Founded in 1974, the Department of Computing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is amongst the first in Hong Kong to offer education in computing and IT. A provider of application-driven computing and IT education, the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed in ways that incorporate new applications, meet challenges and respond to trends. At the undergraduate level, the Department offers, through its BSc(Hons) Scheme in Computing, three degree programmes in Computing, Enterprise Information Systems and Information Technology for students with backgrounds in Arts, Business and Science. At the postgraduate level, the Department offers four Master's programmes, namely MSc in Information Systems, MSc in Information Technology, MSc in Software Technology and MSc in e-Commerce. Together they embrace a range of interests and specialisations 
to cover all the major areas in IT research and IT job market.
In addition, the academic programmes offered include collaborative courses with other disciplines such as Business, Commerce, Accounting, Finance and Electronics. The Department continually reviews its programmes to ensure that they cater for the fast-developing field. The full-time degree programmes also include a Sandwich option which allows students to work for one year in local or overseas companies before coming back to finish their studies. Students will have the opportunities to expand their horizon, gain real work experience, and find their orientation in the business world. The Sandwich option is very popular with both students and employers and has received strong endorsement from world-renowned IT experts.
Staff members in the Department of Computing have a good balance of research and industrial experience. The computing resources are amongst the best amongst local counterparts. Research in the Department adopts an application-driven approach. There are currently six research laboratories:
- The Biometrics Lab has developed a series of biometric systems including the world's first palm print system. It owns several patents and has received numerous awards.
- The Chinese Computing Lab has developed a product, World Observe, which is distributed by China Telecom.
- The Internet and Mobile Computing Lab is the developer of the widely reported intelligent home system.
- The Software Development and Management Lab is an active consultant to many software process projects.
- The E-toy Lab is a research and teaching lab that enables students to learn programming skills using a creative approach.
- The Game Lab is a research and teaching lab equipped with the state of the art facilities to support the teaching and development of game design and game programming.
