AI may appear to belong solely to computer science, yet its foundations are deeply connected to physics — from statistical mechanics to optimisation and complex systems modelling. The Physics X AIDA pathway explores this relationship directly. On this route, you’ll build a strong grounding in physics while developing capabilities in AI and data analytics, preparing you to work in fields where data, algorithms, and physical systems intersect.
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Engineer the future
Powering tomorrow’s technologies
Founded in 1987, the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has spent nearly four decades working at the intersection of discovery and application. Its work spans fields shaping the next wave of innovation — from Nanomaterials & Micro/Nanoelectronics, Machine Learning & Computational Physics, and Green Energy & Carbon Neutrality, to Photonics, Plasmonics & Optoelectronics, and Quantum Physics & Devices.
As a student here, you’ll enter an environment defined by both research depth and technical capability, invited to contribute. Throughout your studies, your work is supported by facilities that mirror those used across industry and advanced research labs, including PolyU’s Cleanroom and the PolyU-Huawei Joint AI Laboratory.
#64
for Materials Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
#97
for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject)
#13
AP Members listed among the world’s top 2% of most-cited scientists (2025)
A-
for Physics (Times Higher Education China Subject Ratings 2024)
#1
- #1 in Hong Kong and #2 worldwide for civil engineering
- #1 in Hong Kong and #18 worldwide for environmental engineering
#64
for Materials Science (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
#97
for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject)
#13
AP Members listed among the world’s top 2% of most-cited scientists (2025)
A-
for Physics (Times Higher Education China Subject Ratings 2024)
#64
for Materials Science (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
#97
for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject)
#13
AP Members listed among the world’s top 2% of most-cited scientists (2025)
A-
for Physics (Times Higher Education China Subject Ratings 2024)
US News & World Report Best Global Universities 2025
#1 in Hong Kong
#2 worldwide for civil engineering
Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
#1 in Hong Kong
#2 worldwide for civil engineering
#44 worldwide for environmental science and engineering
Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
#1 in Hong Kong
#2 worldwide for civil engineering
#44 worldwide for environmental science and engineering
3,837
students
11:1
student-faculty ratio
19
NCAA Division I sports
99%
Undergraduates who receive financial aid
Physics that meets the future
Regenerative bioscience
Students in PolyU’s Physics X Secondary Major programmes begin with a shared foundation in Year One before selecting a pathway aligned with their ambitions in Year Two.
For students drawn to innovation and enterprise, the Physics X IE pathway blends applied physics with business and venture development. Alongside core physics training, you’ll gain exposure to innovation strategy and technology commercialisation. A key component is the programme’s extended internship training in major technology enterprises or start-ups, offering a first look at how scientific ideas move from lab concepts to real-world products.
Future-ready. Workplace-ready.
Master of Science in Microelectronics Technology & Materials
Semiconductors now power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to artificial intelligence infrastructure. PolyU’s one-year MSc in Microelectronics Technology and Materials prepares you to work within this sector. Drawing on the department’s strengths in device physics and materials science, the programme covers the full microelectronics pipeline — from integrated circuit design and simulation to fabrication, processing, and inspection. Expect to leave equipped to contribute across the semiconductor ecosystem, including microelectronics engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, materials development, packaging technologies, and advanced device design.
Train for the chip-powered future
Hear from the students
Kyin Nar Hmue Khin, Myanmar
My study experience in Engineering Physics has been truly transformative. Throughout the course, I had various opportunities to explore both theories and experiments. Speaking of conducting experiments, our department owns one of the most advanced labs in Hong Kong that allows students to investigate questions at the frontier of science.
Whenever I encountered problems in understanding the theories, the lecturers will always guided us to the answer. Furthermore, as someone like me who is keen on getting an early start in research, I started working with Professor Lam, who is one of the experts in glass transition theory, when I was in my sophomore year. Overall, the course is well-structured to prepare the students for entering the industries and academic fields. Outside of the curriculum, I participated in different clubs based on my interests, in which I hung out with people with different majors from other nations.
It was an exciting experience where I could develop personal interests with people from different cultures.
These exceptional learning experiences not only broadened my horizons but also helped me earn a PhD offer from Yale University. Engineering Physics has opened doors I never imagined possible.
Year 4 BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering (Smart Mobility) student with a Secondary Major in AIDA