Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
124 (plus 6 Training Credits for Product Design and Interaction Design Students)
Scheme Leader
Gerhard Bruyns
BSc (Arch), MSc Urbanism TUD, PhD TUD
Students will be awarded one of the following degrees upon successful completion of the graduation requirements of the programme concerned:
BA (Hons) in Design (Advertising Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Environmental Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Information Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Interaction Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Interior Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Media Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Service Design)
BA (Hons) in Design (Social Design)
Students are subject to further assessment criteria, such as their choice, portfolio evaluation, interview performance, GPA and individual subject results for their degree selection at the end of Year One.
The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) is available to students in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Design.
The option of a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) is available to students enrolled in the BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design) or the BA (Hons) in Design (Interaction Design) programme.
Admission to a Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and subject to different credit requirements for graduation. Please see the Secondary Major Details section.
Other Information:
Only applicants who select this programme as their Band A choice will be considered.
Applicants must submit a portfolio in June.
Upon release of their HKDSE results, applicants will be shortlisted for interviews. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an individual interview with their physical/digital portfolio, as well as prototypes or models (if applicable).
Top HKDSE scorers (e.g., average weighted score of 5 in 2024/25) will be exempted from portfolio submission in June and invited for an admission interview after the JUPAS results are announced.
What's New
The BA (Hons) Scheme in Design equips students with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to become the designers of tomorrow. The Scheme emphasises the integration of design and its relevance to society, the needs of a changing world, digital readiness and technological integration with the digital world, the growing need for design entrepreneurship and innovation, and the need for future designers to possess inter-disciplinary capabilities.
In addition to developing core design skills, students develop the ability to think critically, learn independently, explore multi-level design processes, conduct design exploration, work individually and in teams, develop social and cultural understanding, seek technical solutions to design problems, work with others outside of design, and pursue new design directions and solutions that extend their creative capacity.
The uniquely structured Scheme enables students to choose personalised study pathways to develop their unique skills and abilities. It offers an integrated and holistic approach that leads students from general to specialised education in nine Design Specialisms: Advertising Design, Environmental Design, Information Design, Interaction Design, Interior Design, Media Design, Product Design, Service Design, and Social Design.
International perspectives and opportunities enable students to learn about design in other contexts. The Scheme includes overseas exchange opportunities, study trips, internships, and collaborations. The School’s close connections with the regional design industry allow students to participate in real-world design projects with direct industry input, as well as undertake summer industry internships.
Programme Characteristics
Students applying for the Scheme can choose from nine Design Specialisms:
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BA (Hons) in Design (Advertising Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Environmental Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Information Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Interaction Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Interior Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Media Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Service Design)
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BA (Hons) in Design (Social Design)
The Scheme is ranked among the top design programmes in the world. Admission is highly competitive. We welcome candidates who aspire to become designers. Are you an expert in spatial design conceptualisation? Are you a master in communication and the production of high-quality visual content? Do you have unique ideas to improve the use and design of everyday products? Do you find it easy to imagine new services, innovations, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the social and cultural sectors?
Qualified applicants must have a strong interest in design and possess creative curiosity, good visual skills and abilities, skills in three-dimensional or mixed media, the ability to explore and develop ideas, and the ability to solve problems. They should be interested in how design can address the problems of today’s society and contribute to making the world a better place.
Admission to the Scheme
Students first follow a common curriculum under the Scheme.
This Scheme-based admission serves as an undeclared track. It gives students approximately a year to identify their area(s) of interest and career aspirations, making it easier for them to choose a Major programme.
The decision to admit a student to a major will be made by the School based on the student’s choice, portfolio evaluation, interview performance, GPA, and individual subject results. Students will be asked to rank their major choices (from most preferred to least preferred) during semester 2 (likely before the final examination) of Year One for the School’s consideration and approval.
