Question 1

Q1. What are the special features of MScHSM Programme?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
-Preparing you as a leader
-Learning from real leaders
-Working with leaders
-Leading changes
-Lifelong leadership support

Question 2

Q2: When does the programme start?

Accepted Answer

Ans: Late-August of every year

Question 3

Q3: How long does the programme last and what is the pattern of classes?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
This is a Part-time programme. Normative study period: 2 years; Maximum study period: 4 years.
Term 1 (September to December), Term 2 (January to March), Term 3 (April to June) and Summer Term (July to August).
Usually, 2-3 classes per week, from 1830 to 2130 on Weekdays or 0930 to 1700 on Weekends.

Question 4

Q4: How many courses do I have to take?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
Students are required to fulfill 36 units in total: 
14 core courses (26 units) +
4 out of 12 elective courses (4 units) +
a Master-level Guided Case Studies (6 units).

Question 5

Q5: What is the positioning of this programme? Is this for those working in public / private sector?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
This course is targeted for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and administrators from both public and private sectors. A good mix of students of various professions and disciplines from both the public (inclusive of NGOs) and private sectors are admitted each year to ensure good peer learning. Students not normally resident in Hong Kong had been admitted in the past.

Question 6

Q6: What is the difference between Master of Public Health (MPH, Health System Concentration) and Master of Science in Health Services Management (MScHSM)?"

Accepted Answer

Ans:
MPH provides a broad curriculum in the core competencies of public health as follows: 1) Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 2) Health Promotion and Social Behaviour, 3) Environmental and Occupational Health and Infectious Diseases, 4) Population and Global Health and 5) Health Systems, Policy and Management. Students reading MPH who have chosen the Health Systems Concentration can only choose up to 10 units of the courses under the MScHSM curriculum, while MScHSM provides more advanced level and comprehensive health management and policy related courses. The teaching staff and course content are the same between these two programmes.
Apart from that, applicants who are applying to MScHSM programme is required to have at least 3-year relevant working experience in healthcare setting requirement, with many of them already working at or near middle management positions. On average, more than  30 % of the HSM graduates got promoted to the next level within a few years after graduation.

Question 7

Q7: Are there any examinations?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
There are assessments after each course which replaces the Final Examination on completion of the programme. The type of assessment varies with individual courses. Majority of courses in Year 1 and only one Year 2 core course (HSYS5012 - Human Resource Management) will have written examinations, while presentation and reflective essay will be the main method of assessment for Year 2 courses.

Question 8

Q8: Is the qualification quotable?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
The programme is recognized by the Hong Kong Medical Council as a quotable qualification for doctors, being quoted as MScHSM (CUHK).

Question 9

Q9: Is there any attendance requirement?

Accepted Answer

Ans: The required attendance rate of each student in each course is 60% or above.

Question 10

Q10: I am graduate from Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management / Master of Public Health, shall I apply unit exemption when I study MScHSM?"

Accepted Answer

Ans:
Graduates from the above programmes at the JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, CUHK who apply for further studies in the MSc in Health Services Management, may be exempted from courses shared, provided certain conditions have been met. Please consult MScHSM office for details.

Question 11

Q11: Will postgraduate programmes like MBA obtained in other institution be accepted for unit exemption?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
All exemption cases are subject to approval by the Graduate School on case-by-case basis, taking into account individual circumstances.

Question 12

Q12: Do I need to pay extra tuition fee if I exceed the total units required?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
The Extra tuition fee will be charged per unit. Adjustment and changes may apply without prior notice. For latest information please contact the MScHSM office for details.

Question 13

Q13: Is it possible to extend the length of my study?

Accepted Answer

Ans:
We normally do not encourage students to extend their length of study. However, we do offer extensions for students who cannot complete the program within the defined timeframe upon review of each individual case. Please contact the programme office early for further discussion regarding your study plan.

Master of Science in Health Services Management

The Chinese University of Hong Kong