Master in Design (Smart Service Design) (SSD)

Applications for the Sep 2027 intake are due by Dec 9, 2026. Tuition is 199,800 CNY per year.

The Master in Design (Smart Service Design) is a 1-year Master's program at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It's for students who want to learn about service design and how to create meaningful service experiences. The program helps students develop their theoretical and practical knowledge of service design.

The curriculum includes subjects like service ecosystems and human-centred design. Students learn about the technological, commercial, societal, and organisational contexts of service design. They also work on projects that help them develop their service design skills and learn about systems thinking.

After graduating, students can work as service designers, design consultants, or innovation managers. They can also work as business designers or systems thinkers in industries like finance, healthcare, or education. Some potential employers include service companies, design firms, or consulting agencies.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, founded in 1972 and located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, is a dynamic institution known for applied research and professional education. With a large and diverse student community and a broad portfolio spanning engineering, design, business, health, hospitality, and social sciences, the university emphasizes industry-relevant skills and innovation. Modern campus facilities, specialized research centres, and city-centre location make it an attractive choice for students who want close ties to Hong Kong's commercial and cultural hubs.

PolyU places a strong emphasis on global mobility, internships, and work-integrated learning to boost employability. International exchange programmes, multidisciplinary projects, and partnerships with industry give students practical experience across Greater China and overseas. The university also hosts numerous cultural and extracurricular activities to support personal development, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding.

Accommodation options include student halls in Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin with structured admission policies for degree and research students. Campus services cover catering, sports, performance venues, and career support, helping students balance academic goals with wellbeing and social life. Prospective international applicants should explore programme offerings, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities through the admissions office to plan a successful move to Hong Kong.