askcds@hku.hk 
+(852) 3917 2180 
+(852) 2559 8447 
School of Computing and Data Science
Taught Postgraduate Programmes (for 2025-26 cohort)
To meet the growing importance of computing and AI literacy in the 21st century, HKU recognises the need to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world. The newly established School of Computing and Data Science (CDS) at the University of Hong Kong encompasses the existing Department of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. We have about 60 renowned scientists and 800 postgraduate students and offer 14 academic programmes.
The School, through a cross-faculty integration, will create a powerful synergy between computational technology, mathematical modelling and statistical reasoning that have become the cornerstones of modern data science and artificial intelligence. By combining the complementary strengths of computer science and statistics curricula, students graduating from the school will have strong analytical and computational skills. The School will also serve as a thriving hub for interdisciplinary academic and research collaborations, fostering partnerships with all other faculties that leverage the potential of modern data science and AI.
The taught postgraduate programmes offered by the School will provide students with the latest knowledge and skills in computing & data science technologies and prepare them for the demands of the industry and job market. The programmes will cover various areas, including but not limited to data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, statistics and software engineering. The School works closely with industry partners to ensure that the programmes are up-to-date and relevant to the current demands of the industry. The school aims to produce well-equipped graduates who can contribute significantly to advancing knowledge and innovation.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Data Science [MDASC]
Master of Statistics [MStat]
Master of Data Science [MDASC]
Master of Statistics [MStat]
School of Computing and Data Science
Research Postgraduate Programmes (for 2025-26 cohort)
The School of CDS is committed to providing a comprehensive education to nurture the next generation of researchers and professionals. Candidates admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy programmes will conduct independent research, under the supervision of a dedicated academic or a team of academics leading to the final submission of a thesis. In addition to the long-established one-to-one mentorship system of supervision, students will be benefited from the coursework component that aims to provide the basic research training. Various scholarships, fellowships, and conference/travel support are also available to enrich students’ learning experience and promote professional and personal development
The School of CDS offers the following research postgraduate programmes in both full-time and part-time modes:
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- 3-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence [MSc(AI)]
Master of Data Science [MDASC]
Master of Statistics [MStat]
Master of Data Science [MDASC]
Master of Statistics [MStat]
MSc Programme Office
MSc Programme Office is a people-friendly organisation. We respect and value our students and recognise they are busy professionals. The Programme Office staff places major emphasis on customer service, responding quickly and precisely to requests by phone or email, ensuring that students’ interaction with the Programme is as efficient as possible.
Admissions in 2025/26
Apply to the School's Master programmes 
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for admission to more than one taught postgraduate programme?
-
Yes, you can submit an online application and pay the application fee online for each programme.
Is concurrent registration allowed in HKU?
Will applications submitted after application deadline be considered?
Do I need to submit a TOEFL/ IELTS score for the application?
Do I need to post the hardcopy of supporting documents to HKU during application?
Applicants are recommended to provide the softcopies of all supporting documents and upload them to the system as soon as possible. Applicants are NOT required to submit original documents during the application stage.
The chance of being admitted are the same even if only softcopies are provided.
Should an applicant be given an admission offer by the Programme, he/ she will receive notification of the need to submit original/certified true copy of the documents.
Please note that documents once submitted will not be returned, and will be destroyed if the application is unsuccessful.
Am I a local / non-local applicant?
According to the HKSAR Government’s information for education-related areas in the post-secondary education context, non-local students are those holding:
- – A student visa/ entry permit to study in Hong Kong
- – A dependent visa/ entry permit and were aged 18 years old or above when they were first issued with such documents by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR;
- – A visa/ entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), issued by the Director of Immigration of the Hong Kong Immigration Department
- – VISA/ entry permit for Top Talent Pass Scheme (高端人才通行證計劃)
You are considered a local student if you are none of the above.
I have a valid tourist visa. Do I need a student visa for studying in Hong Kong?
Yes, students who do not have the right to abode in Hong Kong are required to apply for a student visa for entering into Hong Kong and studying on a full-time master degree programme.