As Hong Kong's cultural scene grows, a top UK arts school offers two new master's courses in historic first

A leading university in London has chosen Hong Kong to offer two new master's degree courses abroad for the first time, capitalising on the city's growing enthusiasm for the creative industries and its heightened demand for arts and cultural managers.

The partnership marks the first time the London university will offer master's programmes outside Britain.

Central Saint Martins will be offering a two-year MA in arts and cultural enterprise starting from January next year at a cost of HK$160,000. London College of Communication will teach an MA in media, communications and critical practice over a 16-month period from February at HK$130,500.

"The time is right," said Juliette Sargeant, head of international programmes at the University of the Arts London. "Over 40 per cent of some 190,000 of our students come from outside the UK. Hong Kong is a clear global partner."

Pointing to Hong Kong's swiftly developing creative industries as well as its blossoming cultural infrastructure as seen in West Kowloon Cultural District, PMQ and Central Police Station, Sargeant said the ingredients were in place for growth.