Social Sciences Education

This programme aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective programme planners, and trainers in adult and vocational education institutions, teachers of post-secondary education colleges, as well as human development personnel in corporations and businesses.

This programme is suitable for Trainers in commerce, industry and public sectors; Teachers in vocational, technical, professional, community and adult education; Personnel involved in programme management, administration and human resources development. The course is open to applicants without prior teaching or training experience.

 

 

About Postgraduate Diploma 
 

The Postgraduate Diploma, commonly referred to as a “研究生文凭” in Chinese Mainland, is a qualification awarded by higher education institutions in former Commonwealth countries or regions (such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, and Hong Kong SAR). It represents a higher level of study pursued after obtaining a bachelor's degree.

 Generally speaking, Master's degree programmes emphasize academic scholarship, while Postgraduate Diploma programmes (or “研究生文凭” as commonly known in Chinese Mainland) focus on developing professional application skills. Postgraduate Diplomas carry academic credits, and holders may apply for credit exemptions when enrolling in programmes in other countries or regions (if applicable). However, the extent of credit exemption depends on various factors and is ultimately determined by the university offering the programme.

Postgraduate programmes require students from outside Hong Kong to apply for a study visa before the course starts. For full details, please visit the Study Visa page. For details about the possibility to stay and work in Hong Kong after graduating from a full-time postgraduate programme, please visit the IANG Visa page.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes  (PILOs)

On completion of the programme, students should be able to 

1. Review, evaluate and apply the theories of vocational education, adult learning and organisation learning to the workplace; 

2. Review and apply the theories of training cycle, needs analysis, training strategies, curriculum design and evaluation into the workplace;

3. Make informed judgment on contemporary approaches and issues in vocational education;

4. Assess and apply appropriate teaching and learning strategies, assessment and evaluation methods and delivery formats for adult and vocational courses; 

5. Identify and extend knowledge and skills in the latest use of technology in the delivery of vocational training courses; and

6. Incorporate and integrate skills and knowledge from the programme into the design and delivery of training sessions for in-class feedback and evaluation 

7. Communicate effectively across academic and professional contexts through purposeful writing, audience awareness, ethical practices, and collaborative engagement

8. Critically evaluate and apply interdisciplinary knowledge, concepts and professional skills across diverse intercultural, organisational and technological contexts, and to exercise informed judgment in addressing complex real-world issues; and

9. Critically evaluate, integrate and apply subject knowledge and appropriate methodologies in the planning and execution of a significant project, and to communicate evidence-based findings, conclusions and recommendations in an academic/professional manner.

Features

• HKU SPACE is the tertiary education institution in HK with programme offerings in adult training and vocational education
• This programme targets participants who wish to gain knowledge and skills related to design, implementation and management of effective adult learning experience
• Suitable for trainers, teachers in post-secondary and vocational education and personnel involved in programme management and development
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Teaching team composed of senior trainers and university guest lecturers
• Open to applicants without prior teaching or training experience

Application Code	2470-ED011A	-

Modules

Module 1: Writing and Communication Skills Workshop 

Module 2: Principles of Adult and Vocational Education         

Module 3: Training Needs Analysis and Organisation Learning           

Module 4: Training Strategies, Curriculum Design and Planning        

Module 5: Assessment and Evaluation

Module 6: Contemporary Approaches and Issues in Vocational Education

Module 7: Technology in Adult Training and Vocational Education    

Module 8: Teaching Skills in Adult Training and Effective Learning    

Module 9: Training Delivery Skills Laboratory  

* Common Generic Modules (CGM)

Students have the unique opportunity to study the following Common Generic Modules (CGM) alongside peers from other postgraduate programmes:

1. Executive Leadership Development

2. Intercultural Communication – Trilingualism and Hong Kong Culture

3. Intelligent Technologies for ESG Integration and Sustainable Development

Taken together, these modules provide a coherent set of advanced generic learning experiences that broaden students’ intellectual and professional horizons, reinforce transferable capabilities, and enhance the relevance of the individual programmes to contemporary postgraduate education.

* Capstone Project

The Capstone Project is designed to provide students with an extended opportunity to synthesise and apply the knowledge, concepts and skills developed through both their discipline-specific studies and the CGMs. In pedagogical terms, the Capstone Project will incorporate a range of non-lecture learning activities, such as e-learning tasks, seminars, site visits, field trips, practice-based exploration and other supervised experiential or enquiry-based activities. Emphasis is placed on integration, independent inquiry, application, critical reflection and the production of work that demonstrates advanced learning achievement.

*Subject to approval

Programme Specific Activities

During the study period, students will have the opportunity to participate in programme-specific activities such as field trips and career talks, all tailored to their individual needs. These activities are designed to foster stronger connections with the industry and provide students with invaluable hands-on experiences in the real business world. This exposure will help students set goals that align with their interests and aspirations. It will also facilitate their future career plans, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional journeys.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment for all modules is based on continuous assessment.  The continuous assessment includes written assignments (paper, essay, or report), group project, and/or presentation.  The overall passing mark is 50%.

Award

Upon successful completion of the programme, students who have passed the assessment with attendance no less than 80% will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE a “Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Training and Vocational Education”.

Application Fee

HK$600 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee

• Course Fee : HK$148,000

Applicants shall hold a bachelor’s degree awarded by a recognized institution.

If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:

1. an overall band of 6.0 or above with no subtests lower than 5.5 in the IELTS; or
2. a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL, or a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL, or a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL; or
3. HKALE Use of English at Grade E or above; or
4. HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 3 or above; or
5. equivalent qualifications.

Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on individual merit.

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method Payment Method