Sept 2025 Entry
1 year (Full-time)
1.5 years (Full-time, with internship)
2 years (Part-time)
31
This programme replaces the former MSc in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology (MScMET) programme.
This programme is offered both full-time and part-time. Local students can enrol either full-time or part-time, while non-local students must enrol full-time only.
Full-time students can complete the programme in a year, including the summer semester, under normal circumstances. However, those who opt for an internship will complete their internship during the first semester of the second year, extending the duration of their studies to 1.5 years.
Part-time students will attend classes offered to full-time students based on their schedules, allowing them to complete the programme in two years. Furthermore, they are not expected to complete an internship, unless special approval is granted.
A limited number of entry scholarships, up to HK$80,000, are available to both local and non-local applicants with excellent academic achievement. In addition, a limited number of bursaries, amounting to HK$24,000, are available to local applicants. PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarship/bursary at any time. In the event of a dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.
When applying online via eAdmission, please complete all relevant fields in the application form and upload all necessary documents. An incomplete application cannot be processed quickly and will reduce your chances of admission.
What's New
The MSc in Innovative Multimedia Entertainment (MScIME) programme was designed to supersede the former MSc in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology (MScMET) programme.
Aims
This programme aims to attract top creative talent to shape the future of interactive digital media and entertainment experiences. Students will master AI and data science technologies that are driving industrial change and future interfaces of media delivery formats, enabling them to graduate with job-ready skills and expertise. They will be able to specialise in areas such as games, media art technology, interactive robotics and virtual interaction design. Our curriculum pathways will also allow students to select core areas of interest – in technical specialisations or applied research directions in art, digital and entertainment media – to explore in depth areas that match their backgrounds and passions.
Characteristics
The programme offers students a rich learning environment with strong industry engagement. Industry collaborators include NVIDIA, Tencent Games Lightspeed Studios and Unreal Engine, among others. The curriculum offers students two pathways to choose from, either the Practice Pathway or the Applied Research Pathway, with four areas of focus.
Focus Areas
- Media Art Technology
- Entertainment/ Games
- Interactive Toys and Robotics
- Entrepreneurship in Multimedia
An industry-based internship is offered as part of the curriculum. Students will be supported by corporate research centres (such as the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre) to create connections with our industry partners. The structure of the subjects combines lectures, tutorials and practical lab sessions to provide hands-on experience. Graduates will emerge with a skill set primed to pioneer the next generation of digital media and entertainment technologies.
Close ties with the Greater Bay Area, mainland companies, overseas universities and local universities in Hong Kong will provide students with unparalleled access to leading entertainment companies, from which they can draw inspiration and opportunities. By leveraging serendipity in areas ranging from games to application development to immersive experiences, students can develop their expertise while building connections across cultures.
The MScIME programme builds on the foundations of and evolves beyond the previous iterations of the MScMET programme, which has been a cornerstone of our educational offerings for over 20 years and has educated more than 1,000 students on building multimedia products and applications. The MScIME programme aims to update the curriculum to adapt to the latest trends in AI, data science and multimedia technologies, and their current and expected impacts on multimedia entertainment production and research.
Programme Structure
The requirement for graduation is 31 credits, consisting of 12 credits of Core Subjects, 12 credits of Elective Subjects, 6 credits for a Capstone Project and 1 credit for the Academic Integrity and Ethics requirement.
6 Core Subjects (12 credits)
- Multimedia Entertainment Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- Project Management, Professional Environments and Ethics (3 credits)
- Creative Programming for Designers and Artists (3 credits)
- Research Seminar I, II, III (1 credit each)
Elective Subjects (12 credits)
The curriculum offers students two pathways to choose from: the Practice Pathway or the Applied Research Pathway.
Practice Pathway (choose at least 2 subjects from the list; 3 credits each, total 6 credits)
- Game Design and Development
- Digital Storytelling for Transmedia
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- AI tools for Creative Processes and Transmedia
- Physical Computing
- Interactive Toys, Robots and Engaging Entertainment Products
Applied Research Pathway (9 credits)
- Research Methods for Multimedia Entertainment (3 credits)
- Independent Study in Multimedia Entertainment (6 credits)
Other Electives (choose 1 or 2 subjects; depending on the pathway; 3 credits each)
- Entrepreneurship for Culture and Creative Industry
- Media Art Technologies
- Sound Design and Development
- Digital Art Assets: Bringing Crafts to Markets and NFTs
- Special and Emerging Topics in Multimedia Entertainment
- Internship
Capstone Project (6 Credits)
Academic Integrity and Ethics requirement (1 Credit)
Other Graduation Requirements
Students are also required to complete the e-Learning module “Understanding China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R.C" before graduation.
Study Mode
Full-time mode: The common first semester is mainly used to teach students the core compulsory subjects and a choice of a few selected electives within the Department or elsewhere at PolyU. During the second semester, based on their preferred pathway, students choose appropriate courses fitting their study plan. Additionally, in the second and third summer terms, students plan and work on their Capstone Project. For those opting for an internship, this will be undertaken in the first semester of their second year of study.
Part-time mode: Students will attend classes offered to full-time students based on their schedules, allowing them to complete the programme in two years. In addition, they are not expected to complete an internship, unless special approval is granted.
Class Schedule
Classes are normally held during the day on weekdays, except for a few core subjects and electives. Students should refer to the timetable of individual subjects for the exact class time.
31
Prof. Henry Duh
PhD (Washington), FIET, FBCS, COMPIEAus
-
A Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field.
-
English Language Requirement: If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to provide one of the following proficiency test results (taken in a single sitting within 2 years) for fulfil the minimum English language requirement for admission purpose:
-
A score of 80 or above in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test;
OR -
An overall Band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module.
-
Remarks:
(1) TOEFL iBT Home Edition, the IELTS Online and IELTS indicator test results will not be considered for meeting the English language Requirements for taught programmes.
(2) Selection consideration will be given to applicants who have obtained a satisfactory English language test result before application.
For further information, please contact:
the School of Design
Tel: (852) 2766 5474
Fax: (852) 2774 5067
Email: sdmscime@polyu.edu.hk
Website: www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/sdmscime
-
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio and attend an interview.
-
We consider applications on a rolling basis until all places are filled. To secure places, applicants should apply as early as possible before the application deadline.
-
More programme information can be obtained at www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/sdmscime.
3 for local students
10 for non-local students
HK$8,000 per credit for local and non-local students
Required
Required
Maximum 2 pages for the Personal Statement (in English)
Required
- Documents not originally issued in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
- Transcripts/certified letters including class rank information are preferred.
Portfolio Submission:
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio via another online platform. Applicants are not required to send their portfolios by email or mail before receiving the invitation.
English Language Test Results:
Selection consideration will be given to applicants who have obtained a satisfactory English language test result before their application.
Certificate of Service from previous and current employer(s) (for mature applicants only)
