Program Overview

Master of Science in Conservation

The Master of Science in Conservation [MSc(Conservation)] at the University of Hong Kong cultivates a new generation of forward-thinking practitioners and scholars to lead innovation in heritage conservation. This program integrates state-of-the-art technologies with rigorous scientific inquiry and robust technical training.

Programme Highlights

• Position heritage as a driver of sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
• Engage with the latest policies, frameworks, and methodologies for conserving both tangible and intangible heritage, and apply them in context.
• Build theoretical, technical, and practical proficiency through research-led studios, fieldwork, site visits, and hands-on workshops, applying state-of-the-art technologies to real projects across Hong Kong, Greater China, and Southeast Asia.
• Generate innovative, evidence-based approaches and strategic solutions through individual and team-based studio projects, underpinned by rigorous scientific inquiry and robust technical training.
• Develop effective advocacy and communication skills to inform policy and enable constructive dialogue among communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
• Undertake study trips to World Heritage and regionally significant sites to investigate contemporary challenges and test novel conservation strategies through direct engagement with site managers, practitioners, and local partners.

Career Prospects

Graduates may take up professional roles across government, NGOs, architectural and planning practices, and heritage consultancies in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and internationally. They may also progress to advanced research through MPhil and PhD programs at HKU or other leading universities worldwide.

Curriculum Structure

MSc(Conservation) offers two streams of specialization that focus on different expertise of the conservation profession:

1. Conservation Planning and Management
2. Design for Conservation Candidates admitted to the program complete 42 credits of core courses, 18 credits of stream courses, and 12 credits of elective courses. Courses follow the University calendar and are taught in parallel for 12 consecutive weeks each semester. Full-time and part-time students attend the same courses. Part-time students are given the flexibility to complete the curriculum over two years. The summer semester is dedicated to an independent 12-credit conservation thesis through which students pursue an area of interest in their specialization to greater depth and develop a critical proposition through a rigorous research process.