What to Know About Studying Design in Hong Kong

If you're a young person who loves design, thinking about where to go for college can feel like a big decision. Nowadays, looking beyond your home country for your study can be a fun and valuable experience. Among many options around the world, Hong Kong is a standout choice. It's known for its top-notch universities and its leading role in many fields, especially design.

Many academic and professional opportunities await in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a fast-paced, global city that beautifully blends Eastern and Western ideas. This mix is found in every aspect of life, including higher education. It builds a welcoming and diverse atmosphere that's perfect for anyone wanting to study design in Hong Kong.

With its innovative way of merging traditional design principles with forward-thinking concepts, Hong Kong is not only keeping up with worldwide design trends but rather, leading the charge in new design philosophies. These modern ideas have made Hong Kong's design schools known and respected around the world.

Why should I study MDes in Hong Kong?

Whether students are interested in classic design areas like graphic design or interior design, or they want to dive into newer disciplines like sustainable design or interactive design, Hong Kong offers them all. It's the place where students can earn a design degree in Hong Kong that’s just right for their personal interests.

For instance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers unique design programs like the Master of Design in Intelligent Systems Design and the Master of Design in Innovative Business Design. These cutting-edge programs aim to train students to overcome present-day design challenges, providing them with the necessary skills to make a significant impact on the world stage.

Deciding to get a master of design in Hong Kong places students smack in the middle of a mix of diverse cultures and creativity. They'll be joining a community where exciting ideas are always being created, tested, and turned into reality.

Along with a rich cultural experience, this promising education landscape shapes students into adaptable designers with an awareness of global issues. This could be the outstanding first step toward a successful international design career, offering professional, personal, and cultural development that takes you places.

13 things to know about studying design in Hong Kong

Getting your design degree will be a transformative experience. (Photo Credit: PolyU Design)

So you know why studying a Masters of Design in Hong Kong is a great choice—but maybe you want to know what exactly a program in Hong Kong would entail before you dive in. Fair enough! Here’s what you have to look forward to.

1. High-Quality Programs

Hong Kong is home to several world-class universities that offer high-quality design courses, helping you earn a design degree in Hong Kong that is well-respected worldwide.

The choice to study design in Hong Kong provides students with the real-world skills they need for a successful future in the design field.

Whether you're looking to complete an undergraduate design degree or a Master of Design in Hong Kong, there are numerous well-regarded programs to choose from.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach

One of the hallmarks of studying design in Hong Kong is the interdisciplinary approach often taken in the curriculum. These interdisciplinary degrees in Hong Kong draw on multiple areas of knowledge, allowing students to develop rational and creative thinking skills that are crucial in this ever-evolving field.

For instance, PolyU's Intelligent Systems Design and Innovative Business Design courses are clear examples of such an approach, providing students with a holistic understanding of design in relation to business, technology, and society.

3. Multicultural Environment

You’ll expand your network tremendously. (Photo Credit: PolyU Design)

Hong Kong serves as a spectacular fusion of East and West, creating an environment rich in stimulus, art, and inspiration.

Scholars pursuing their design degrees in Hong Kong can take advantage of this multicultural environment to draw vital insights into global artistic and design trends.

4. Opportunities for Bilingual Learning

English is widely used as the main language of instruction in many institutions, particularly for design degrees in Hong Kong such as a Master of Design degree.

However, there may be some courses offered in Chinese languages like Cantonese or Mandarin. International students interested in studying in Hong Kong should seize every opportunity to explore courses in these important languages.

5. Degree Outcomes

Graduates from design programs in Hong Kong have broad horizons for their future careers.

Whether you earn a design degree or a Master of Design in Hong Kong, you can work in various fields such as product design, exhibition and event design, interaction design, strategic and service design, design management, and more.

Truly, studying in Hong Kong is one of the best investments you can make.

6. Student Life in Hong Kong

Connecting with other students in Hong Kong will be easy! (Photo Credit: PolyU Design)

While your main goal may be to study design and earn your design degree, Hong Kong is not just about studies. This exciting city offers a plethora of extracurricular activities!

From exploring the city's rich history and diverse culture to taking in the breathtaking landscapes, student life in Hong Kong is an experience unto itself.

7. Strong Industry Connections

The opportunity to study design in Hong Kong allows students to benefit from the strong industry connections that many universities in the city maintain.

