The construction sector is one of the driving forces behind Hong Kong’s economy. The future looks even brighter for those who are eager to make their creative mark in this vibrant and expanding market. Emerging opportunities such as architectural conservation, sustainable development, urban renewal, building maintenance and most importantly, the construction industry in China will, undoubtedly, open up new prospects for local and non-local architectural career development.

The programme includes exciting outside-classroom activities such as building and site visits and project research. Special studio facilities are used exclusively for HKU SPACE architectural studies students.  

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to

1. equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in architectural technology and professional practice;
2. produce architectural assistants capable of supporting the building industry and other allied professions;
3. provide students with a foundation in architecture education to allow for further articulation into studying architecture at the university level.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the Programme

On completion of the programme, students should be able to

1.  communicate ideas clearly using English languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts;

2.  design a medium-sized architectural project with functions that relates to building technology and professional practice concepts; 

3.  produce advanced architectural presentations by using computer drawings and renderings, as well as physical architectural   models; 

4.  support the building industry and other allied professions with adequate skill in design and digital production.

This programme consists of 17 modules (291 credits in total) in 3 years for part-time mode. There are 2 semesters in each year.

Part-time Year 1:

*Programme Structure is subject to final confirmation.

Assessments and Awards

Assessment methods: assignments, design projects, oral presentations, written reports, tests and examinations. 

The "Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies" is awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE to students who have completed all 17 modules and fulfilled the following requirements:

• Normally achieved 80% attendance* in lectures, design studio, field trip/site visit components, and
• Passed all assessments.

Students completing modules 1-7 in Year 1, semester 1 of module 8, and modules 10-13 in Year 2 (168 credits) and fulfilled the above requirements can apply to exit the programme with a "Diploma in Architectural Studies" awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

*If a student cannot attend a class function (i.e. lecture, tutorial, field trip or site visit), he/she must formally submit a written application for a short leave in advance. Only sickness or unforeseen circumstances will be considered valid reasons for absence.

Articulation Pathways

Graduates can directly articulate into the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies programme,  jointly offered by HKU SPACE and the University of Plymouth in Hong Kong.

In the past, a considerable number of graduates were accepted by leading local and overseas architecture or design schools as shown in the list below. Most were admitted directly to Year 2 or Year 3 of degree programmes:

• The University of Hong Kong
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• University of Plymouth
• Curtin University of Technology
• RMIT University
• The University of New South Wales
• The University of Adelaide
• The Architectural Association (AA)
• The University of Liverpool
• The University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Kingston University
• University of Westminister
• University of Northumbria
• De Montfort University

• Island East Campus

HK$200 (Non-refundable)

• Course Fee : HK$49,300 per year (Paid in 2 instalments)

Applicants shall:

• have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 or above in five subjects* including English Language, Chinese Language# and Mathematics (Core); or
• hold a Diploma in  Foundation Studies or equivalent qualification; or
• hold a Diploma Yi Jin ; or
• hold a recognised post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but who are aged 21 or above with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.

*Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the  ApL subjects is as follows: 

•  “Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above in the HKDSE Examination; 
•  “Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3 in the HKDSE Examination; and
• "Attained" is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.   

# ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

• The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100

	Continuing Education Fund Reimbursable Course (selected modules only) Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
	Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [4])

Application Form Download Application Form

Please visit any of HKU SPACE enrolment counters to apply for the programme. True copies and photocopies of academic/working qualifications should be brought along for certification.