MINORS >>>

Urban Studies
Minor
Urban Studies
都市研究
Offering Academic Unit
Department of Public and International Affairs
Exclusive Majors
(Students who study the following majors are not allowed to choose this minor)
PPP – Housing and Urban Studies Stream and Public Management Stream
PPP – Public Policy and Management
Note: The following curriculum information is subject to periodic review and changes.

Aims of Minor

This minor aims to

  • introduce students to key debates and issues in urban studies and urban policy
  • discuss and examine the major urban policy issues facing Hong Kong 
  • explore urban and social transformation in contemporary China
  • demonstrate the social and economic significance of housing, locally and globally
  • provide students with a solid understanding of key aspects of urban management, particularly in relation to transport planning and housing policy

Intended Learning Outcomes of Minor (MINILOs)

Upon successful completion of this minor, students should be able to:

1. Recognise key theories and concepts in urban policy and urban studies.

2. Explain and assess contemporary processes of urbanization and the major challenges for urban policy, with particular reference to Hong Kong and the Mainland.

3. Explain policy and planning responses to the management of key urban problems.

4. Identify and explain the institutional and organisational arrangement of the planning and housing system in Hong Kong.

5. Identify and assess the major issues in transport policy, with particular reference to Hong Kong.

6. Explain the economic and social significance of housing, locally and internationally.


Minor Requirements (15 credit units)Catalogue Term : Semester A 2023/24



1.   Electives (15 credit units)

Any five courses from the following electives.

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
PIA2224Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development3
PIA2308Working with Clients in Public Service3
PIA2527Law for Housing Studies3
PIA2528Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities3
PIA2530Exploring Public Affairs in Globalised Cities3
PIA3310Smart Government and Sustainable Cities3
PIA3525Building Technology and Services for Housing Managers3
PIA3600Experiential Learning for Public Affairs3
PIA3921Urban and Social Policy3
PIA4953Housing Policy in Contemporary Society3
PIA4954Housing Management and Practice3

Additional Information

Students of either the Housing and Urban Studies or the Public Management Stream of the Public Policy and Politics Major are restricted from declaring this Minor due to clash of courses.

Not all the electives in this Minor will be offered each year.  It is the responsibility of students to ensure that there is no overlap of courses between their Major and this Minor if they wish to declare this minor and that their timetables over the years allow them to take the courses.