HKUST Strengthens Collaboration with the University of Southampton to Launch Hong Kong’s first Dual Degree Program in Global Marine Resources Management | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the University of Southampton will strengthen their partnership and launch a new Dual Master Program of Science in global marine resources management next year.  

Offering a multi-cultural and cross-continental learning experience, students admitted to this unique one-year program will spend the first semester in Southampton and the second as well as the summer at HKUST.  Students will not just gain knowledge and first-hand experience in marine ecosystems across the two continents, but also get to develop professional network in Hong Kong, Southampton and beyond.  They will graduate with qualifications from both universities. 

Blue economy has become an emerging hot topic in the past decade. Governments worldwide including China and the United Kingdom have rolled out initiatives and proposals on how to use ocean resources for growth in a sustainable way.  In this program, students will not only learn the contrasting marine ecosystems and geological processes in temperate and subtropical regions across two continents, but also the skillsets spanning from computational data analysis, pollution monitoring and control, to conservation and sustainability, environmental policy, environmental impact and risk assessment.

Professionals with this level of training are highly sought after. The program will prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities spanning research and education in marine and environmental science in both public and private sectors as well as non-governmental organizations. It will also pave the way for further studies in the fields of marine resources management and exploration, oceanography and environmental conservation.

At the virtual partnership signing ceremony yesterday, Professor Jane FALKINGHAM, Vice-President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton said, “I’m delighted to be involved in this ceremony today. This agreement forges a key academic alliance between two world leading universities in marine science in Europe and Asia. It enables both universities to blend their respective faculty experience and expertise and establishes a dynamic platform for further academic and research collaborations.”

Prof. WANG Yang, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement at HKUST, said he is delighted to see HKUST joining forces with the University of Southampton as its marine resource research is internationally recognized.  He said, “This collaboration will allow us to train professionals in a multicultural and cross-national setting, leveraging on each of our advantages in cutting-edge ocean science research and the unique geographic locations.  The joint Master’s program enables students to learn scientific, technological, socioeconomic and political issues that are involved in the exploration, management and conservation of marine resources in temperate and subtropical regions.” 

Dr. Charlie THOMPSON, Co-Program Director at the University of Southampton said, “This program provides an exciting balance of fundamental learning and hands-on experience, as well as developing core research skills alongside experts from across continents – a unique opportunity for those who want to work with a truly global focus.”

Prof. Stanley LAU, Co-Program Director and Acting Head of HKUST’s Department of Ocean Science said, “Three years after our introduction of Hong Kong’s first undergraduate degree in ocean science and technology, we are very happy to launch Hong Kong’s first Dual Master’s Degree Program in Global Marine Resources Management in collaboration with the University of Southampton. Through the provision of in-person learning activities in the multicultural environments in Hong Kong and the UK, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to nurturing professionals with cross-disciplinary knowledge, global vision and international professional network to tackle complex issues in marine resources management.” 

The program is the first double degree partnership between HKUST and the University of Southampton.  The first cohort of MSc Global Marine Resources Management students will commence their studies in September 2023.

Over the years, HKUST and the University of Southampton have forged various collaborations on academic and scientific exchange and knowledge transfer, including a Student Exchange Agreement between the two institutions in areas of science and engineering. 

For more program details and admission requirements, please visit: https://mscgmrm.org/ 

About the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. We were ranked 3rd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2022, and our graduates were ranked 30th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global Employability University Ranking and Survey 2022. As of 2022, HKUST members have founded 1,645 active start-ups, including 9 Unicorns and 7 IPO companies, generating economic impact worth over HK$400 billion. InvestHK cited QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 to demonstrate the performance of five world’s top 100 local universities in several innovation-centric areas, among which HKUST ranked top in four engineering and materials science subjects.

About the University of Southampton
The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world’s challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2022). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 22,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/