Career Prospects
Our broad-based educational approach nurtures all-round design talents with strong design skills who are ready for a wide range of design career paths.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Advertising Design) can pursue careers in the advertising industry as art directors, copywriters, marketing/digital marketing executives, interactive advertising directors, account executives, and electronic commerce managers.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Environmental Design) can pursue careers as architectural designers, spatial designers, experts in ecology and conservation, urban space designers, landscape designers, and sustainable design consultants.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Information Design) can pursue careers as corporate identity and publication designers, web designers, graphic designers, exhibition and packaging designers, information designers, and motion graphics designers.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Interaction Design) can become interaction designers, user experience designers, visual designers, game designers, and content generators in innovative fields such as information technology, interactive products and services.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Interior Design) can pursue careers as interior designers, interior architectural designers, spatial designers, spatial identity and branding designers, set designers, exhibition designers, furniture and furnishing designers, lighting designers, landscape and interiorscape designers, and experience designers.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Media Design) can pursue careers as filmmakers and producers in the world of digital media, digital entertainment, media production in creative businesses, such as new media, film, and animation production, and digital media content production.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design) can pursue careers as industrial and product designers, product stylists and brand consultants, product systems designers, concept innovators, design managers, designers for product manufacturers, and product design consultants.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Service Design) can pursue careers as service designers, strategic designers, user experience strategists, design consultants, customer experience designers, and start-up entrepreneurs in the fields of mobility, communication, tourism and hospitality, healthcare, finance, retail, education, entertainment, and government.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Design (Social Design) are equipped to become project designers, creative coordinators, and social entrepreneurs in community-based social and cultural businesses, bottom-up cooperatives, social innovation agencies, and inter-disciplinary design consultancies.
The BA (Hons) Scheme in Design is a four-year full-time honorary degree. All students are required to complete a common Design Foundation in Year 1, followed by a Design Cluster in Year 2, before focusing on their chosen Design Specialism in Years 3 and 4. Each specialism has a dedicated study pathway with some common subjects. Students graduate from the Scheme in one of the following nine Design Specialisms: Advertising Design, Environmental Design, Information Design, Interaction Design, Interior Design, Media Design, Product Design, Service Design, and Social Design.
Year 1 Design Foundation: Common Basics
The goal of Year 1 is to provide a broad foundation in common design skills, knowledge, and integration to enable students to become creative thinkers. It exposes students to a wide range of design disciplines and approaches covering design history and the theories and techniques necessary for students to succeed in all of the programmes offered by the School of Design. Year 1 introduces students to design thinking processes, design skills-based courses, and value-based innovation and design collaboration skills for developing studio projects.
Year 2 Design Cluster: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
Year 2 students select one of four Design Clusters: Communication Design, Environment Design, Product Experience Design, and Service Design. The four clusters provide a broad base of discipline-oriented study in preparation for specialisation in Years 3 and 4. Students in Year 2 develop a range of essential skills through technical courses in digital skills, design theories and culture, and the practice of inter-disciplinary collaborations. Students choose their preferred Design Specialism at the end of Year 2.
Year 3 Design Specialism: Discipline Exploration
Year 3 is the first year of discipline-specific study in one of the nine Design Specialisms offered: Advertising Design, Environmental Design, Information Design, Interaction Design, Interior Design, Media Design, Product Design, Service Design, and Social Design. Students explore their chosen Design Specialism through dedicated study pathways in discipline-specific subjects. Compulsory interdisciplinary subjects, such as Design Entrepreneurship, encourage cooperation between students with diverse expertise. Design Studios provide a testing ground for the students’ knowledge and skills acquired in design projects.
Year 4 Design Specialism: Integrative Design
Year 4 is the second year of the Design Specialism. This programme develops the critical and professional skills of design students. Students learn to tackle complex design issues through client-focused and interdisciplinary external studio projects. Students also research and negotiate a final design proposal, known as a Capstone Project, in which they demonstrate their ability to overcome sophisticated and multifaceted challenges.
Students are required to complete a total of 124 credits to graduate, including 30 credits of General University Requirements subjects, 31 of Common Compulsory Subjects, and 63 of Discipline-Specific and Elective Subjects.
The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) is available to students in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Design.
Features
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Equip outstanding undergraduate students with skills that enable them to develop in a versatile manner according to their aspirations, abilities, and interests.
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Provide a flexible structure for students to acquire the skills and abilities needed to create start-ups.
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Provide students with the global language of business and prepare them for opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Subjects that can be used for double counting:
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE): Introduction to Marketing, Design for Social and Cultural Business, Interactive Media and Marketing
The option of a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) is available to students enrolled in the BA (Hons) in Design (Product Design) or the BA (Hons) in Design (Interaction Design) programme.
Features
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Train a new generation of designers who focus on integrating emerging technologies into user experience, systems thinking, data visualisation, prototyping, and game design, while demonstrating sensitivity and understanding of community, culture, and history.
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Perform contextual analyses and formulate critical judgment after considering several possible approaches to and implications of AI and data analytics in different scenarios.
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Manipulate various tools in the iterative design process, including research, analysis, ideation, concept development, prototyping, testing, technical implementation, and evaluation.
Subjects that can be used for double counting:
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AI and Data Analytics (AIDA): Integrated Capstone Project, Interactive Media and Marketing
Remarks
AI and Data Analytics (AIDA): Preference will be given to students with a science background, particularly in physics and/or mathematics in core and/or extended mode.
