Programme Introduction

GHIT Programme Unique Features

Shape the Future of Humanitarian Action

Are you ready to turn your passion for global change into real-world impact?

The MSc in Global Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (GHIT) (formerly known as Humanitarian Technology Inclusive Business, HTIB) at Lingnan University is a cutting-edge programme designed for aspiring changemakers who want to harness innovation, technology, and global collaboration to solve today’s most urgent humanitarian challenges.

Through a strategic partnership with the United Nations University Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology at Lingnan University (UNU hub), GHIT offers unparalleled access to global networks, research initiatives, and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you to lead in the humanitarian sector.

What makes GHIT unique?

Unique partnership with the United Nations (UNU Hub) in humanitarian innovation and technology
Focus on inclusive innovation for non-techies without engineering backgrounds
Emphasis on financially sustainable humanitarian solutions and inclusive business models
Practical community engagement through real-life projects with local and international partners
⁠Interdisciplinary approach prioritizing "whole-person" education for diverse backgrounds
Targeted career prospects bridging management and engineering in local and international contexts
A combination of studio-based, maker culture, fieldwork, and traditional teaching methods
Importance of technology in driving efficiency, anticipation, and empowerment in public services; Without tech, humanitarian systems remain fragmented and slow
Teach in English with support in Cantonese/Mandarin
The class schedule includes weekend classes to accomodate working professionals

Background

Established in 2023 as the Master of Science in Humanitarian Technology and Inclusive Business (HTIB), this pioneering programme was designed to address pressing global challenges through innovation, HTIB became the first and only programme in Asia focused on leveraging technology for humanitarian impact.
In 2025, Lingnan University forged a landmark partnership with the United Nations University (UNU) to establish the UNU Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (HIT)—the first of its kind in Asia. This collaboration positioned HTIB as the cornerstone of the Hub’s educational mission, integrating cutting-edge research, global networks, and field-driven projects into its curriculum. To reflect this strategic alignment and enhance clarity for prospective students, the programme was renamed Master of Science in Global Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (GHIT) from AY2026-27 intake.

Learning Objectives

Understand humanitarian technology concepts and design processes
Master inclusive business fundamentals and innovation frameworks
Apply strategies and toolkits for product/service design
Explore best practices in disaster and crisis management
Create scalable humanitarian technologies and inclusive business solutions

Who should apply

GHIT is ideal for innovators from any discipline who want to sharpen problem-solving skills with technology insightsand inclusive business strategies.

Perfect for:

Decision-makers and entrepreneurs
NGO professionals, development practitioners, designers, project managers, product engineers
Those aiming for careers in tech startups, non-profits, academia, management, social entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, engineering, ESG, and global development

If you’re passionate about creating solutions that drive equity, sustainability, and impact, GHIT is your next step.

Progression

Students are required to achieve CGPA of 2.50 or above in order to proceed to the next term. The Board of Examiners shall, at the end of each term, recommend whether each student is:

Eligible for progression towards an award;
Eligible for an award; or
Required to withdraw from the programme.

A student will normally progress unless he/she falls within the following categories, any of which may be regarded as grounds for withdrawal from the programme:

The student cannot attain a CGPA of 2.50 at the end of each term;
The student has exceeded the maximum period of study, which is 3 years in full-time mode or 5 years in part-time mode; or
The student is unable to attain a CGPA of 2.67 at the end of the programme.

Why Choosing Lingnan?

Globally Recognized for Quality Education
- Lingnan University ranked No.1 worldwide in SDG 4: Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and 2026 - the only Liberal Arts University in Hong Kong
  - offering a holistic education that blends arts, business and social sciences
Strong Performance in THE World University Rankings
- In 2025, Lingnan is placed in the 301-350 band globally among around 3000 institutions worldwide, indicating that we are the top 10% institutions globally, showcasing out excellence in global collaboration and diversity
Close Faculty-Student Relationship
Strong Global Exposure and Exchange Opportunities
- Lingan has partnerships with over 270 institutions in more than 50 countries, offering students extensive exchange programes, service learning programes, interships
Community Serving for Positive Changes
- Lingnan's motto ‘Education for Service’, we integrates community service and civic engagement into our curriculum. Our programme allow students to participate in Service-Learning Programs that empower them to make positive social impacts in Hong Kong communities

Sustainable Development Goals

Graduates from Lingnan University have the knowledge and tools for leading society in a more sustainable way, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes.

The programme helps to improve employment opportunities, particularly for young people who have ideas to solve questions that matter by providing quality teaching and coaching students in creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. This programme provides knowledge in different fields of industries with an emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian technology. Moreover, students will get an opportunity to learn about the ideas of sustainable communities and responsible consumption of natural resources and production by the application of creative ideas, entrepreneurial approaches, and innovative management to create a better world.

Apply here