HSBC Business School Q&A
Incoming Class of 2014
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Table of Contents
(3) State of the School
(5) Calendar and Scheduling
(6) Course Selection
(7) Course Content
(8) Application Processes
(10) School Policies
(13) Technology Support
(14) Internships and Employment
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State of the School
As of spring 2014, how many students are enrolled in the Master of Management, Master of
Economics, and Master of Economics in Quantitative Finance programs?
The total student body for the PHBS Master’s programs can be divided as follows:
Masters of Economics: 54 students (including 9 internationals)
Masters of Econ. In Quant. Finance: 196 students (including 17 internationals)
Masters of Management: 89 students (including 17 internationals)
*the data for international students only includes those in their first year of study
All students are full-time, and the majority of domestic students are participating in a dual degree
program with HKU, CUHK or NUS.
From which undergraduate institutions do our domestic classmates come?
Your Chinese peers will be some of the most academically accomplished young people in the
country. 25% of PHBS’ domestic students graduated from PKU’s main campus undergraduate
program, while an additional 45% come from China’s other top 10 undergraduate programs.
International students will make up roughly 20% of the incoming class of 2014, so it is critical for
overseas students to make an effort in getting to know their domestic peers and integrating in the
academic and extracurricular pursuits of the PHBS student body.
How many students received scholarships? What is the matriculation rate?
HSBC Business School actively seeks to attract driven, dynamic graduate candidates from around the
world. In recognition of the financial burden of pursuing a Master’s degree, PHBS awards an average
85% of all incoming international students some sort of scholarship. The scholarship partially or
entirely covers the cost of tuition per academic year and is awarded based on students’ work
experiences and academic records.
Is the school getting EPAS accreditation for the Master of Economics in Quant. Finance program?
Yes, HSBC Business School is in the process of seeking EPAS Accreditation for its Master of
Economics in Quantitative Finance, in addition to AACSB accreditation for all PHBS programs. It is
anticipated that these processes will be successfully completed in 2016.
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What is the school’s relationship with HSBC?
HSBC initially donated a large endowment to assist in the school’s establishment. Though there is no
continued formal relationship between the bank and the school. However, a number of our alumni
have gone on to work for HSBC.
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Calendar and Scheduling
What is the academic schedule for the 2014-2015 year? When are the midterms and finals?
The PKU Shenzhen Calendar for the 2013-2014 Academic Year can be found here:
http://english.phbs.pku.edu.cn/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=613
It is possible that the PKU HSBC Business School academic calendar will vary slightly from that of
the PKU Shenzhen calendar by one or two days, due to faculty or student needs. The PHBS academic
calendar for the coming academic year will be confirmed in July 2014.
Each Module is composed of nine weeks of coursework, with midterms taking place roughly one
month into each course. Finals are held during the last few days of each Module, and there is usually
a 2-3 day break between each Module.
It is important to note that the Chinese academic calendar does not allot for a vacation during late
December, but instead has a month-long holiday in February. While PHBS faculty members are
forgiving about students missing class for religious/family purposes, it is difficult for international
students to return home for the holidays outside of the prescribed vacation periods. Please plan your
travels according to the PKU Shenzhen academic calendar and the dates of Orientation.
Can I finish the Master’s program in one year?
No. The Master’s Degree programs are all two-year programs. However, students sometimes opt to
satisfy their course credits requirement during their first year so that they can participate in full-time
internships during their second year. Students who choose to be off-campus during their second year
must continue to work on their final thesis project, and are required to return to campus at the end of
their second year (mid-April to late June) for the thesis defense process. Students will not receive
their Master’s degree without successfully passing their thesis defense.
Is there a limited time that I must complete my studies?
If you're unable to graduate in the standard two-year period, the school will examine your case and
you will have to pay a lower tuition fee for additional semesters of study.
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Course Selection
When can I register for classes? When can I see the syllabi for the next Module?
Students will be able to select their courses online several days prior to the beginning of each Module
(for Module 1 this will be during Orientation). Each Module’s course schedule will be distributed
online roughly two weeks in advance. The Administrative Office tracks student interest in specific
courses and student demand for required courses within each program. Students very seldom are
unable to register for their intended courses.
