Programme Introduction
Interested in Wealth? Become an Economist
History is full of episodes in which bank runs, irresponsible firms, and misguided policies have wiped out people’s savings. It doesn’t matter how much money you make—if you place it in the wrong hands, it can vanish in an instant. A solid understanding of how markets work is the surest way to protect yourself.
Economics examines money, interest rates, banks, firms, and policy with the seriousness they deserve. Our programme trains you to become an economist who truly understands why firms, banks, and even governments sometimes act in ways that put people’s wealth at risk.
Measurement and data analysis lie at the heart of our discipline. Through rigorous training in economic theory and advanced statistical tools for evaluating policies, our students develop sharp economic and financial insights and gain the confidence to navigate complex numbers and seemingly contradictory facts.
In 2022, the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond, and Philip H. Dybvig for their groundbreaking studies on bank runs and monetary policy—research that continues to shape regulations and policies worldwide. If you take the creation and preservation of wealth seriously, join us.
Ranking
#44 in Economics and Econometrics in the world (#9 in Asia)
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Craft Your Path
CUHK Economics is one of the oldest and most flexible economics programmes in the region. We give you maximum freedom to design your own study path. You can enrich it with internships, student exchanges, and courses outside economics. While we trust you to make the best decisions for your future, our dedicated teachers and career advisor are always ready to provide guidance and support.
Tailor your studies to your career aspirations by choosing up to two of the following five concentrations:
- Economic Theory – Ideal for those aspiring to become academic economists.
- Financial Economics – Designed for students aiming to work in the finance industry or international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Business Economics – Suited for those interested in applying economics to business decisions and pursuing careers in commercial banks, government agencies, business consulting, and related fields.
- Chinese Economy – The Department is home to one of the world’s strongest research teams specialising in the Chinese economy.
- Data Analytics – Perfect for students passionate about handling, modelling, and analysing big data—skills highly sought after by leading tech companies including Uber, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Dual-Degree Options
https://admission.econ.cuhk.edu.hk/ug/ddp-economics/
Career Prospects
Portable: An economics degree frees you from geographic boundaries. Like our graduates, you will be equipped to pursue rewarding opportunities anywhere in the world where your skills are most valued.
Skills: Our students develop a deep understanding of markets, prices, competition, and incentives, supported by strong theoretical and quantitative abilities. These competencies enable them to excel in regulatory, business, finance, and academic professions globally.
Throughout the years, our alumni have made their marks across diverse fields:
- Banking and Finance: About 26 per cent of our graduates join the banking and finance industry, taking up analytical, strategic, and consulting roles.
- Education: About 23 per cent pursue careers as secondary school teachers in Hong Kong.
- Postgraduate Studies: About 29 per cent continue to postgraduate studies and go on to become professional economists in academia, government agencies, international NGOs, and other institutions.
Notable employers include Moody’s Rating, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, PwC, AIA International Limited and McKinsey & Company.
[Figures as of June 2026]
If you are interested in this programme, please review the application requirements and deadlines specific to the respective admission scheme to increase your chances of getting accepted.
