Message from the Programme Director

Lingnan University’s School of Graduate Studies had a number of good reasons for deciding to introduce its new Master of Housing Policy and Management (MHPM) programme which is set to begin in September 2023.

Some are linked to “internal” factors, for example a strategic plan that aims to expand the range of taught postgraduate courses with a clear professional orientation over the next five years. The key in this case was having a critical mass of teaching staff with the relevant expertise, making it possible to press ahead now.

Other drivers are “external”, in particular the recent surge in demand for new blood in housing, real estate and facilities management in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). To some extent, this has been spurred by legislation which seeks to improve overall standards of professional competence. But it also reflects the sector’s continuing importance as an engine for investment, development and economic growth. In this light, part of MHPM’s vision is to train the talent to meet these strategic manpower needs.

In face of the affordability crisis in Hong Kong, as well as in other Asian cities like Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei, people are looking for viable solutions. For this, students who are interested in housing policy need high-level training to analyse policy from different perspectives (e.g. social economic and environmental) and the knowledge and skills to inform decision making and advocacy. To that end, MHPM combines theories and practices and puts particular focus on the use of smart technology and data analytics to improve efficiency and performance. On the policy side, it will also cover the rise of social or third-sector housing in Hong Kong and elsewhere plus the challenges facing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or social enterprises involved in running transitional housing.

In addition, quality housing management should not just focus on the provision of basic services, but on community development too, Therefore, MHPM also teaches hands-on skills, for instance in mediation and public relations, through active engagement in real-life situations and learning from activities like role-plays.  

Key Features

• Focus on the use of smart technology and data analytics in the housing policy and management.
• Hands-on training and impactful skills of analysing and evaluating the effects of government’s intervention on the housing markets from the capstone project.
• Deliver by adopting the research-informed teaching.
• Enhance the students experience of real-world issues, to develop students’ critical thinking, to improve student confidence, and to provide students with meaningful and deep learning experiences.
• Cover the interdisciplinary scope by integrating facility, human and environmental management into the curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Illustrate an awareness of different frameworks (e.g. legal, technical and socio-political frameworks), discourses, and challenges related to housing management
• Apply theories in the analysis of housing policies, strategies and practices in the contemporary society
• Apply core skills (e.g. effective communication, budgeting, analysis of statistical information, handling of conflicts and crises, negotiation, decision-making, project management and information technology etc.) in housing management practice
• Synthesise knowledge acquired in various courses such as economics, legal studies, building studies and management studies to analyse contemporary housing issues
• Propose innovative ideas to address the identified challenges in the housing sector