What is the limit of classes I can take in one Module?
The standing rule is that you may take 3 courses per module. When you arrive on campus you may
talk to individual professors about possibly auditing courses for no credit, if you are looking to take
extra classes.
On average, how many required classes do I have to take per module?
Students take between one and two mandatory classes per module. The remaining course slots are
filled by elective courses which are directly applicable to the student’s major (this is determined
based on the course listing and the consent of the student’s Faculty Advisor).
Can I take classes from other majors?
Yes, students may take classes from other majors within HSBC Business School, as well as one or
two courses in the School of Transnational Law each module. Some of the school’s elective courses
are cross-listed in two or more programs (for example, some courses are listed as both within the
Economics and Finance Departments). While required courses may not be replaced with any
alternative coursework, students may select any Elective courses within the three PHBS Master’s
programs.
Can I audit classes from the HKU, NUS, CUHK or MBA programs?
International students cannot audit classes from the HKU, NUS or CUHK programs due to the
limitations of the school’s contract. Similarly, the majority of MBA courses are not open to Master’s
candidates, and they are conducted in Chinese anyway.
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Course Content
How large is the difference in course content between the three Master’s programs?
As one might expect, there are significant differences in course content between the Master’s
programs in Management, Economics, and Quantitative Finance. While there is some overlap,
especially in terms of each program’s reliance on a basic knowledge of economics and a discussion
of the role of the Chinese market in global business, each program is distinct in terms of its
cultivation of an expertise in a research field.
For course listings of each program and information on potential research specializations, please visit
the webpage below:
http://english.phbs.pku.edu.cn/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=614
Is the program the same for Chinese students and international students? Do they attend classes
together?
Yes, Chinese and international students attend all classes together. However, the international
students program is a two-year, accelerated track, while most Chinese students spread their
coursework over three years in order to participate in part-time internships.
What are some examples of cases used in the courses? Are the classes case-heavy or math-heavy?
Classes tend to be a mix of mathematical analysis and case study work, though many international
students (particularly those in Economics and Finance) have mentioned that the mathematics
component is heavier than they thought it would be. If you have questions about specific course
content, only individual professors would have the answers to those questions.
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Application Processes
How do I apply for the PhD program?
The Doctorate of Economics program is open to current Master of Economics candidates at PHBS.
Currently PHBS only accepts two PhD candidates per year. Therefore, the application process is
particularly selective. Domestic and international students alike are encouraged to apply. Students
have the opportunity to apply for the PhD program at the beginning of their second year at PHBS.
There's an interview process, and ultimately two professor advisers will choose two students.
Can I get a dual degree? How do I apply for the dual-degree program?
Two dual degree programs are currently open to international applicants.
The dual degree program between PHBS and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a
three-year program in which students receive a Master of Economics in Quant. Finance from PKU
and a Master of Economics degree from CUHK. To be admitted to this program, you will need to
apply to the Chinese University of Hong Kong during your first Module at PHBS. The admission
cap for the 2014-2015 academic year has already been reached.
The dual degree program with the National University of Singapore is also open to international
applicants. This three-year program offers a PKU Master of Finance and an NUS Master of Financial
Engineering. For more information on applying, please contact int.admissions@phbs.pku.edu.cn
How do I apply for a leave of absence?
If a request for a leave of absence is for medical reasons, official documents from the school hospital
or a hospital of county level or above must be submitted. If the leave of absence is not more than one
week, the application needs to be approved by a student’s advisor as well as the teachers of the
classes the student will miss. If it is more than one week, the application needs to be approved by the
Executive Dean. If the cumulative leave of absence is more than one month in one semester, the case
shall be reported to the Graduate School of Peking University. If the cumulative leave of absence is
more than 1/3 of the total weeks of one semester, a compulsory suspension will be enforced.
If a request for a leave of absence is for personal reasons, students must first obtain approval from
their instructors for up to one week, or the approval of the Executive Dean for up to one month.
Students shall not apply for a leave of absence in cumulative of more than one month. Instead, they
must apply for a suspension from the Graduate School of Peking University.
