UK university launches blended learning postgraduate degrees in Hong Kong

Posted on: 2026-01-23

Hong Kong has a long tradition of professional excellence in the built environment. However, gaining a postgraduate qualification while juggling a busy career can seem one challenge too far. Working hours are long, city life is frenetic, and time is precious.

The University of the Built Environment has responded to this career/study challenge by developing a blended learning model for its master’s programmes* – one that is tailored to the needs of Hong Kong’s career-focused professionals.

Students receive a highly respected degree from a UK university that was founded in 1919 while enjoying the flexibility of learning online anywhere as well as in-person with Hong Kong-based academics.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is an educational model that combines the flexibility of online study with the value of learning together in person. Face-to-face classroom methods and digital online learning activities complement each other to form a complete and structured learning experience.

Students study core content online, at times that suit their work and personal commitments. Alongside this e-learning content, there will also be face-to-face sessions at the University’s learning hub in Hong Kong.

When online, students can watch lectures, read materials and complete activities in their own time. During face-to-face sessions, students come together to actively discuss ideas, analyse real-world, Hong-Kong-specific examples, and learn directly from tutors and industry practitioners who understand the local context.

In short, the University’s blended learning programme in Hong Kong offers high-quality education that is designed to fit around real lives.

A UK-recognised degree in a Hong Kong context

At the University of the Built Environment, which proudly has King Charles III as its patron, degree programmes are rooted in UK academic standards and internationally recognised practice.

However, we acknowledge that local relevance is key for our Hong Kong students. Blended learning allows space to explore regional and global perspectives side by side. Face-to-face workshops will draw on Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area examples, helping students connect theory to their own built environment.

Blended learning: mirroring real working life

A key advantage of blended learning is that it mirrors how many professionals now work. Meetings are often online as much as in person; teams collaborate both digitally and face to face. Furthermore, decisions are shaped by digital data but depend on human judgement. Studying in a blended way helps students build the confidence, communication skills and adaptability needed in modern leadership and management roles.

‘More manageable, more relevant, and more connected’

Importantly, blended learning does not mean studying alone at any stage. Online platforms provide regular contact with tutors, discussion spaces with fellow students and clear guidance at every stage. In-person sessions strengthen this further, creating opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and build professional networks that can last beyond graduation.

From an academic perspective, the learning outcomes remain the same. Students are assessed to the same standards, with the same expectations, regardless of delivery mode. What changes is how learning is supported. By combining a virtual learning environment with in-person engagement, blended learning aims to make study more manageable, more relevant, and more connected.

As the University of the Built Environment develops its institution in Hong Kong, blended learning presents a natural next step. It reflects how Hong Kong professionals live and work while maintaining the academic standards the University is renowned for.

Tim Bennett, the University’s Dean (Academic Portfolio & International) said: “We are immensely excited to be launching our Master’s programme using the blended learning model. We know from extensive engagement with professionals in Hong Kong that flexibility alone is not enough. What matters is relevance, quality, and connection. We look forward to giving our students a postgraduate experience that fits around demanding careers without compromising on depth or support.”

 

* NCR application in progress.

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