Four-Year Journey
A Progressive Undergraduate Experience
The BGLIS programme is carefully structured to provide a progressive learning journey over four years:
Year 1: Foundational Studies
Students establish a broad academic foundation through courses in mathematics, programming, economics, critical thinking, and introductory Innovation & Society studies. Core liberal arts courses in social sciences and humanities are in place to provide cultural and societal context. A first-year seminar, “Foundations of Leadership in the AI Era,” brings all BGLIS freshmen together to explore key themes of the programme. Outside the classroom, students are matched with faculty mentors and join peer cohorts to start developing leadership and teamwork skills early on.
Year 2: Global & Transdisciplinary Integration
Students participate in the mandatory global immersion modules by studying at multiple leading institutions across Chinese Mainland, the U.S., and Europe, integrating academic study with cross-cultural application of interdisciplinary knowledge. Students advance into specialised courses such as Data Science & Machine Learning, Ethics of Technology, Global Economic Policy, and Innovation Management, which are co-designed by the leading faculty members at HKU Business School and the partner institutions.
Year 3: Leadership in Action
Students engage in internships or field placements in Hong Kong or overseas, addressing practical challenges such as social impact projects or sustainability initiatives. Advanced electives and seminars – such as AI Strategy and Policy, Social Entrepreneurship, or Cross-Cultural Leadership – emphasise project-based collaboration with external organisations. Students may take optional exchanges or additional global modules to further expand international exposure. At this stage, students will take leadership roles and initiatives, perhaps as mentors to junior students, and develop a refined proposal for the final-year capstone project.
Year 4: Capstone & Synthesis
The year-long Capstone Project requires students to address a real-world challenge in partnership with industry, NGO, or research mentors, integrating technical, business, and societal dimensions. Advanced courses – such as Strategic Leadership, Innovation and Society Seminar – consolidate interdisciplinary expertise. Professional development workshops and graduate school preparation are offered to support post-graduation transitions.