In today’s globalised marketplace and knowledge-based society, advancement in information technology is fundamental to success. The MSc in Information Science and Technology Management (MSc in ISTM) is a curriculum-evolution of the long-established full-time programme of MSc in Information and Technology Management. It is designed to equip students with business and management principles and practices of information technology as well as in-depth related technical knowledge and broad business skills for pursuing a successful career in many parts of the world.
Interdisciplinary
With synergy of the strength from the Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology (DOT Department), CUHK Business School and the Department of Information Engineering (IE Department), Faculty of Engineering, MSc in ISTM covers topics of latest developments in both theories and applications of information science, technology, and business management, such as big data management, blockchain, business intelligence, fintech, information security, internet of things, project management, social media analytics, etc. The programme provides solid training to students while accommodates their different interests and background.
See Curriculum
- A bachelor’s degree with Second Class honours or achieving an average grade of B from a recognised university, or an equivalent professional qualification.
- GMAT / GRE scores are not mandatory, but a good GMAT / GRE score will strengthen the application.
- English language proficiency
Fees
- The tuition fee for the academic year 2027/28 is HK$340,000 (subject to the University’s approval).
MSc in ISTM is for graduates with an engineering or business background, who want to acquire both the cutting-edge IT proficiency and gain a solid foundation in technology management.
To complete the programme, you will need to attain 30 units of coursework, comprising 12-unit required courses, 9-unit optional core courses and 9-unit elective courses. All courses offered by MSc in ISTM are equivalent to 3 units each.
Depending on the background, interest and career direction, students can choose to take more technical courses, managerial courses, or a balance of both, from the optional core courses and elective courses. To provide a broader knowledge base, students are also allowed to take one out-of-curriculum course offered by other Master’s programmes in CUHK Business School or the Faculty of Engineering.
Orientation activities and/or foundation course
Offered by DOT Department
• Strategic Information Systems
• Statistical Analysis
Offered by IE Department
• Software Design and Development
• Data Communications and Networking
You should take three courses from the six optional cores (at least one course from each department).
Student are allowed to take more than three optional core courses, which can be used to fulfill the elective course requirements (Subject to class capacity and director’s approval)
Offered by DOT Department
• Machine Learning for Business I*
• Database and Big Data Management
• Project Management
Offered by IE Department
• Cryptography, Information Security and Privacy
• Data Science in Practice
• Internet of Things and Smart Applications
*Machine Learning for Business I is a prerequisite for both Machine Learning for Business II and Generative Artificial Intelligence for Business.
The offering of optional core courses and elective courses is subject to change.
Offered by DOT Department
• Advanced Information Systems Practicum
• Fintech and Its Applications
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Blockchain and Its Application
• Machine Learning for Business II
• Generative Artificial Intelligence for Business
• Selected Topics of Information and Technology Management
• At most 3-unit course offered by MSc in Business Analytics, subject to seat availability and approval by respective Programme Directors
Offered by IE Department
• Emerging Communication Technologies
• Technology Strategy
• Social Media Analytics
• Emerging Topics in Information Engineering
• Advanced Research and Development Project I
• At most 3-unit IEMS-coded course offered by MSc Programme in Information Engineering, subject to seat availability and approval by respective Programme Directors.
Offered by CUHK Business School / Faculty of Engineering
• You may take any course up to 3 units offered by other Master’s programmes under CUHK Business School or Faculty of Engineering, subject to seat availability and approval by respective Programme Directors.
*Machine Learning for Business I is a prerequisite for both Machine Learning for Business II and Generative Artificial Intelligence for Business.
The offering of optional core courses and elective courses is subject to change.
To guide students in preparing for their study plan that best suits their interests and career goals, the Programme offers students four study tracks: 1) Artificial Intelligence for Business, 2) Blockchain & Fintech, 3) Smart and Secure Management of Cyberspace, and 4) Communication Systems and Modelling. These tracks also offer students the flexibility and diversity to develop their specialities.
Students may choose to enrol in courses to fulfil the requirements of a track or multiple tracks. Fulfilling the track requirements is not part of the graduation requirements. Students may decide not to take any study track but follow the extant curriculum to complete their students.
After fulfilling all the graduation requirements, students can apply for a letter of certification from the Programme Office to certify their completion of study track(s). The track info will NOT be printed on students’ transcripts or certificates.
Applicable to students admitted in 2025-26 intake and thereafter.
The study track is subject to change, as course offerings may vary.
