More about HKUST(GZ)
MSC PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Name
- Master of Science in Carbon Neutrality and Green Finance
Program Short Name
- MSc(CNGF)
Mode of Study
- Full-time
Normative Program Duration
- 2 years
Tuition Fees
- RMB 260,000 per program
Program Director
- Prof Coco Dijia DU
Introduction
In the global effort to address climate change, achieving carbon neutrality has become a shared goal among nations. Green finance is playing a pivotal role in enabling this transition. There is an urgent need for professionals with cross-disciplinary expertise, well-versed in both low-carbon technologies and financial instruments, given the global proliferation of carbon pricing mechanisms and the increasing scale of ESG investments.
The Master of Science in Carbon Neutrality and Green Finance (CNGF) program at HKUST(GZ) aims to cultivate future leaders in this field. Leveraging the Greater Bay Area’s strengths in green finance innovation, the program brings together expertise from environmental science, energy engineering, finance, and public policy to create a comprehensive educational framework. This framework includes theoretical knowledge, practical training, and industry experience. Through a fully English-taught curriculum and a collaborative approach that bridges academia and industry, along with the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework, students will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in carbon neutrality and green finance, as well as insights into domestic and international carbon market policies.
A key highlight of this program is its cross-disciplinary curriculum, which integrates “Carbon Neutrality + Finance”. The courses encompass critical areas including energy transition, industrial transformation, green finance, green technology and innovation, carbon accounting and management, carbon trading, and ESG investment strategies. This approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded skill set. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in government and industry focused on carbon neutrality strategy, project development, trading, and investment, or for engaging in research and policy-making in the realms of carbon neutrality and green finance.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the MSc program, graduates will be able to:
MSc(CNGF)
01
Acquire a holistic understanding of climate change, carbon neutrality, green finance, and ESG at multiple scales, ranging from local to global.
02
Engage practically with industry and research institutions and apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges in the industry and research sectors, leveraging their hands-on experience gained from the comprehensive internships.
03
Cultivate readiness for a variety of professional roles in the emerging sectors of carbon neutrality, green finance, and ESG, bolstered by targeted career development activities.
04
Integrate and employ knowledge from various disciplines to formulate innovative solutions in the field of carbon neutrality and green finance.
05
Develop foundational research skills for further academic pursuits or specialized roles requiring rigorous research capabilities.
MSC PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Curriculum
Minimum Credit Requirement
34 credits
Core Courses: 10
Elective Courses: 15
Project: 3
Internship: 6
* Subject to the approval of the Program Director, students who have taken equivalent courses at other recognized universities may be granted credit transfer on a case-by-case basis, up to a maximum of 12 credits.
1
Core Courses
2
Elective Courses
15 Credits
Additional coursework may be required as part of the program preparation.
List of potential elective courses to be offered in Fall 2025/26:
3
Project
Students are required to complete a one-term independent project on real-world industry problems. Each independent project will be supervised by one faculty member at HKUST(GZ). The topics of the projects will come from industry with focus on carbon neutrality or green finance. Students are expected to complete the project in the first term of their second academic year.
4
Internship
Students are required to complete a six-month internship. Each internship will be supervised by a pair of supervisors, consisting of one academic supervisor from HKUST(GZ) and one industrial supervisor. Students are encouraged to seek internships that align with their career development goals. Scholarships will be awarded to those who successfully secure internships through their own initiative.
The assessment of the internship comprises two parts. The first part involves an oral examination and an Open Topic Report. The second part is the Final Report. Each oral presentation typically lasts one hour, including the question-and-answer session. The Open Topic Report will be evaluated based on the scientific merit, feasibility, and technical challenges of the proposed topic. The Final Report will assess the progress of industry collaboration, the final outcomes from the internship, and the students' gains.
MSC ADMISSION
Admission Requirements