Master of Arts (MA) in Language Studies

Academic Qualification

Applicants should possess:

1. a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or comparable institution; or
2. a qualification deemed to be equivalent.

Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants are expected to have advanced competence in spoken and written English. A good knowledge of other languages (including Chinese) would be an added advantage. If English was not the medium of instruction in their first degree, applicants are required to provide evidence of good English proficiency. At least one of the following minimum scores or standards has been achieved:

(i) IELTS (Academic): Overall Band at 6.5*; or
(ii) TOEFL: 79 (Internet-based)*; or
(iii) CET-6 (College English Test band 6): 500*; or
(iv) Grade D in AS Use of English (HKALE); or
(v) Level 4 in English Language (HKDSE).

*Note: Test result provided should be within two years from the date of issuance of the Admission Offer letter. TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS Indicator test is not accepted.

Others

Mature students and other candidates who lack the above qualifications may be admitted on a case-by-case basis. The courses on offer are available to external students from other universities.

Admission Scholarships for Outstanding Students

A number of scholarships are offered to incoming Master of Arts in Language Studies students who

1. obtained first or second upper honours classification from their first degrees, which are relevant to language studies (linguistics, translation, English language & literature, etc.); or
2. are graduates of the UGC-funded HKBU Bachelor of Arts programmes; or
3. have excellent academic record in mainland universities and good TEM8 (Test for English Major – Level 8) result.

International Student Scholarship Scheme

Scholarships are open to incoming international students in order to increase students’ diversity and enhance their exposure. The scholarship awards vary from 15% to 100% of the total tuition fee and will be deducted from the tuition fee upon admission. The scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review process that includes academic results, academic outputs, interviews, relevant test scores and/or other evidence of excellence and aptitude.

Service to Hong Kong Admission Scholarships

Scholarships are open to all applicants regardless of race, nationality, gender, political views, or any other irrelevant parameter. The requirements are strictly in relation to service to Hong Kong. Examples of service may include work at a Hong Kong related NGO, charity bodies, extra-curricular societies like the boy scouts or girl guides, help given to minority or disadvantaged groups, service (not just membership) to political parties, service (not just membership) to professional bodies, etc. Acceptable evidence includes testimonies, references, certificates, and other materials that allow verification. The scholarship awards vary from 15% to 100% of the total tuition fee and will be deducted from the tuition fee upon admission.  Applicants who wish to be considered for the award should include all relevant supporting materials at the point of application for admissions.

Transfer of units may be granted (i) if relevant and comparable course(s) have been previously taken from a recognised institution no more than eight years before the commencement of study at the University and (ii) if the relevant course result is equivalent to B- or above in the University’s grading system. Subject to programme requirements and panel approval, transfer may be granted for up to four courses for credits earned from an HKBU postgraduate diploma programme. Application for should be submitted to the admission panel, supported by relevant proof. Where appropriate, students may be required to sit for and achieve satisfactory results in the University’s proficiency test(s) or qualifying examination(s) before their application for transfer of units is approved. Where transfer of credits is effected, tuition fees will be adjusted accordingly.

MALS graduates are recognised as degree holders who have fulfilled the Education Bureau's (EDB) requirements for

1. English subject knowledge [encompassing an English Language Major degree or the Postgraduate Diploma in Subject Knowledge (PGSK-ELT)], and
2. the English Language Proficiency Requirement (Benchmark Test) for language teachers. Students who have successfully completed the programme may apply to EDB for Professional Development Incentive Grant.