Entrance Year Sept 2026
Programme Code 44087
Stream Code
IFM for MSc (Full-time)
TFP for PgD (Full-time)
IPM for MSc (Part-time)
TPP for PgD (Part-time)
Mode of Study Mixed Mode
Normal Duration
2 years for MSc (Full-time)
2 years for PgD (Full-time)
2.5 years for MSc (Part-time)
2.5 years for PgD (Part-time)
Credits Required for Graduation
34 for MSc,
19 for PgD
Local Application Deadline
15 Jan 2026 *
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-01-15
Extended Round: 2026-04-30
Non-Local Application Deadline
15 Jan 2026 *
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-01-15
Extended Round: 2026-04-30
Programme Leader(s)
Programme Director
Prof. YANG Dong
PhD
Remarks
PgD Exit Award
Students admitted to the MSc programme may apply for early exit with a Postgraduate Diploma if they have met the specified credit requirements.
Note to Applicants
Please complete all of the relevant fields and enclose all necessary documents. Incomplete applications cannot be processed promptly.
Aims and Characteristics
Special Features
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Curriculum designed in consultation with industry leaders and prospective employers
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Academic theory balanced with professional practice
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Multidisciplinary knowledge integrated with specialist expertise
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Graduates pursue diverse career paths
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Graduates are granted exemptions from professional examinations
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Postgraduate Diploma offered as an intermediate exit
Programme Aims
This programme enables students to introduce modern and cost-effective reforms into the shipping, transport and logistics industries.
Characteristics
This is a multidisciplinary and specialist programme designed to attract students from diverse backgrounds. As such, it benefits from the range of professional experience that students can bring. The intellectual demands of the programme challenge students to integrate and synthesise what are traditionally disparate disciplines. There is also an array of Elective Subjects that allow students to specialise in areas that would normally be impossible to cover in depth within the time constraints of a first degree.
Professional Recognition
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Graduates with the MSc in International Shipping and Transport Logistics are granted full exemption from the Qualifying Examination of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK).
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Graduates with the PgD in International Shipping and Transport Logistics are granted Level 1 and Level 2 (6 subjects) exemption from the Qualifying Examination of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK).
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Graduates with the MSc/PgD in International Shipping and Transport Logistics are granted exemption from the following subject of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS):
- Introduction to Shipping
Note: Recognition is subject to assessment
Message from Alumni
Greetings to the future ISTL-ers of 2024/25
I was somewhat of an outlier when I joined this program: I earned my 1st master 20 years ago, and 20 years after, a 2nd one in ISTL. The reason to become an ISTL-er is simple: being tired of working.
Fast forward 1.5 years of immersing studying, I can say with assertion that this program has transformed me, and I found my passion back. The world of shipping and logistics is fascinating and exotic, from shipping finance to chartering, from aviation to supply chain management. The program is meticulously designed to cultivate the perfect mindset and skillset for this dynamic sector.
Just last weekend, I joined my fellow graduates for the newly released PolyU-themed cocktails in Hotel Icon. They are recruited by broking houses, carriers, ocean terminals, and the logistics department of MNC. Seeing the spark in their eyes, the same as when I began to work 20 years ago, filled me with immense pride.
If you crave anything but ordinary, the ISTL program is the perfect place to start. It may be challenging, but it will never be dull. Say cheers and bon voyage, future ISTL-ers!
Huang Xumin
As an aviation professional with 14 years of experience, driven by a desire to explore the realm of intermodal transport management, I embarked on the PolyU MSc in International Shipping and Transport Logistics, supported by the prestigious Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowship Scheme (TPgFS).
The program is such a wonderful platform to learn from academic professionals and professors, instilling a deep understanding of global logistics and supply chain management. The comprehensive subjects have enriched my expertise; and inspired me to explore unlimited possibilities in my career and business ventures.
Through this MSc journey, my professional social networks extended by connection formed with like-minded buddies. And enabled me with innovative and transformative ideas to my own aviation enterprise, confidence and expertise to seamlessly integrate my aviation background with the strategic insights acquired, paving the way for a dynamic and impactful future in the international shipping and logistics industry. The skills and insights gained have empowered me to have a more flexible, passionate, and mature business mindset.
Tania To Yee-man
