Introducing HKU SPACE

The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Extra Mural Studies (DEMS) was established in 1956/57, the first continuing education unit in a university in the region. DEMS played a significant role in the provision of lifelong learning opportunities for the wider community and in 1992, it was renamed as the School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). HKU SPACE fulfils this part of the University’s mission by providing learning opportunities for personal, professional and career advancement for people from all walks of life. Course enrolments since 1956 have exceeded 3 million.

The School has a Collegiate organisation. The wide range of part-time courses offered at all academic levels are organised under 23 subject groups allocated among the three Colleges: Business and Finance (CBF), Humanities and Law (CHL) and Life Sciences and Technology (CLST). These three colleges also offer full-time overseas degree courses. All the Colleges offer award bearing programmes as well as non-award bearing programmes (including Executive Certificates and Diplomas). The Community College (CC) is responsible for full-time sub-degree courses. The HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College (HPSHCC) is a joint venture with a leading charitable association, Po Leung Kuk, and also offers full-time sub-degree courses.

HKU SPACE collaborates with a wide range of academic institutions globally (in the UK, Australia, the USA, Mainland China) and in Hong Kong. The School will continue to explore opportunities for further cooperation with reputable institutions, both local and overseas, in order to offer a greater variety of high quality and relevant programmes to students.