Admission

(1) School-based Admission

The School of Engineering will continue to offer the school-based admission choice Engineering with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence (JUPAS code: JS5282).  Students opting for this path can choose their engineering major as early as the first semester, with admission to their chosen department determined based on their entrance credentials.  They will also be guaranteed the opportunity to add the Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence to their engineering major.  Entrance to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering or the BEng in Computer Engineering Program through major selection, though possible, is subject to competition due to a tight quota.  Students with a keen interest in pursuing a major in AI, computer science or computer engineering are encouraged to seek direct admission to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering or the BEng in Computer Engineering Program.  Similarly, due to limited quota in the BEng in Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits Program, students with a strong interest in this area are encouraged to apply for direct admission to the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering.

Students who are admitted to Engineering with Extended Major in AI (i.e. the school-based admission choice) are also required to drop the Extended Major in AI if they join the BEng in Computer Engineering Program or the Department of Computer Science and Engineering during their study at HKUST.

(2) Department-based Admission

Through department-based admission, students who have a confirmed interest in an engineering discipline can seek admission directly to an engineering department or the joint-department engineering program in Computer Engineering.  There are 7 department-based choices –

• Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (JUPAS code: JS5220)
• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (JUPAS code: JS5230)
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering (JUPAS code: JS5240) *
• Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (JUPAS code: JS5250)
• Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics (JUPAS code: JS5260)
• Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (JUPAS code: JS5270)
• BEng in Computer Engineering Program (JUPAS code: JS5212) *
  _{(jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering)}

After spending one to a few semesters of study in the department, students will declare a major within the department that they are admitted to.

With the exception of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the BEng in Computer Engineering Program, students admitted through department-based admission will also be able to apply to opt in the Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence after the first year of study.

(* The BEng in Computer Engineering Program and all programs offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering do not go along with the Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence.)
 

Which track is better for me?

Both school-based admission and department-based admission are for Year 1 entry.

The School-based admission track is the perfect choice for students who wish to have more time to explore various engineering disciplines before embarking on a major program.  Ample opportunities will be provided through various courses and activities to help you understand each discipline in greater depth.  In particular, through a course on AI applications to various engineering disciplines designed by the School of Engineering, you will be able to get not only a deeper understanding of AI as a powerful tool, but also a taste of what each engineering discipline is about.  Choosing the major program that suits one’s interest and capability is an important decision for every student.  The School will make every possible attempt to help you make the right choice.  Also, with the support and guidance of dedicated professors, staff and peer mentors, you will be engaged in a community with like-minded fellow students and smoothen your transition to University life.

On the other hand, for students who already have confirmed passion for a particular engineering discipline may consider applying for direct admission through department-based admission.  You are able to start taking courses relevant to their major program requirements as early as Year 1. You will have more room to map out a study pathway that can cater for your aspirations and allow you more room to try out different things, including but not limited to taking more electives to broaden your education in a certain area, spending time to try out research or experiential learning project, participating in overseas exchange, taking a term off for industrial internship, etc.  Through early engagement in the department, you will also enjoy the benefit of receiving advising specific to your domain including employment opportunities, research directions, etc.

Whether you should choose the school-based admission track or department-based admission track depends on how determined you are in pursuing an education in a certain engineering field. Neither of the tracks is definitely a better choice than the other one.

Engineering with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence (ENGG+AI) [JUPAS code: JS5282] 

In addition to their engineering major requirements, students in ENGG+AI will study courses in the AI area such as fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualization, image processing, etc. The curriculum is cross-disciplinary and practical. On top of solid knowledge in an engineering discipline, students will learn innovative application of AI in their major fields. In addition, students will gain cross-disciplinary problem-solving skills and professional insights through a Design Thinking course and Professional Seminars in AI. The School of Engineering will offer a course that enables students in the Extended Major to appreciate the applications of AI to various engineering domains. The required Capstone Project, with strong AI components, enables students to practice AI applications on real world problems.  Students take approximately one additional course per term. Upon satisfactory completion, students will earn a BEng in one of the engineering disciplines with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence.

Students will enjoy career opportunities relevant to their respective engineering major PLUS opportunities from new industry and business developed from AI. The knowledge of AI, together with cross-disciplinary problem-solving skills, will provide students with additional competitive edge in the job market. These students are more self-motivated and open-minded in new learnings and these attributes are essential and appreciated by most employers.