Programme
World’s First AI + Humanities Double Degree
This pioneering joint STEM–Arts Programme is the first of its kind globally, offering students the rare opportunity to graduate with two full degrees: a BEng in AI and Data Science and a BA in the Humanities. It is built on the conviction that the future belongs to leaders who can combine technological expertise with cultural, ethical, and humanistic understanding. By uniting these traditionally separate fields, HKU equips students to stand out in a world where innovation depends on bridging the gap between computation and humanity.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum is carefully designed to provide both breadth and depth. Students will master advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational methods, gaining the technical expertise needed to lead in fast-moving industries. At the same time, through their humanities studies, they will sharpen their critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, and cultural analysis skills. This unique balance ensures that graduates are not only proficient in building cutting-edge technologies but also capable of reflecting on their societal impact and designing solutions that are creative, responsible, and human-centred.
Real-World Experience
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Students will benefit from internships with leading technology firms, financial institutions, consulting companies, and research centres, gaining first-hand exposure to the industries shaping the future. Through hands-on projects, they will tackle real-world business, cultural, and social challenges, applying both their computational and humanistic knowledge to create innovative outcomes. Mentorship from world-class faculty across computing and the humanities will provide continuous guidance, ensuring that students develop both professional networks and a strong personal vision.
Career Horizons
Graduates will enjoy unparalleled career flexibility and long-term growth prospects. Traditional pathways include roles such as AI developer, software engineer, data scientist, data engineer, and machine learning specialist. Yet the Programme also prepares students for dynamic careers at the intersection of technology and society: investment banking, fintech innovation, management consulting, cultural and creative industries, technology entrepreneurship, policy development, and AI ethics consultancy. With their dual expertise, graduates will be uniquely positioned to shape industries, influence public debate, and lead organisations where technology meets human needs.
Curriculum Structure
BA&BEng (AI&DataSc) Curriculum Structure (300 Credits)
This should be read together with the BA&BEng(AI&DataSc) regulations and syllabuses.
For 2025-26 cohort and thereafter:
Requirement: Major in Artificial Intelligence and Humanity
AIHU1001
Foundations of AI and humanity (Year 1)
Credits: 6
AIHU1002
Ethics, society and law of Artificial Intelligence (Year 1)
Credits: 6
AIHU2001
Human and machine cognition
(Year 2 or 3)
Credits: 6
AIHU2002
Modelling, assessment, and benchmarking
(Year 2 or 3)
Credits: 6
AIHU2003
Creativity and generative AI
(Year 2 or 3)
Credits: 6
AIHU3001
Advanced topics in AI and humanity
(Year 3 or 5)
Credits: 6
AIHU4001
Research project in AI and humanity (capstone experience)
(Year 3 or 5)
Credits: 6
Humanities advanced electives^
(Years 1 to 5)
Credits: 36
^ Students are required to complete 36 credits of advanced courses, except language-learning courses (e.g. “FREN2001. French II.1”), in any single Arts programme (e.g. Philosophy, General Linguistics) offered by:
- School of Chinese
- School of English
- School of Humanities
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures
- Centre of Buddhist Studies
Requirement: Professional Core in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
COMP1110
Computing and data science in everyday life (Year 1)
Credits: 6
COMP1117
Computer programming (Year 1)
Credits 6
COMP2113
Programming technologies (Year 1)
Credits: 6
MATH1013
University mathematics II (Year 1)
Credits: 6
MATH2012
Fundamental concepts of mathematics** (Year 1)
Credits: 6
MATH2014
Multivariable calculus and linear algebra** (Year 2)
Credits: 6
COMP2119
Introduction to data structures and algorithms (Year 2)
Credits: 6
COMP2501
Introduction to data science (Year 2)
Credits: 6
SDST2601
Probability and statistics I (Year 2)
Credits: 6
SDST2602
Probability and statistics II (Year 2)
Credits: 6
COMP3270
Introduction to artificial intelligence (Year 3 to 5)
Credits: 6
COMP3278
Introduction to database management systems
(Year 3 to 5)
Credits: 6
COMP3312
Law and ethics in data science (Year 3 to 5)
Credits: 6
COMP3314
Introduction to machine learning (Year 3 to 5)
Credits: 6
COMP3340
Introduction to deep learning (Year 3 to 5)
Credits: 6
COMP3512
Internship (Year 3 to 4)
Credits: 6
COMP3522
Real-life AI and data science (capstone experience & internship) (Year 3 to 4)
Credits: 6
COMP4503
AI and data science in humanity project (Year 5)
Credits: 6
Disciplinary Elective Courses
Credits: 36
** Students who are passionate and would like to explore more about mathematics can opt for MATH2101 Linear algebra I and MATH2211 Multivariable calculus in replacement of MATH2012 and MATH2014.
Requirement: University
Common Core courses
(Years 1 to 3)
to complete 24 credits from any different Areas of Inquiry in the Common Core Curriculum
Credits: 24
CAES1001
Academic Communication in English (Year 1)
Credits: 0
AILT1001
Artificial Intelligence Literacy I (Year 1)
Credits: 3
Artificial Intelligence Literacy II (Year 2)
Credits: 3
English in the Discipline course#
(Year 2 OR Year 4 to 5)
Credits: 6
Chinese Language Enhancement course (Year 3)
Credits: 6
Successful completion of any other non-credit bearing courses as required by the Regulation UG5 “Requirements for graduation” of the Regulations
for First Degree Curricula
(Years 1 to 4)
Credits: 0
# Students should complete 1 “English in the Discipline” course (CAES92XX in Year 2 or CASE9542 in Year 4 or Year 5).
Requirement: Free electives
Other Arts / non-Arts courses as electives (Years 1 to 5)
Credits: 36
Total: 300
Regulations and Syllabuses
BA&BEng(AI&DataSc) Regulations and Syllabuses 2025-26 (Pending approval)
Useful Links
- “General Regulations” and “Regulations for First Degree Curricular“
- Please refer to the current academic year of BA syllabuses for course description of Arts courses when planning for course selection.
- Common Core Curriculum
- Majors / Minors offered by other teaching units
E-mail: aihum@hku.hk
Tel: 3917 8977
Fax: 2548 5231
Address:
Faculty of Arts General Office,
Room 4.05,
4/F Run Run Shaw Tower,
Centennial Campus,
The University of Hong Kong
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All Rights Reserved.