Whether enrolled in an undergraduate program or striving for a Master of Design in Hong Kong, students can gain practical experience through live projects, competitions, internships, and collaborations with industry leaders.

8. Educational Support

Hong Kong universities offer numerous resources to support students in their chosen field of design study.

This includes state-of-the-art labs, libraries filled with design-specific resources, and experienced faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.

Studying design in Hong Kong also means benefiting from a robust system of academic support.

9. Work Opportunities

Put your design skills to use! (Photo Credit: PolyU Design)

Studying for an interdisciplinary degree in Hong Kong comes with its perks. As a global business hub, Hong Kong offers plenty of part-time job opportunities for students looking to gain work experience while studying.

You’ll leave your program with the confidence that you have the skills to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

10. Scholarships

To ease financial pressure, many universities in Hong Kong offer attractive scholarship programs for international students. This is especially huge for students who feel like studying abroad or pursuing their degree overseas is simply out of the question due to budget.

Be sure to explore opportunities through the programs that interest you! This will further make studying design in Hong Kong a worthwhile choice.

11. International Exposure

By studying and earning a design degree in Hong Kong, students not only gain access to a high-quality education but also a global perspective through interactions with diverse cohorts and participation in overseas exchange programs.

This will equip you with the skills necessary to flourish in any workplace, whether abroad or back home.

12. Ease of Travel

You’ll be able to get out of the city and visit Korea, Japan, and more!

Being a major flight hub, studying in Hong Kong makes it easier to explore other parts of Asia.

For those studying design in Hong Kong, many students even take the opportunity during breaks to visit mainland China, Japan, Thailand, and other nearby destinations. You’ll be able to get a quality education with a side of adventure!

13. Lifelong Learning

Finally, obtaining your Master of Design or another design degree in Hong Kong is not the end of your education.

Many graduates continue to advanced studies or return for professional development courses, reaffirming how Hong Kong continues to be a partner in the journey toward lifelong learning.

With an array of interdisciplinary degrees offered in Hong Kong, opportunities for further education are ample.

Testimonials from design students in Hong Kong

We talked to Saijal and Daniel, two design program alum who studied in Hong Kong. Check out their insights below to get a better look at what to expect from your own experience!

What did you gain from your Master of Design (MDes) program?

Saijal: “Pursuing MDes at PolyU School of Design was a great experience. In addition to the knowledge we learned through the curriculum, our experience as an MDes student provided a tremendous learning curve: There are numerous opportunities for engaging with faculty members and other recent grads who acted as a positive and prolific influence.

Their network directs us to many local and international firms in Hong Kong that are continually wanting to hire design graduates which guarantees plenty of job opportunities as well as a busy yet fruitful lifestyle.”

Daniel: “During my studies, I acquired a diverse range of theoretical and practical skills that adhere to global design standards. Additionally, I formed a close-knit group of friends who now serves as my professional design network in Asia.

Moreover, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in valuable cultural experiences that greatly enriched my overall experience and had a profound impact on my life.”

What has been your favorite part of the program?

Saijal: “Students in the MDes courses work on practical tasks and see real-time results. PolyU courses are a bit different from most conventional ones, which was my favorite take. Different teaching and learning activities such as workshops, site visits, and academic readings shape the curriculum in an engaging manner.

Wonderful professors guided us to learn actively through critical analyses and innovative application. Our designs are evaluated based on how successfully we can apply that learning to our projects.”

Daniel: “The experience of spending an entire year in a foreign country with a diverse group of individuals who share the same passion for design is truly unforgettable. PolyU MDes is a real treasure on my professional and personal life.”

Find and compare degree programs in Hong Kong with MyGoAbroad—it’s free!

Earning your design degree in Hong Kong will change your life—and career!

Start your next chapter with a design degree in Hong Kong.

Earning your design degree in Hong Kong can be life-changing, providing you with an unparalleled cultural experience and exceptional education.

Prepare yourself for a future of success and an in-depth understanding of the global design landscape while emerging from your time abroad not only with a degree but a wealth of experiences, connections, and an expanded worldview.

So why wait? Make the leap and discover the opportunities that await your design career in Hong Kong!

This article was written with help from Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design. PolyU School of Design was founded in 1964 and consistently ranks in the top 20 design schools in the world. They offer degrees in design at all levels.