Since 1979 China has been following a new development strategy emphasizing the role of improving productivity and strengthening external economic relations. To implement this strategy, China is in the process of reforming her system of economic administration. This involves generally giving greater autonomy to local authorities and basic economic units, and a greater use of market mechanism to regulate and co-ordinate economic activities, and to enlarge consumer choice. These changes are in recognition of past problems and defects in China's socialist economic development. Theoretical work has been carried out to justify and guide the reforms, and policies have been adjusted frequently in response to problems which have emerged during the reform process. For both traders and researchers concerned with China, a sound understanding of China's administrative system and development strategies has become increasingly important. Hong Kong's business and other institutions with interests in China have become particularly keen to recruit economists with expertise in the Chinese economy, both to help formulate trade and investment decisions and to advise on the Chinese Macroeconomic context. 

The Economics Concentration of the BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies aims to meet a growing need for a programme oriented towards the Chinese economy in the belief that a sound training in economic theories and in Chinese economy gives a particular useful perspective in understanding contemporary China. It aims to develop students' critical and analytical faculty, fluency in Putonghua, and in-depth understanding of contemporary China. The design of the curriculum of the Economics Concentration is based on this philosophy. 

Specifically, it aims

1. to provide a coherent academic programme on the Chinese economy, building on a solid foundation on economic theories and analytical tools,
2. to equip students with immediately employable knowledge and with potential for future career development in occupations related to the Chinese economy, and
3. to develop students' analytical faculty, critical thinking capacity for career enhancement in teaching, research and postgraduate studies.

The Geography Concentration of the BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies introduces students to the rapidly expanding horizons of the geography discipline and the study of China from a geographical perspective. The curriculum enables students to analyze in-depth the complexities of the geography of contemporary China. 

Specifically, the concentration aims at providing students with:

1. A solid foundation of the theories and methodologies of the geography discipline;
2. A sound knowledge of contemporary China, particularly in the understanding of its geographical assets and liabilities;
3. The ability to use geographical tools to conduct independent research; and
4. Proficiency in Chinese, especially Putonghua, as well as English.

More specific objectives include:

1. To prepare students for careers in China-related business and other endeavours; and
2. To prepare students for graduate studies in geography, China studies and cognate fields.

Today, China is entering a new phase in its pursuit of modernization, but this process can never be understood without going back to the roots. The aim of this concentration is to train students to gain a holistic and balanced view of China, thus preparing them for a variety of occupations which demand a full appreciation of the present complexities in light of past developments. 

The ultimate objective of training in history is to educate generalists who can think, analyse and write. This concentration is no exception, especially when it is becoming more and more obvious that Hong Kong society greatly needs this kind of humanist orientation. Students will be expected to follow a curriculum which

1. trains them in historical methods and historiography;
2. prepares them for a comprehensive and integrated understanding of modern Chinese history; and
3. documents the significance of that past for China's present-day development. With their basic writing and analytical skills, students will be encouraged to examine China from the perspective of a global/regional vantage point as well as from that of their local environment-Hong Kong.

Sociology is a discipline that focuses on the study of society. On one level it is concerned with the way in which we know and understand the social world. In this context sociologists are concerned about how individuals perceive themselves and others, how individuals acquire and manage their social identity, and to the situational location of meaning. On the micro level sociology is concerned with how behaviors is structured and understood. On the macro level sociology is concerned with dominant social structures and societal values. 

Sociology also emphasizes the study of social structures and the ways in which they are organized. These structures can be political, economic, cultural, or social organizations and networks. Examples include the state bureaucracy, business organizations, schools, and friendships networks. Both the formal and informal patterns of behavior are of interest to sociology. 

All students in this programme will be required to develop sound knowledge of sociological theory and sociological research methods. They will also be required to be familiar with the main features of social development and social organization in mainland China and Hong Kong. Additionally, they will be free to choose from a wide range of elective courses on different fields in sociology. 

The combination of theoretical knowledge, scholarly investigation, and first-hand research experience provided in this concentration equips students with both applied and analytical skills. Training in sociology is highly relevant in the rapidly changing contexts of the contemporary world, where the ability to identify, analyze and solve problems is increasingly valued. Upon graduation, students will be able to pursue a broad variety of public and private sector careers that contribute socially and economically to mainland China and Hong Kong. 

The aims of the Sociology Concentration are:

1. The illumination of the complex pattern of relationships among individuals, groups and larger social structures, in a cross-cultural perspective;
2. The enhancement of an understanding of the dynamic interaction of various institutions of society as these affect and are affected by social change;
3. The appreciation of the complexities of transitional modern Chinese society in all its manifestations;
4. The thorough preparation appropriate for postgraduate studies in Sociology or a related discipline; and
5. The critical acquisition and application of such transferable skills as problem identification, argument formulation, evidence gathering, analytical logic, teamwork and communication ability suitable for a wide variety of professional careers in public administration, social service, education, civil service and business.