Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: An innovative and longstanding education partnership with WMG

The enduring collaboration between WMG at the University of Warwick and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) stands as a profound testament to successful international academic partnership. For over three decades, this alliance has pioneered a unique model of educational delivery, developing a generation of skilled professionals and strengthening academic and industrial ties across Asia.

The opportunity: Building global education paths

The partnership, initiated in 1990, marked a significant milestone for WMG as its first overseas programme. The collaboration between WMG and MFG (now ISE) of PolyU found clear common ground in their core philosophies – PolyU's motto, 'To serve mankind' aligned perfectly with WMG's commitment to 'Academic Excellence with Industrial Relevance.' This shared vision formed the foundation of the plan to empower graduates and equip businesses with the essential skills needed for the evolving industrial landscape.

The initial plan was to extend WMG's innovative, industrially focused modular MSc programmes to working professionals in Hong Kong, leveraging the distinct "flying faculty" model.

The solution: A robust and evolving collaboration model

The WMG-ISE partnership is meticulously designed as a joint Degree collaboration, ensuring both institutions' high academic standards are maintained. In 1999, the MSc programmes received approval for joint awards, further solidifying the shared commitment to educational excellence. The partnership continued to evolve, notably expanding recruitment to include full-time students in 2007 and introducing a new MSc in Supply Chain and Logistics Management in 2015.

The success of this collaboration is underpinned by robust management and quality assurance frameworks:

• Joint governance: An annual Liaison Committee, comprising joint membership from both universities, oversees the collaboration and reviews programme reports.
• Rigorous quality assurance: Programmes adhere to WMG and University standard quality assurance procedures. Any proposed changes undergo comprehensive approval processes at both departmental and university levels in Warwick and a parallel equivalent process at PolyU. Student projects are subject to WMG's standard moderation processes.
• Shared responsibilities: Both WMG and ISE jointly share responsibilities as the Awarding Body, covering academic oversight, student records, staff appraisal, complaint and appeal management, and provision of resources. As the Delivering Body, they jointly manage course delivery, student recruitment based on joint criteria, fee administration, student welfare, and assessment and reporting.
• Distinct roles: WMG provides flying faculty, programme leadership, and module materials. WMG also shares expertise in academic-industrial partnerships and helps develop staff. Meanwhile, ISE handles student supervision, tutor support, and facilities. ISE also assists with recruiting industrial partners, manages marketing and administration, and ensures compliance with local regulations.
• Student support: Students benefit from annual induction events, academic and personal guidance from both WMG and ISE staff, structured feedback channels like the Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC), and informal peer and alumni mentoring.

“The joint MSc programmes under the Integrated Graduate Development Scheme (IGDS) offered by both The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The University of Warwick has proven a stunning success story over the past 35 years of collaboration contributing to nourishing professional talents, enhancing knowledge and technological transfer plus international cooperation.”

Ir Prof. Hau-chung Man,Dean of Engineering, IGDS Director of Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Impact and achievements

The WMG- ISE partnership has yielded remarkable outcomes, embodying its mission to cultivate future leaders and foster international collaboration:

• Impressive graduation numbers: Since 1993, over 4,000 participants have graduated from these programmes, including 21 from the EngD programme.
• Strong industry links: The collaboration has successfully established robust industry connections in Hong Kong and WMG actively shares its experience in academic-industrial partnerships with ISE.
• Student progression and success: Student feedback mechanisms, including formal SSLC meetings and informal module feedback, ensure continuous improvement.
• Growth in student enrolment: The partnership has seen significant growth in student intake demonstrating the continued demand and relevance of the programmes.
• Alumni achievements: Graduates consistently build impactful careers and lead innovation within their sectors. Their successes highlight the commitment to preparing students for the evolving and often demanding industrial landscape.

"The WMG – ISE partnership has not only delivered world-class education but has also fostered deep industry connections and developed a vast alumni network, shaping business and engineering leadership internationally. It truly embodies our commitment to addressing global challenges through education and setting benchmarks for international academic excellence."

Mujthaba Ahtamad, International Academic Director (Hong Kong), WMG

“The IGDS MSc programme, a remarkable collaboration between PolyU and Warwick, empowered me with a dynamic blend of business acumen, management expertise, and engineering innovation. From strategic marketing and financial forecasting to leadership and quality engineering, the programme equipped me with practical tools and forward-thinking insights that have significantly advanced my career. This transformative experience has prepared me to tackle complex global challenges with confidence and vision."

Ir Arthur Lee, CEO of Kolinker Group and graduate of the IGDS MSc programme

The future

The partnership stands as an exemplary and continually evolving example of how international collaboration can shape the next generation of business and engineering leaders. The ongoing commitment from both institutions to enhance student numbers and expand programme offerings signals a bright future.

"Studying in the IGDS programme, with modules delivered by teachers flying in directly from the University of Warwick, has been a unique experience of my academic journey. Their teaching style, case studies, and even humour evoke a profound sense of familiarity, vividly bringing me back to my undergraduate days in the UK. This unique blend of world-class education and deep cultural resonance is something I haven't found anywhere else. It's what makes the WMG-ISE partnership genuinely engaging and relatable on a personal level."

Ms. Yixuan Liu, a current student pursuing the joint MSc in SCLM at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University