Welcome to the HKUST School of Humanities and Social Science (SHSS)

In a rapidly changing society today, humans need stronger skills of critical thinking, communication, and analytics to address big societal challenges. This is why we are studying humanities and social science issues at HKUST. Whether you are a new student or a seasoned scholar, SHSS is here for you! Our School includes the Division of Humanities, Division of Social Science, and Center for Language Education. Our internationally renowned faculty are committed to excellence in research, education, and knowledge transfer. We emphasize application of best pedagogical practices in undergraduate teaching, multi-disciplinary postgraduate training and placement, student engagement in innovation and leadership, and faculty research in broad disciplines on China, the region, and the world.

Technology has profoundly shaped how we live and work, and the disciplines within SHSS are well positioned to address related key issues including ethics and AI governance, emotion in arts and literature, inter-cultural communication, aging and the brain, lifespan development, and the complex dynamics of human, society, politics, and technology. Spanning over 15 disciplines, our researchers and staff bring expertise across all these areas. We aim at creating synergy in interdisciplinary studies not only within our School but also with other disciplines in the University for world-class research and innovative education. Our strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide offer international opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges, joint student training, and dual-degree programs. Our programs aim to equip students not only with knowledge but also curiosity, creativity, collaborative spirit, and essential abilities in a wide range of professions.

SHSS is a culturally and linguistically inclusive and welcoming environment – open to diverse perspectives, free of discrimination and harassment, and supported by an ecosystem that enables our core missions of nurturing talent, discovering knowledge, and impacting the society. Despite the challenges in an era of uncertainty, I firmly believe that we can change the world for the better when we work together.

Professor Andrew Ping Li

Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Science