Have you ever wondered why some people have more influence than others? Why are some decisions made, while others are ignored? The answer lies in power - a fundamental force that shapes our personal lives, communities, workplaces, and, of course, politics.
Understanding how power works, and how to navigate it, is at the heart of government and international studies (GIS). As a GIS student, you will delve into the intricate workings of political systems, explore the complexities of international relations, and dissect the strategies behind policy-making. Our curriculum offers a unique international focus. You will gain a deep understanding of global governance and geopolitics, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and beyond.
It is not just about theory - GIS is built around practical skills that will set you apart in the job market. You will develop expertise in political and policy analysis, project management, data analysis and visualization, cross cultural competency, and strategic communication and diplomacy. With a strong focus on experiential learning, you will have opportunities to engage in internships, research projects, and study abroad programmes that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of government, passionate about advocating for social justice, or aspiring to influence global affairs, our programme provides a versatile foundation for a wide range of career paths.
Join us and discover a rewarding academic experience that will equip you for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Discover where our degree can take you - hear from our graduates
| Programme Structure | ||
| 1 | Social Sciences Common Core | 4 units |
| 2 | Major Courses | 57 units |
| 3 | Honours Project | 6 units |
| 4 | University Core Courses | 13 units |
| 5 | General Education Courses | 18 units |
| 6 | Free Elective# | 30 units |
| Total: | 128 units | |
#Students may take additional Healthy Lifestyle courses and/or General Education (Level 1 or 2) courses in any categories, subject to a maximum of 6 units, to fulfil the Free Electives requirement.
Detailed Study Plan
The Honours Project constitutes a significant part of the GIS bachelor programme. It is a two-semester course that requires 9-10 months of work. Students are expected to conduct independent research on a proposed topic and to spend about 6-9 hours each week on the research throughout this period.
Each student will be assigned a Chief Adviser, who will be responsible for monitoring the student's progress on the Honours Project. The normal scheduled interaction between each student and his or her Chief Adviser may vary according to the Department, the student and the nature of the topic selected. This interaction may take the form of an individual or small group tutorial.
Handbook: Honours Project Handbook
The following tables explain how the double counting works for the BSocSc (Hons) in Government and International Studies and Minor Programme in Political Science for the GE level 3 GE Capstone courses GCAP3195 “Hong Kong and the World”, GCAP3196 “Building Sustainable Cities (Interdisciplinary Independent Study)” and GCAP3197 “GE Capstone Interdisciplinary Independent Study (GIS)”.
* Remarks: All replacement courses will NOT be counted towards major/minor/concentration requirements and hence should be different from what are double-counted towards.
| BSocSc (Hons) in Government and International Studies (Academic Year 2019-20 onward) | ||
|---|---|---|
Course Type | Specific Course Group | * Replacement Courses |
Required Courses | #N-SOSC-CORE-002 Social Sciences Experiential Learning in Action | Any GIS Major Elective Courses |
| Minor Programme in Political Science | ||
|---|---|---|
Course Type | Specific Course Group | * Replacement Courses |
Elective Courses | Not Specified | |
Students seeking to pursue the study of a minor programme would need to fulfil 15 units of courses specified by the GIS Department, and note that no registration priority will be given to enrolment in minor courses. Students are required to take two required courses (i.e. POLS 1005 and POLS 2017) and three elective courses. Among the three elective courses taken, at least one course must be taken at Level 3 or 4.
Upon completion of the 15 units required for the minor programmes, students should apply to the Academic Registry for approval.
For further information of minor programme studies, please read the Useful Notes on Taking Minor Programmes provided by Academic Registry.
