Master of Arts in Performing Arts Studies

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, established by Government Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in performing arts in Asia. It provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and western traditions, contemporary performing arts practices, and interdisciplinary learning. Performance is at the core of teaching and learning at the Academy. The Academy presents hundreds of student performances each year for developing students into professional performing artists. The Academy awards bachelor honours degrees and master’s degrees that are accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Diploma programmes are also offered in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Aside from the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the site of the institution’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, has housed training facilities for the School of Film and Television since 2007. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts capitalises on its position within a dynamic and diverse cultural metropolis and its strong industry and community partnerships to provide students with an innovative, multidisciplinary and globally focused education.

The Academy Master's degree programmes provide opportunities for talented graduates from Hong Kong and abroad to obtain internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications in the performing arts and theatre and entertainment arts in either full-time or part-time mode. The practice-oriented programmes foster artistry, develop advanced skills, provide in-depth knowledge, and build professionalism for students who demonstrate the potential for excellence. Postgraduate students undertake practical research, apply theory to professional practice, make original contributions to their areas of specialisation, and gain the specialised means and assurance to continue in life-long careers. While valuing independent accomplishment within contexts of collaboration and team effort, study at the Master's degree level is intended to enable practicing artists to develop into potential leaders in the arts. With an international mix of students and faculty, the Academy Master's degree programmes provide opportunities for students to develop an international perspective in the arts and receive wider cultural exposure. The Academy's state-of-the-art facilities and its disciplines of Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts provide ample opportunities for Master's degree students to pursue cutting edge and cross-disciplinary work. Postgraduate students are a vital component of Academy life.