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General Questions
Application
Foreign Students
Portfolio & Others
General Questions
When is the application period?
Non-local and local applications for September 2013 admission begin from 30 October and 11 December 2012 respectively. The first review will be carried out after the first deadline (1 March 2013) and second review in May 2013.
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Which programs are inviting applications?
The Master of Design (MDes) has four specialisms: Practices, Strategies, Interaction and Urban Environments. All are inviting applications for 2013 September intake, but their focus and requirements differ somewhat. Please visit our website at www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/master for specific information.
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What is the entrance requirement for admission to the School of Design’s MDes Scheme?
Normally a Bachelor’s degree in Design or the equivalent in a related discipline is required; except for Design Strategies specialism, a Bachelor’s degree from other disciplines is also welcomed. Besides, some specialisms may require a minimum of one or two years of professional experience in a design related field. Please refer to related information for details.
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What is the language of instruction?
All courses are taught in English.
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What is the duration of MDes Program?
Both Practices and Interaction specialisms can be completed in one year full time; Urban Environments takes one and a half years full time; whereas Strategies specialism normally take two years part time, as most classes are held during the weekends only.
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How much is the application fee and how should it be paid?
The application fee is HK$450 (for non-local students) and HK$300 (for local students) and it is non-refundable. If you are not in Hong Kong, please send a bank draft or money order payable to "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University" personal cheques and cash are not acceptable. For more information, please refer to:
http://www.polyu.edu.hk/fo/FO_Web/index.php?page=5&submenu=stud05&subpage=stud05app
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What defines an applicant as non-local student?
A "non-local student" is defined as one who requires a student visa to study in Hong Kong. If you are holding a valid work permit, you do not require a student visa to take a part-time program, but you need to apply for a student visa to take a full-time program.
Alternatively, if you are holding a dependent visa, you will be considered as a local student and will follow the admissions arrangements for local students.
In the case of non-local applicants who possess only a visitor or a tourist visa, we can neither register them as a student nor allow them to commence study until a student visa is obtained.
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How much does various specialism of MDes cost?
The cost of the specialisms differ somewhat:
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Design Practices costs HK$108,500.
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Design Strategies costs HK$108,500.
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Interaction Design costs HK$ 126,000.
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Urban Environments Design costs HK$126,000.
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How and when should the tuition fee be paid?
At the time of admission, you will be charged an initial fee (amount of 3 credits). Any extra fees that are paid will be refunded or any outstanding fees will be charged after confirmation of the subjects chosen for that semester.
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When will the application result be announced?
If you are given an offer or a conditional offer, you will be separately informed via email starting from early April 2013. You may also check your application result online at www.polyu.edu.hk/admission. If there is no news by the end of June, you may assume that your application is unsuccessful.
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What are the concerns in pursuing a MDes degree?
There is a wide spectrum of design functioning from operational to strategic levels which is well recognized as essential for companies to stay competitive. Senior designers, managers and professionals in design or related fields need to advance themselves with new visions, updated theories and methodologies and learn to create value through design. MDes (Design Strategies) has been broadening the horizon of students with proven success. On the other hand, Design Practices, Interaction Design and Urban Environments specialisms welcome design practitioners or fresh graduates to deepen their knowledge and innovation abilities in respective areas and prepare them to be leaders of the field.
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What is the difference between MDes, MFA, MSc and MPhil program?
All of these are postgraduate programs vary somewhat. MDes is a taught professional degree for design practitioners. MFA is a terminal graduate degree in an area of performing arts requiring at least two years of study for completion. MSc is a basic degree type in most subjects. MPhil is a research degree, requiring the completion of a thesis; it is also considered the gateway for the PhD.
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What is the average size of a class?
It varies - some classes are large when various specialisms combine; some are small devoted to special topics. There are many tutorial opportunities.
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What are the contacts for further information / enquiries?
For further information on application or academic matters, please contact School of Design (Tel: (852) 3400 3440 / (852) 2766 5474; Email sdsteph@polyu.edu.hk / sdweb@polyu.edu.hk).
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Application
How to apply to the MDes program? What supporting documents are needed for the application?
To apply to any MDes specialism, you must submit application online only at www.polyu.edu.hk/admission. You may also check application procedures and application result or update your application data after you create an account.
Here are some documents you will need to include in your application, for instance, Letter of Intent, Portfolio, three Letters of Recommendation (academic/ profession), Awards, Academic Transcript, TOEFL/ IELTS results, etc.
You can apply first without TOEFL/ IELTS score and provide the score sheet at a later stage of the admission process.
Candidates who meet the minimum requirement will be required to attend an interview. In the case of international students, the interview will be conducted via internet video calls.
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What level of English competency is required?
Students who have their undergraduate degree from a university teaching in English do not have to demonstrate English competency. For others without this qualification any of the following will be considered as fulfillment of the language requirement for admission:
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A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 for the paper-based test, plus a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5; or a TOEFL score of 213 or above for the computer-based test or 80 or above for the internet-based test.
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A Band Score of at least 6.0 in each of the sub-tests of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Proficiency in English with regard to listening / speaking and reading / writing can not be over emphasized. Without adequate skill in English, you will not receive maximum value from the program.
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Are there any other additional criteria for admitting students?
Entrance to the Master of Design Scheme considers applicants individually with regard to their entire background. Each applicant is encouraged to provide complete information.
Is there any financial aid available for local students?
Some of the subjects in MDes scheme are included on the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) list of reimbursable courses for local residents. For further information on CEF or reimbursable courses list, please visit CEF official website at www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef/.