Students returning from a leave of absence shall re-register at the PHBS Administrative Office before
their leave of absence is due. If students require an extension of an existing leave of absence, they are
required to undergo the same procedures as with their first application.
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When students plan to attend internship programs or other activities off campus, they shall first
obtain approval from their instructors and the Executive Dean and report their intended leave to the
PHBS Administrative Office. Those students leaving the school without approval will receive a
penalty according to relevant regulations of the school.
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School Policies
Can I decide to change my major if I am not satisfied with the program I have chosen?
Peking University policy inhibits students from changing their major at any point before or during
their studies. You must continue studying within the major program you have applied for.
How many courses does each student have to take to graduate?
Each Master’s program requires students to complete 12 Module-long courses, or 36 credits, in order
to graduate. The proportion of required and elective courses is subject to variation based on which
program a student is entering. In addition to these 12 courses, each student must participate in a
Thesis Seminar in the final two months of their second academic year and successfully pass the oral
thesis defense. Without completing the thesis project and defense, a student will only be given a
Certificate of Course Completion, and will not receive a Peking University diploma.
What grade is required to pass a course?
Students are required to attain a cumulative grade of at least 70% (B-) to pass a course. Instances of
excessive unwarranted absences, unapproved extended leaves, or academic dishonor will result in a
failing grade.
How are course grades usually determined? Is there a school-wide standard for grade evaluation?
While PHBS does not monitor how faculty members decide to evaluate student performance in each
course, there are school-wide standards which ensure transparency and accountability in the grading
process.
PHBS students have the right to see supporting evidence for their grade breakdown. If a student does
not understand how they earned their course grade, they may ask the course professor to provide a
detailed breakdown of how the student’s grade was determined. All faculty members will also
provide a breakdown of the course grade (composed of exams, projects, quizzes, participation, etc.)
in the course syllabus.
What are the requirements for maintaining a scholarship from PHBS? If I fail a class, will I lose
my scholarship?
In order for students to maintain their scholarships, they will need to maintain a grade average for the
first academic year above 80%. In addition, students who fail a required course will automatically
have their scholarships downgraded. Students are also expected to follow all rules and regulations set
by Peking University and the Chinese government. A committee will convene at the end of every
academic year to ensure that students receiving scholarships have met all requirements for
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scholarship renewal. If a scholarship is revoked, the student will be expected to pay his/her tuition in
full for the following academic year.
A detailed explanation of scholarship maintenance and revocation guidelines will be explained
during Academic Orientation and students will be provided a hard copy of the PHBS rules for
personal reference.
How often are TA sessions conducted for each course? What about faculty office hours?
Each course with more than 10 students commonly has a TA. Whether or not a course offers a
weekly TA session is dependent upon the professor and the specific course. TA sessions tend to be
scheduled once a week for each class, and the TA session is scheduled depending on the availability
of the Teaching Assistant and the students themselves.
Faculty members are required to have at least four hours of office hours per week to meet with
students and thesis advisees. Professors can select their own office hours, and will distribute their
office hours on course syllabi. Students should schedule one-on-one meetings with faculty members
during office hours.
Can international students participate in PHBS’ exchange programs?
Absolutely! PHBS is adding new exchange programs every month, and these opportunities to study
abroad are available to domestic and international students alike. PHBS policy states that only
second-year students will be considered for exchange programs, which last one semester. Some
programs are more competitive than others, and candidates are selected based on their academic
performance at PHBS as well as their perceived ability to represent PHBS well during their time
abroad.
Students may apply in the early spring to participate in an exchange program during the following
academic year.
What happens if a student doesn’t pass the thesis defense process?
Master’s candidates who do not pass the thesis defense process at the end of their second year will
have their case taken to the Peking University Academic Review Committee. The Committee
reviews the candidate’s research paper along with comments from the faculty members on the
student’s defense evaluation committee and decides whether to allow the candidate a second defense
opportunity.
If a student is allowed to re-defend their thesis, the student must return to campus at the end of the
following academic year to resubmit their revised thesis paper. PHBS does not allow for early re-
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defenses. If a student fails the defense process twice, they will not be given further opportunities to
defend.
