The recent release of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 brought some good news for Lingnan faculty and students.
Most noteworthy this time was the advance made by the Social Policy and Administration subject, which jumped up 50 places and is now ranked 3rd in Hong Kong, 7th among institutions in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and 15th in the whole of Asia.
Philosophy has moved up to 2nd in Hong Kong from 3rd the previous year, while also being placed 15th in Asia.
And, thanks to continuous improvements in research work, both Sociology and Economics are now included in the QS subject rankings and recognised as being globally competitive.
These results confirm Lingnan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring quality education and conducting research with policy impact. They also show the value of expanding links with partner institutions in the Greater Bay Area and around the world to promote stimulating academic exchanges and productive collaboration.
Furthermore, they highlight the importance of giving sufficient attention to issues like climate change and shifts in the geopolitical balance, which will shape the lives of untold millions in the decades ahead.
Higher profile and standing
With that in mind, the QS recognition for the Social Policy and Administration subject is especially gratifying.
It shows that efforts made in the classroom, in workshops and seminars, or through organising and speaking at major international conferences, are definitely raising the University’s profile and standing.
The current success in this area is linked to the strengths of four taught postgraduate programmes. Each is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to analyse different social policies and how they are implemented. There is also a strong emphasis on critical thinking and an appreciation of real-world practicalities.
Addressing key issues
The Doctor of Policy Studies (DPS) programme, the first of its kind in the Greater China region, was introduced to shed new light on key issues. These include housing, education, social welfare, health care and, increasingly, the wider implications of a rapidly ageing population.
The programme examines current practices and uses experiential learning and field visits, both locally and overseas, to give students an in-depth understanding.
The DPS invites leading scholars and sector experts to lecture on contrasting policy responses to pressing global challenges. The interdisciplinary approach creates opportunities to explore the sociological and economic aspects of labour, children and youth, and poverty issues.
And, therefore, the programme has obvious attraction for professionals building careers in government, with NGOs and think tanks, in public administration, and in the education sector.
In addition, Lingnan offers three master’s degrees, including an MSc in Comparative Public Administration and a Master of Cities and Governance programme. The latter is geared to meeting the ever-changing needs of 21st-century cities and understanding the growing challenges in providing basic services for health and housing, while also dealing with the complexities of climate change, air quality, and sustainability.
Students can opt for a concentration in Environment and Sustainability, which will help to meet the demand for specialists in this area.