   

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

• BEng in Artificial Intelligence
• BEng in Computer Science
• BSc in Computer Science
  https://cse.hkust.edu.hk/ug/comp/
   

Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering

• BEng in Electronic Engineering
  https://ece.hkust.edu.hk/programs/4yr_ug_beng_elec 
• BEng in Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits
  https://ece.hkust.edu.hk/programs/4yr_ug_beng_meic
   

Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics

• BEng in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management
  https://www.ieda.ust.hk/eng/detail.php?catid=3&sid=64&tid=90
• BEng in Decision Analytics
  https://www.ieda.ust.hk/eng/detail.php?catid=3&sid=64&tid=89
   

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• BEng in Aerospace Engineering
• BEng in Mechanical Engineering
  https://mae.hkust.edu.hk/en/alumni-careers/mae-careers/career-prospects
   

BEng in Computer Engineering 
(jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering) 
http://www.cpeg.ust.hk/eng/admission/career_prospects.html

Large engineering corporations look for engineers from various disciplines rather than one single discipline.  Even for civil engineering companies, they do not only need civil engineers but also mechanical or electrical engineers, etc.

The Extended Major in AI is not intended to train specialists in developing AI technologies.  Rather it is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in AI practice which they can apply to their engineering major field.  E.g. Civil engineers can make use of AI to help them monitor the progress of construction work, manage workers at construction sites, etc.  The major engineering domain of such graduates is still civil engineering, while AI is only a tool to facilitate their work as civil engineers.  That being said, we expect that the Extended Major in AI will also open doors for some motivated students who eventually decide to go deeper into AI technologies, or work in the relevant AI-related industries.

An education at the School of Engineering helps students to develop into skilled communicators, analytical and inventive researchers, and adaptable problem-solvers capable of continuous learning and taking up a range of roles in different types of organizations or running their own business.  The School emphasizes developing students’ logical thinking, analytical skills and creativity.  These transferable skills enable them to excel in various positions in many industries and to adapt to the continuously evolving working environments in today’s fast-changing world.

Engineers fall into many disciplines, from chemical engineers to civil engineers, electronics engineers to mechanical engineers.  Whether an engineer needs to work at construction sites or factories depends on their disciplines, the nature of their work, the level of their positions, etc. Typically, in an engineering project, engineers tend to be more involved in tasks such as modeling and design, quality assurance, project management, data analysis and decision making.

Graduates may further their studies by enrolling into Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Science (MSc) programs.  The former one is research-based, while the latter one is a course-work program. Outstanding students may be admitted directly into PhD programs too. Apart from HKUST, some students may choose to study abroad with top-notch universities.  Because of the high quality of our graduates, they are often sought after by many of these world-class universities.