Government Non-means Tested Loan Scheme is available for local residents. The scheme offers interest-bearing loans to eligible students for covering tuition fees. For details of the scheme, please refer to the Government’s website at http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/eng/schemes/nlss.htm.
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Why should I choose MDes in PolyU over the other postgraduate design courses?
According to surveys student and open house visitors, they consider the reputation of the institution, quality and variety of programs as the major factors when considering a postgraduate degree.
The School of Design (SD) is ranked among the best 60 design schools worldwide for two consecutive years in 2006 and 2007, according to special reports published in BusinessWeek. Master of Design (Design Strategies) programme has been rated among the world’s best “design thinking programmes” in the latest World’s Best Design Schools Survey 2009 by BusinessWeek. SD is the pioneer and sole provider of design education at tertiary level in Hong Kong. For more than four decades, it has groomed thousands of graduates and many famous designers which form an extensive alumni network in the region and beyond.
MDes Program offers an international environment of teaching and learning – a mix of international and local students and teaching staff. Besides, SD enjoys a unique geographic location in Hong Kong where it is considered a doorstep to China with that East-meets-West aura. SD possesses strong connections to international and local institutions and industry, which means it provides diversified career prospects to students in Asia.
Our MDes Scheme has four unique specialisms in Hong Kong and Asia, as we are the leader in preparing students to take charge of their future learning and development in design’s nimble and quickly changing environment.
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What are the advantages of Full Time study mode?
The strong social learning context is very much appreciated by our full time MDes students. They enjoy the intensive experience throughout the learning and interaction process. Some students choose full time study mode as they see it as potential rapid career advancement.
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What kind of facilities are available for students?
Full time students have a dedicated studio with individual computer and workstation. We have state-of-the-art technical facilities and support, an excellent academic library that is linked with all public and university library services in Hong Kong. For facilities available within the School, please visit the webpage at http://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/web/About/Facilities.
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Foreign Students
Who are foreign (non-local) students?
Foreign students are individuals who do not live in Hong Kong; those from Mainland China, Europe, North America, for example, are foreign.
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How is the student visa processed?
Upon admission, PolyU will help you apply for a student visa. Normally the process takes around 6-8 weeks. Details on visa applications, immigration regulations, health care, cost of living and other non-academic matters of concern to non-local students will be sent to you if you are offered admission to our programs.
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When admitted, when should students arrive in Hong Kong?
The academic year runs from September through mid-August. Students should arrive before the end of August.
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Can non-local students work in Hong Kong while studying at PolyU?
Non-local students of full time are permitted to take up part time on-campus employment for not more than 20 hours per week throughout the year; and employment during the summer months (1 Jun to 30 Aug) without any limit in relation to nature of work, work hours and location. Please refer to Immigration Dept of HK SAR for details (http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/faq/imm-policy-study.html)
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Do I need to take Postgraduate Admission Exam in order to apply to MDes scheme?
No, we are independent from the postgraduate education system under the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.
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What are living costs like in Hong Kong?
The living costs vary from person to person. This involves the following major expenses: accommodation, food, local transport, telecommunications, books, etc. It is not difficult to find accommodation that suits one’s needs and budget, some students share accommodation or live on their own. An estimate of around HK$7,000 to HK$8,000 per person per month would be quite sufficient for students sharing a reasonable flat with one to two students.
You may get an idea of the living costs in Hong Kong if you visit online supermarkets www.wellcomehk.com, www.parknshop.com, www.citysuper.com.hk, etc.
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What is the culture of Hong Kong like?
Hong Kong is a vibrant and versatile international city and it is one of the safest cities in the world. As a cultural and commercial centre of China, you will easily adapt to the environment; the official languages are Chinese and English. Although its highly quoted, "East-meets-West" is the best term to describe the city – religion, food, architecture, population, entertainment and festivals demonstrate this diversity.
The proximity of Hong Kong to other places in China, S.E. & North Asia has earned the title of "gateway to China" as well as hub of Asia. Foreign students enjoy travel around the region during their study in Hong Kong.
Visit the following sites for more information about Hong Kong culture - http://www.discoverhongkong.com/login.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_kong.
Also see the brief guide to Non-Local Postgraduate Students prepared by our Student Affairs Office - http://www.polyu.edu.hk/sao/services/3-8_forNonLocalStudents_taught_postgrad.htm
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Are there scholarships for foreign students?
Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for foreign (non-local) students. Academic performance, work experience, portfolio, and letters of recommendation are all factors in scholarship consideration. There is no need for students to apply for scholarship separately. Applying by the first deadline in March, increases your opportunity to receive a scholarship.
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Portfolio & Others
What should be in my portfolio?
In general, your portfolio may include the most advanced design you have done. We are interested in the process of the concept development in experimental and commercial works presented in professional quality. Support the samples of work with succinct descriptions where needed. If you would like to include group projects, you must clearly specify what your role was in the creative process. Please be advised that your portfolio will not be returned.
For most specialisms, we accept portfolio in print or digital copy (PDF); Design Practices only accept printed hard-copy portfolio.
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What if I do not have portfolio?
Some specialisms require a portfolio, but the Design Strategies specialism accepts students based on both academic and professional experiences. If you do not have a portfolio related to design, we suggest you focus more on the interview process to describe your background and career interests.
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Can I apply to MDes Scheme if I do not have a Bachelor degree in design?
Yes – you may apply to the Design Strategies specialism. This MDes specialism is not a studio-based program as the purpose is academic – to deepen design understanding and integrate design in its business and technological context through reading, thinking, discussing, and writing.
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Do I have to be a programming genius to get into the Interaction Design specialism?
No – this specialism is a combination of theory, planning strategies, research that puts people first; the technical foundation is not a main focus in this seminar and studio based course.
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