Jan 2026 Entry
2 years (Full-time)
3 years (Part-time)
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Mode of study: The programme is a mixed-mode programme. Students may pursue their studies with either a full-time study load (taking 9 credits or more in a semester) or a part-time study load (less than 9 credits in a semester).
Duration of Study: Students who wish to extend their studies beyond normal duration should submit an application to the Faculty of Business for consideration.
Medium of Instruction: English
Note to Applicants
We have a quota for admissions. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
What's New
Programme Aims
This programme aims to educate top executives and business entrepreneurs who are interested in understanding the FinTech impacts on various industries. It has been designed to integrate academic study and management practice in a way which will form a significant part of an individual’s business career.
On completion of the programme, students will be able to advance their knowledge, skills and intellectual abilities as defined in the broad learning outcomes which are underpinned by specific learning objectives below:
General Business Knowledge
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Acquire a solid understanding of the impacts of digital transformation and technological innovations on the business world today with ethical implications.
Specialist Knowledge
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Acquire an in-depth knowledge of digital technologies in the financial industry.
Applied Research
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Acquire the ability to conduct original applied research in tech-related business areas.
Characteristics
Accreditations
AACSB
The Faculty of Business was accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in 2010 in recognition of our business education.
EQUIS
The Faculty of Business was accredited by EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) in 2007 in recognition of our programmes, research and associated activities.
International Collaboration
To increase the international exposure and academic vigour of the programme, students have the opportunity to participate in a digital transformation programme with the IMD Business School in Switzerland and the Executive Education Courses offered by The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) in the U.K..
IMD has been ranked sixth in the world for open and custom programmes in the 2023 Financial Times Executive Education ranking.
LSE has been ranked third in Europe, and sixth in the world, in social sciences and management subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Technological Element in the Curriculum
To help students embrace technological changes and digital transformation, five topics, namely artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, data science and entrepreneurship, have been embedded in the programme across a wide range of subjects.
Our curriculum is aimed at fostering awareness about the impact of technology innovations in addition to enabling students to handle data and adopt technology to tackle business and organisational issues while enhancing management and leadership.
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Pioneering FinTech doctorate in the world
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Benefit from pooling resources from different faculties of the university
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Integrate academic study, applied research and management practice
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Embrace digital transformation and technological innovations
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Explore the potentials and promises of digital technology in all organisations
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Become part of an elite network of over 600 alumni and students
Programme Structure
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Students must complete 52 credits including:
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1 credit of Academic Integrity and Ethics
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24 credits of coursework: 3 Compulsory and 5 Elective Subjects (3 credits each)
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3 credits of Residentials: Residential 1 (1 credit) and Residential 2 (2 credits)
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24 credits of Thesis: Thesis I (8 credits) and Thesis II (16 credits)
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All taught subjects are at an advanced level, and students are assumed to have prior knowledge of each subject area.
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There is a possible exit award of Master of Science in Management Research Studies (MSc in MRS) for students who have completed 25 credits of coursework subjects, 3 credits of two compulsory Residentials, and passed the 8 credits of Thesis I (thesis proposal presentation) (total of 36 credits).
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The curriculum includes technological elements as qualitative and experimental approaches to AI and entrepreneurship research as well as the impacts of digital transformation and technological innovations on business today, including their ethical implications.
Coursework (25 credits)
Compulsory Subjects^
- Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business
- Research and Design for Thesis
- Applied Business Research Methods I
- Applied Business Research Methods II
- DFinTech Residential 1
- DFinTech Residential 2
- DFinTech Thesis I
- DFinTech Thesis II
Elective Subjects^ (any five)
- Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
- Cryptography and Blockchain
- Digital Supply Chain Management
- Economics of FinTech
- Independent Studies in FinTech*
- Management and Marketing in the Digital World
- Overseas Executive Programmes
- Smart City and Urban Informatics
Remarks:
^ 1. Subject to factors such as staff availability, student enrolment, programme resources and so on, not all subjects will be offered during the normal duration of study. And, registration is subject to the availability of quota.
2. Programme structure and the subject details (e.g. subject description form, offering pattern, class timetable etc.) are subject to review and change from time to time.
* Independent Studies in FinTech is only offered to students who are unable to follow the normal pattern of study of this programme due to exceptional situations such as illness or posting to work outside Hong Kong. They can enrol in this elective subject in a particular semester.
Residentials (3 credits)
DFinTech Residentials
Attendance at the 2 DFinTech Residentials is compulsory.
DFinTech Residential 1 is a mandatory orientation workshop scheduled for the beginning of the programme in January.
DFinTech Residential 2 is a research workshop held normally after students have completed all the required subjects. The main purpose of the workshop is to give students an opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing their theses.
Thesis (24 credits)
DFinTech Thesis
Students must pass the 3 Compulsory Subjects and at least 3 Elective Subjects before beginning their theses. They need to integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine a topic of interest in the field of FinTech. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights into the practice of the profession.
The latest information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/tpg-landing/tpg/dfintech/.
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Programme Director
Prof. Kai LIM
BS, MA, PhD
Deputy Programme Director
Dr Steven WEI
BSc, MA, MSc, PhD
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A Master’s degree, preferably in a business-related or IT-related area; and
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Substantial managerial experience (at least 5 years) at a senior management level.
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Candidates in senior management or senior IT-related positions possessing a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If the applicants are not a native speaker of English, and do not possess a Bachelor’s or Master's degree or equivalent qualification which is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is English, they are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for admission interviews.
For further information, please contact:
Tel: (852) 3400 3234 or (852) 2766 7889
Email: fbdft@polyu.edu.hk
For information on academic matters, please contact:
Dr Steven WEI, Deputy Programme Director
Tel: (852) 2766 7056
Email: steven.wei@polyu.edu.hk
Class Schedule
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Most classes are scheduled on weekends, subject to the final arrangement of the programme.
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HK$991,950 per programme (HK$19,450 per credit) for local and non-local students
Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit "Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business".
Students taking the elective subject "Overseas Executive Programmes" will pay the course fee directly to the offering institution and bear themselves the costs of travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, etc. The DFinTech programme will not charge the credit fee fot taking the "Overseas Executive Programmes" subject.
The PolyU DFinTech has helped me to validate the strategic direction of my entrepreneurial business. The exposure to professors and fellow learning partners I received during my course has enriched my experience and provided me with a global perspective on both the finance and technology worlds. The networking among learning partners was unique as the programme’s diversity allowed for an enriched real-life learning experience. The programme management team was also hands-on in taking care of us, ensuring a worthwhile and enjoyable educational journey.
For me as an international student, this programme stood out among the many programmes available worldwide. I will forever treasure each and every experience I gained during my time in the PolyU DFinTech programme.
PolyU has the best doctoral programme in fintech, which combines technology and finance. The diverse knowledge of my learning partners sparked innovative ideas in me. The residential programme in Malaysia was an enriching experience with well-organised learning activities.
Required
Required
Optional
Candidates are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:
- A proposal in the FinTech area (1,200 -2,000 words)
- Proof of employment (at least 5 years)
- Your academic qualifications (such as graduation certificates, transcripts of studies, etc.) that are not in English should be accompanied by an official certified English- translation
Provision of additional documents may be required if deemed necessary.
An incomplete application cannot be processed promptly and will reduce your chance of admission. Please complete all relevant fields on the application form and enclose all necessary documents.
