HKU+Geneva (BSocSc + MA) - Faculty of Social Sciences

Programme Introduction
Turn your HKU social sciences degree into a truly international learning journey. Offered in collaboration with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, this five-year concurrent degree programme enables Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc) students to earn both an HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Master of Arts from Geneva. Students complete their first three years at HKU before applying to one of Geneva’s designated MA programmes in Anthropology and Sociology, International Economics, International History and Politics, International Law, International Relations/Political Science, or International and Development Studies.

In Year 4, admitted students study in Geneva and take graduate-level courses at the Graduate Institute, with the credits transferred back to HKU. Upon successful completion of the 4th year, students may be awarded the HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences and remain in Geneva for one additional year to complete their MA degree. Beyond the classroom, students can immerse themselves in Geneva’s dynamic international community and may undertake optional internships with one of the city’s 40 international organisations. This distinctive combination of advanced study, global exposure and professional experience can open pathways to careers with organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and international bodies working in areas including labour, telecommunications, human rights, and HIV/AIDS.

Admission Criteria
Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Be in the third year of study during the 2026–27 academic year. By the end of Year 3, applicants should have completed at least 180 credits at HKU, including the Capstone project; fulfilled the Social Innovation requirement; and satisfied UG5 of the Regulations for First Degree Curricula.
Have a cumulative GPA (cGPA) of 3.5 or above.

Applicants with a cGPA below 3.5 may also be considered on the strength of their other achievements and academic performance in courses relevant to their intended MA discipline.

Additional entry requirements apply to the following MA programmes:
MA in International Economics: Applicants must submit a GRE test score and demonstrate a solid foundation in economics, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics.
MA in International Law: Applicants must have a foundation in law.

Application Details
Ready to apply? Complete the online application form and submit the following supporting documents, normally by November 10, 2026:

A letter of motivation outlining why you wish to join the programme (maximum 800 words);
Your academic transcript; and
One or two academic references.

Before you apply: Please note that places may be limited. French proficiency is not required for admission to the MA programmes. However, students without a French-language background will be required to take French classes while studying in Geneva.

What happens next: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, and results will be announced in mid-December. Successful candidates must then complete Geneva’s online application and pay an application fee of CHF 100 (approximately HK$800) through its online payment system (i.e. PayPal) when submitting the form.

Learn more: Visit the Graduate Institute programme webpage for further details about the five-year concurrent degree programme.

You may also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.

Apply Now

Questions? Please contact the Faculty of Social Sciences at socscug@hku.hk.

Teacher and Student’s Sharing

I was very happy to welcome one of the first participants of our concurrent degree programme with the University of Hong Kong… performed very well in all aspects of the course – oral and written presentations and discussions… I can say that our BA-MA programme is off to a flying start.

Professor Jussi Hanhimäki
International History
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies Geneva

One semester into Geneva, my charts were in official UNCTAD reports. No one here waits for you to graduate before handing you the floor.
From the first term, the Applied Research Project puts you on a real brief for a UN agency or NGO. Mine looked at how producer countries can capture more value from critical minerals for the energy transition. My peers are mostly working professionals, and a coffee after seminars taught me as much about building a career in this sector as the syllabus did.
The real excitement is how many possibilities sit within reach. A day can start with a conference at the Palais des Nations, move to a student pitch for Collaborate for Social Impact, and end with a TEDxGVAGrad rehearsal. Weekends might mean the Alps, or crossing into France with a 10-mins bus ride for affordable groceries. You will hear French, English and a dozen other languages before lunch.
Geneva will often push you out of your comfort zone. Say yes anyway. The floor is yours.

Dominic Au
HKU+Geneva (BSocSc+MA) (2027)

The dual BSocSc/MA programme between HKU and the Geneva Graduate Institute has been a truly transformative experience. Starting postgraduate studies earlier pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it proved to be immensely rewarding.
HKU gave me a strong academic baseline, while IHEID’s curriculum challenged mainstream IR theories and deepened my appreciation for multilateral diplomacy. Studying in Geneva offered immediate proximity to global affairs in action, paired with incredible practical opportunities such as attending conferences, events and gaining professional work experience.
Ultimately, this joint degree substantially built up both my confidence and skills, laying a solid foundation for my future career.

Frederick Chan
HKU+Geneva (BSocSc+MA) (2027)