Overview

The Department of English at City University of Hong Kong is an internationally recognized centre for applied linguistics, literature, and professional communication studies. Situated in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, our department offers an intellectually stimulating environment that bridges rigorous academic training with transformative, real-world application.

Our diverse, international faculty are both leading scholars and dedicated teachers, who bring world-class research directly into the Hong Kong context and guide students to become agile thinkers and confident communicators across diverse social contexts and professional sectors.

In our department, we view English not simply as an academic subject, but as a living system of knowledge and meaning. Our specialisations in professional communication and applied linguistics train students to navigate complex institutional, digital, and intercultural workplaces, while our expertise in literature, creative writing, and cultural studies immerses students in the social, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of language, enabling them to analyse and shape the narratives that define our world.

Recognized for our student-centred, experiential approaches to teaching and learning, our courses move beyond traditional lecturing. Students are engaged from the start in real-world contexts and challenged to explore relevant questions through creative projects and hands-on learning. With our distinctive network of industry connections, every student graduates with concrete workplace experience through guaranteed professional internships and final year capstone projects. The career readiness of our students is evident in the over 90% employment rate amongst graduates.

Our Goals

Our department is driven by objectives that aim to empower our students and advance the field of English studies. We are committed to:

Educating Critical Thinkers and Confident Communicators

Our primary mission is to prepare students for a complex, interconnected world. Our curriculum is designed to challenge conventional thinking, foster critical and creative thinking skills, and train students to articulate ideas with clarity, precision, and persuasive power across diverse media, cultural, and professional contexts.

Transforming Academic Excellence into Professional Readiness

We are committed to ensuring that academic success translates into career readiness for our students. Through robust industry partnerships, final-year capstone experiences, and integrated professional internships, our graduates possess the concrete experience, agility, and skills required by employers.

Pioneering High-Impact, Interdisciplinary Research

We aim to produce pioneering research in literature, cultural studies, professional communication, and applied linguistics. By investigating the application and transformation of English across diverse contexts, the construction and circulation of cultural narratives, and the specialised vocabulary of professional discourse, our faculty address critical questions affecting contemporary society, business, and education.

Building a Vibrant Intellectual Community

We strive to maintain a collaborative environment where curious and creative minds can meet and engage in the open exchange of ideas. With guest lectures, creative writing workshops, international exchanges, and research seminars, our department fosters a community of scholars, authors, and professionals who inspire one another, while generating new paradigms for understanding the world today.

Discover More

Whether you are a prospective student, a researcher seeking collaboration, or an industry leader looking for exceptional talent, we invite you to explore what makes us unique.