Candidates who fail the thesis defense twice, or who are not allowed to re-defend their thesis, will
not be issued a graduation diploma from PHBS. Rather, these students will be provided with a
Certificate of Completion of Coursework for the relevant Master’s program.
What are the policies in regards to participation in and the creation of academic clubs and
organizations?
Student clubs and organizations that are academic in content are registered through the PHBS
Student Union. Any student may create an academic organization, so long as they can provide
evidence of sufficient student interest (collecting signatures). Academic organizations seek funding
for visiting lecturers and on-campus events through the PHBS Student Union and the Administrative
Office. Each funding opportunity is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and student groups are
required to submit post-event evaluations to demonstrate their contribution to the campus climate.
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Technology Support
Does PHBS have a Bloomberg terminal? How many terminals? Does the school have a financial
research center?
The Financial Lab is a resource for students of Economics and Econ. Of Quant. Finance to track
changes in financial markets the world over. The lab provides resources for students to tap into
current market trends, including a Bloomberg Terminal, WIND, Eventus, Compustat, SRSP, and
WRDS. Students use their school login information to access this research content, which is linked to
national and international financial databases.
Are there training sessions for the Bloomberg terminal?
Yes, PHBS faculty members will conduct workshops during Orientation to familiarize new students
with all on-campus resources, including the Bloomberg terminal. There is also a student manager of
the finance lab that can offer assistance.
What types of software are used in classes for each major?
According to the students in the programs, only 2 or 3 courses use Matlab. SPSS, STATA, SAS, and
AMOS are also commonly used, especially in economic courses.
Is it better to use a Mac or a PC for the software in the classes?
Matlab and Excel are used in some classes, for example macro- and microeconomics. You don't have
to switch to a windows system for your coursework. Though it's more common to use Word systems
in the classes, the software should be compatible with all Apple software.
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Internships and Employment
Can I hold an internship during the academic year?
First-year students are not permitted to hold internships during the academic year, but are urged to
find internships for the following summer and their second year to supplement their graduate
experience. Second-year students who have already satisfied their course credit requirements (with
the exception of the thesis seminar) will be allowed to pursue long-distance internships, contingent
on their return to campus in April to complete the thesis defense process.
PHBS alerts students to networking events, professional receptions, and job fairs in the area and
provides students with job application counseling.
What on-campus employment is available to students?
Students are encouraged to apply for Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant positions within
HSBC Business School, in addition to English tutoring opportunities around University Town.
Though second-year students are usually given priority in filling TA and RA positions, qualified
first-year students are sometimes considered for these positions. Additionally, first-year students will
be considered for office internships around PKU Shenzhen.
Is off-campus employment allowed for PHBS students?
According to Chinese law, foreigners enrolled in a school in China cannot be employed by an
external company or organization under the student (X) visa. Due to this law, PHBS cannot assist
international students in finding outside employment. Still, several current international students have
taken part-time jobs in language tutoring during their studies. PHBS does not recommend taking an
outside job.
How many international students stay in China to work after graduating?
We expect a fairly large percentage of our 2014 international graduates to stay in mainland China to
pursue internships or full-time positions. The advantage to studying at PKU Shenzhen is not only in
Peking University’s name recognition, which takes students far in mainland China, but also in having
the opportunity to network in mainland China and Hong Kong while still pursuing a Master’s degree.
However, all potential employers in China (domestic and foreign-owned) value Chinese language
proficiency as well as an understanding of Chinese business culture. In this respect, many
international graduates find it difficult to find a suitable position within mainland China, and look for
opportunities elsewhere.
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What types of jobs do international students find after graduation?
At PHBS we take pride in being an extraordinarily young and dynamic graduate school, because this
allows us to adjust quickly to meet the demands of our students and remain relevant in the academic
landscape of each of our degree fields. However, being a new school, we don’t have a large alumni
network from which we can draw statistical data.
PHBS has a Career Services Office dedicated to helping students find meaningful career and
internship opportunities, and students have gone on to find work domestically and abroad in
international trade, financial analysis, and corporate relations.
Past students have gone on to work for Deloitte, Philips, HSBC, ING, CitiBank, Towers Watson,
General Electric, and Haygroup, among other organizations.
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