Artificial Intelligence for Business Track (Passing 3 Courses)
Data Science in Practice
OR
Database and Big Data Management
Machine Learning for Business I*
Machine Learning for Business II
OR
Generative Artificial Intelligence for Business
Blockchain & Fintech Track (Passing at least 2 Courses)
Fintech and Its Applications
Blockchain and Its Application
Cryptography, Information Security and Privacy
Smart and Secure Management of Cyberspace Track (Passing any 2 Courses)
Cryptography, Information Security and Privacy
Internet of Things and Smart Applications
Web Programming and Security
Communication Systems and Modelling Track (Passing any 2 Courses)
Emerging Topics in Information Engineering
Data Science in Practice
Emerging Communication Technologies
MSc in ISTM is designed to equip future business leaders with a mastery of technology innovations and propel them to the forefront of the industry.
Examples of graduate careers include:
- IT consultancy services
- Systems analyst
- Computer network architect
- Business process analyst
We offer personalised career coaching and counselling services, such as career planning, CV writing and interview preparation to help you realise your potential and achieve the next steps in your career.
Non-local Students
From 1 November 2023 onwards, there is no restriction for full-time non-local postgraduates to take up part-time employment in Hong Kong. All eligible students will receive a “No Objection Letter” (NOL) from the HK Immigration Department along with the student visa package.
Product Manager, Interactive Entertainment Group, Tencent
My time in the MSc in ISTM programme at CUHK has been unforgettable. The campus is stunning, and the professors are incredibly supportive—always guiding us both academically and personally. I have built precious friendships with classmates from diverse backgrounds, making my student life truly meaningful.
Beyond the strong technical training, the programme helped me grow confidently in the dynamic field of information systems. Every moment here has been a valuable part of my journey.
Data Analyst Intern, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (China) Company Limited Dean’s List Awardee Merit-based Scholarship Awardee The MScISTM programme has been excellent for my transition from a Fintech major. As I aimed to strengthen my technical skills, the programme offered relevant resources for me. The coursework built on my existing tech background while providing deeper technical knowledge. I gained not only business and technology knowledge but also learned how to apply them in practice. Participating in events like lunch meetings with industry professionals further enriched my learning journey. MScISTM has given me the confidence to pursue more technical opportunities ahead.
PhD student, Management Information System, CUHK Business School Merit-based Scholarship & Dean List Awardee
The MScISTM programme is a tremendous place that opens up a wide range of possibilities. I am grateful for its support in helping me explore various pathways when I felt uncertain. Additionally, the exceptional professors and interdisciplinary curriculum introduced us to emerging topics in Information Systems. For me, it serves as a bridge between my technological knowledge and diverse business practices, offering insightful perspectives that support my professional growth.
Finance Trainee, Fortune Global 500 Foreign Enterprise Dean List Awardee
Studying MScISTM at CUHK has been a rewarding experience. The well-structured curriculum not only equips me with practical coding skills in Java, MySQL, and Python, but also emphasises leadership in executing business strategies. A key highlight is the practicum course, where I had the opportunity to apply my data analytics knowledge to a real-world business project and present it to leaders from renowned companies. Coming from an accounting background, the skills I gained here enabled me to implement process improvements in my current work, significantly boosting the efficiency and productivity of financial planning and analysis, which has been invaluable.
You should have:
- graduated from a recognised university and obtained a bachelor’s degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class or achieving an average grade of not lower than “B”; or
- completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
GMAT / GRE scores are not mandatory, but a good GMAT / GRE score will strengthen the application.
Please also see the English Language Requirements for Admission.
Please note:
- We start assessing your application when we receive all required supporting documents.
- Application will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled and/or admission close. Early applications are strongly encouraged. The subsequent applications received may not be considered.
2027-28 Admission
Admission Deadline
Full-time
31 Jul 2026 (Early Round)
31 Mar 2027
Application will be processed on a rolling basis until all places fill up. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged. The application deadline may be closed early if places are no longer available. The subsequent applications received may not be considered.
Contact Us
 | Room 937, 9/F, Cheng Yu Tung Building, 12 Chak Cheung Street, CUHK Business School, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong |
|---|---|
 | istm@cuhk.edu.hk |
 | +852 3943 3797 / 3943 1800 |
The tuition fee for the academic year 2027/2028 is: HK$340,000 (subject to the University’s approval).
Tuition would be paid in 3 instalments:
- HK$140,000 (admission deposit) within 2 weeks of confirming your offer
- HK$100,000 at the beginning of the 2nd trimester
- HK$100,000 at the beginning of the 3rd trimester
Admission Scholarships
Students with outstanding entrance qualifications may be awarded a scholarship up to $100,000 for tuition. All new students are eligible and are automatically considered. No separate application is necessary. However, it is advisable to submit your applications early.
Merit-based Scholarships
The outstanding students who preform exceptionally well in their first year are awarded a scholarship of up to $50,000.
Programme Engagement Scholarships
Students who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in engaging with the programme, learning environment, and local society, positively impacting their peers and community may be awarded a scholarship up to $30,000. Details will be provided prior to accepting the offers.
Loans for Local Students
Local students may be eligible for a loan from the Extended Non-means tested Loan Scheme (ENLS). For more information, please see the ENLS website.
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