Hong Kong History
Explore Asian and global history through the lens of Hong Kong at the world's first research centre dedicated to Hong Kong history.
Who it's for
This summer school is ideal for students who want to explore Asian and global history through the lens of Hong Kong, develop first-hand skills in analysing primary sources, and acquire the experience to conduct original historical research.
We welcome applications from the UK and international students, both undergraduates of any major as well as recent graduates and postgraduates.
What you'll learn
Guided by leading scholars from the Hong Kong History Centre, you will take part in interactive lectures, workshops, and field trips in Bristol and beyond. You will:
- critically discuss Hong Kong’s significance in world history
- apply your knowledge and understanding to broader issues in Asian and global history
- evaluate conceptual and methodological approaches in the discipline
- conduct original research using historical documents
This three-week course is hosted by the Hong Kong History Centre, an internationally recognised hub for cutting-edge research on Hong Kong’s local, regional, and global past. With its expert faculty and exceptional library resources, Bristol offers an inspiring setting to explore Hong Kong’s global connections.
You will study Hong Kong’s history from multiple perspectives: local history, modern Chinese history, British imperial history, and global and transnational history from the nineteenth century onwards. Themes include society, culture, economy, and politics.
You will gain hands-on experience working with primary sources from the newly established Hong Kong Collections at the University of Bristol Library. These rich archives include both textual and visual materials, offering unique insights into the city’s development and the lives of its people at home and abroad.
By the end of the programme, you will have acquired a critical understanding of Hong Kong’s role in global and Asian history. You will also be equipped with skills in conducting original research. Through groupwork and primary source analysis, you will construct a coherent argument relating to Hong Kong history. You will leave with both academic knowledge and transferable skills valuable for further study or professional work.
Please note the academic content of this programme is subject to approval and will be confirmed by late November 2025.
Explore the Hong Kong History Centre Draft Programme 2026 (PDF, 276kB). Please note that this timetable is subject to change. The academic content of this programme is subject to approval and will be confirmed by late November 2025.
If you need to view the programme outline in another format, email bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk.
Learn more about the Hong Kong History Centre, where you will be based, and the university library’s new Hong Kong Collections.
Key information
Programme dates: Sunday 14 June to Saturday 4 July 2025
Programme fee: £3,595 - see what's included in the fee
Qualify for a 10% discount: We offer a single 10% discount for either:
- early-bird applicants who apply by 1 March 2026;
- students from International Partner Universities and Study Abroad student mobility partners;
- students who apply for two consecutive programmes; or
- groups of 10 or more students from the same university.
Students who apply through an agent will not be eligible for a fee discount.
Credits: upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive 10 academic credits, suggested as equivalent to 5 ECTS or 3 US semester credits. Please note the accreditation for this programme is subject to approval and will be confirmed by late November 2025.
Early bird applications end: 1 March 2026
Closing date for all applications: Applications will close on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
Why choose a Bristol Summer?
Study at a top-10 UK university and explore one of the UK’s most exciting cities.
Entry requirements
Age: 18 or over
Study level and subject: this summer school is open to international students, both undergraduates as well as recent graduates and postgraduates. The summer school is particularly suited to Arts and Humanities students, but we welcome applications from students from all disciplines.
Academic: GPA equivalent to 60–63% on the UK scale, C on the ECTS scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale
English language: you meet our requirements if:
- you are a native speaker; or
- your degree is/was taught in English; or
- you meet our Profile C language requirements. Visit the page and select the 'English Language Proficiency Tests' tab for more information.
For this programme, we also accept CET-4 scores of at least 550 and CET-6 scores of at least 520.