For the requirements for Secondary Major graduation, please refer to the Admission Policies of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for details.
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
Please click here for the subject weightings for 2025/26.
The School of Design welcomes applications from students with a broad range of academic and cultural interests. Student applications from both arts and sciences streams are accepted, and those who have an interest in design, liberal studies, visual arts and/or other cultural and technology disciplines are encouraged to apply to the programme.
There is no compulsory subject requirement. Preferred subject(s) with the highest weighting for admission score calculation include(s):
Applied Learning Subject(s):
Relevant Applied Learning subject(s) that can be considered for meeting the University entrance requirement and admission score calculation is/are:
2024/25 Average Score: Any Best 5 Subjects (with Subject Weighting) = 188.2
For further programme information, please contact
the General Office:
Tel: 2766 5488; Email: nicola.yau@polyu.edu.hk
Tel: 2766 4353; Email: jennifer.lo@polyu.edu.hk
I enjoy studying at PolyU Design where the environment is nice and welcoming. There are many resources readily available for you to explore all kinds of crafts. The professors are supportive and do not hesitate to help students whenever they get stuck on a project, teaching them fundamental design skills while at the same time giving them creative freedom. The curriculum not only prepares you for a career as a designer but also develops your critical thinking skills and teaches you the importance of lifelong learning.
PolyU Design has provided me with many great opportunities to learn not only from the faculty but also from my classmates and experts in the industry. I had the chance to learn from successful designers, participate in overseas study trips, enter competitions, work as an intern in a design firm, and many more opportunities. All of these experiences have greatly contributed to my growth and confidence in the world of design.
I have always had a passion for sports and dreamt of designing sports equipment even before university. However, a lingering question remained: “Can I truly impact the sports community through my designs?” Despite my love for design, I found myself questioning its purpose.
PolyU Design was the answer to my doubts with its innovative curriculum that dynamically responds to the rapid changes in the world.
After careful consideration, I chose to specialise in Social Design. Emphasising community engagement, systems design, and creating holistic solutions, the programme transcends mere skills, giving students a broader perspective to develop innovative design ideas.
The School has proven to be an enriching and vibrant learning environment, shaping me into the person I aspire to be. With experienced tutors offering crucial guidance, facilities supported by friendly technicians, and abundant opportunities such as international exposure and industry connections, this place has been pivotal in my development.
PolyU Design represents a significant milestone in my journey, not just a place of learning; it’s a stringboard for your aspirations and fertile ground for your creativity. I am confident that PolyU Design will continue to nurture and inspire us as we strive to achieve our design aspirations.
1. To understand the potential of applicants to the BA(Hons) in Design at the degree level.
2. To ascertain whether applicants’ expectations regarding the programme/career path match our objectives.
3. To evaluate applicants’ language, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Portfolio submission (MUST); interview with portfolio presentation (approximately 15–20 minutes)
- Only Band A applicants will be considered for admission.
- Applicants must submit a portfolio in June.
- Upon release of their HKDSE results, applicants will be shortlisted for interviews. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an individual interview with their physical/digital portfolio, as well as their prototypes or models (if applicable).
- Top HKDSE scorers (e.g., average weighted score of 5 in 2024/25) will be exempted from portfolio submission in June and invited for an admission interview after the JUPAS results are announced.
Important Dates
Mid-/end of March – Admissions schedule/details announced via email
Mid-June – Portfolio submission
Mid July – HKDSE results announced
Mid-/end of July – Admission interviews
1. To understand the potential of applicants for the BA (Hons) in Design at the degree level;
2. To ascertain whether applicants’ expectations of the programme / career path match what we aim to provide;
3. To evaluate the language, communication and interpersonal skills of the applicants.
About 15-20 minutes
Step (1) Applicants are required to submit portfolios by early round/main round application deadline.
Step (2) Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an individual interview with their physical / digital portfolio, along with prototypes or models (if applicable), from November to April.
For details, please refer to the portfolio information sheet.
Click here for the guideline
Required
1. To understand the potential of applicants to the BA (Hons) in Design at the degree level;
2. To ascertain whether applicants’ expectations of the programme/career path match what we aim to offer;
3. To evaluate applicants' language, communication, and interpersonal skills.
About 15-20 minutes
1. Applicants are required to submit a softcopy portfolio by the application deadline.
2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an individual interview with their physical/digital portfolio, along with prototypes or models (if applicable).
3. For details, please refer to the portfolio information sheet.
