The ongoing turmoil in global financial markets continues to strengthen the need for finance professionals. This programme offers in-depth training in analytical aspects used by financial analysts in different settings including finance department within corporations and financial services institutions. These courses teach the strategies and principles of investment, financial risk management, derivative instruments and alternative investments. Graduates can be admitted directly into the part-time University of London International Degree Programmes and may also be eligible for some course exemptions on the various University of London International Degree Programmes. 

This programme provides strong fundamental knowledge and studies in the theories and principles of finance. Students will have the opportunity to integrate their learning into analytical problem solving skills in financial analysis, risk management and personal financial planning, with added coverage on global financial markets and institutions.

Holders of this programme may also be eligible for some course exemptions on the various University of London International Degree Programmes. The qualification of this programme is of high academic standard and is recognized for advanced standing on several degree programmes.

 

Lecturers

Mr Richard Ng, Part-time Lecturer, HKU SPACE

Mr Ng has three master degrees including an MBA degree in Finance. He has more than 18 years of teaching experience in management, accounting, personal financial planning and investment in different higher education institutions including HKU SPACE. Before he became a university lecturer, he had very board working experience ranging from financial software development, new product development, insurance and wealth management. He also provided corporate training in personal financial planning to different banks and insurance companies before.

 

Mr Nelson Hui, Adjunct Lecturer, HKU SPACE

Mr. Hui is professional training consultant in areas of finance and investment. He has more than 14 years of teaching experience in global economic analysis, personal finance and investment at HKU SPACE. He is a seasoned financial consultant in areas of investment and wealth management in Core Pacific-Yamaichi International. He also provides consultancy and training in logical thinking and business strategy for Pasona education, one of the largest Japanese training institutes in HK. Mr. Hui obtained his master degree at the University of Toronto, Canada.

 

Mr Andy Fung, Part-time Lecturer, HKU SPACE

Mr Fung obtained his BSBA degree at The Ohio State University and MBA degree at the University of Illinois, Urbana. Mr. Fung is an experienced educator. For almost 20 years, he has been teaching extensively in various programs and in tertiary institutions such as School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Community College. Prior to joining the teaching profession, Mr. Fung had been working in the business sector for more than 10 years. His job exposure relates to banking, manufacturing and high technology industry. His last position was Finance Manager of Motorola (HK).

 

Programme Structure

Students will study the programme over 4 terms in 18 months – 3 years, covering the following 10 courses:

• Principles of Accounting
• Mathematics for Finance
• Economics
• Corporate Finance
• Quantitative Methods
• Global Financial Markets and Institutions
• Investment
• Financial Risk Management
• Foundation of Personal Financial Planning
• Fundamentals of FinTech

 

Programme Assessment

For each module, students will be assessed by continuous course work (assignments, tests or projects) and one term-end closed-book examination.

 

Attendance Requirement

Student are required to achieve at least 70% in attendance for each module to complete the whole programme.

Application Code	2265-FN013A	Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Principles of Accounting

This course examines the basic concepts and principles of financial accounting. Areas covered include: basic financial statements, stock valuation, fixed assets and depreciation, alternative valuation approaches, interpretation of financial accounting information. At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the business accounting cycle and appreciate its usefulness in investment decision making.

Topics include

• Accounting information systems;
• Fundamental accounting concepts & conventions;
• Fixed assets and depreciation;
• The accounting cycle, inventory system & valuation of inventory;
• Company accounting, cash flows, interpretation of financial statements.

 

Mathematics for Finance

This course introduces the relevant mathematical tools to students to allow them to apply these tools to financial analysis. The emphasis is to provide a technical bridge between elementary and intermediate level financial mathematics. At the end of the course, students are expected to appreciate the importance of mathematical tools in understanding the operation of financial services.

Topics include

• Elements, sets & sub-sets;
• Functions;
• Arithmetic sequences;
• Geometric progressions;
• Simple & compound interests;
• Limits;
• Exponentials;
• Linear algebra;
• Vectors & matrices;
• Determinants;
• Cramer’s Rule;
• Differentiations;
• Derivatives;
• Profit maximization;
• Critical points;
• Optimisations;
• Integrations.

 

Economics

The course provides a basic understanding of various analytical concepts relating to the theories and principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Major topics include: demand and production analysis, pricing theory, consumer preference, law of demand, theory of the firm, market structure, concept of economic efficiency, aggregate demand, fiscal policy, government policy and international trade. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply economic concepts and rationalization to various financial decision making which may arise in normal business operations.

Topics include

• Basic concepts and principles of economics, opportunity cost, scarcity & choices;
• Theory of demand and supply;
• Price determination & elasticity;
• Perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly;
• Aggregate demand vs. aggregate supply;
• Spending multiplier;
• Deflationary & inflationary gaps;
• Fiscal & monetary policy;
• Exchange rate fluctuations.

 

Corporate Finance

The course introduces students to the principles and process of financial intermediation with particular reference to the operations of the banking system. It also studies the basic concepts and principles of finance, including financial analysis of a company, valuation of financial assets using discounted cash flow, risk and return analysis and the efficient market hypothesis. Functioning of capital markets, project analysis, the cost of capital, dividend policy and capital structure will also be covered. At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the importance of risk and return and the role of capital structure in affecting investment and financial decision making.

Topics include

• Time value of money & its applications;
• Bond and stock valuation;
• Capital budgeting with certainty & under uncertainty;
• Market efficiency;
• CAPM;
• Mergers & acquisitions.

 

Quantitative Methods

This course helps students to develop basic statistical skills for solving business problems and making managerial decisions. It covers important statistical concepts that are applicable to most managerial fields.  Topics include: probability, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses and simple regression. At the end of the course, students are expected to apply the statistical tools in evaluating risk and return in the financial services industry.

Topics include

• Descriptive statistics;
• Probability & probability distributions;
• Normal & sampling distributions;
• Estimation & sample size determination;
• Hypothesis testing and linear regressions.

 

Investment

This course introduces students to a comprehensive analysis of various investment vehicles and basic portfolio theories.  Areas covered include: stock investments, bond investments, preferred stock and convertible securities investments, modern portfolio theory and asset pricing models, etc. At the end of the course, students are expected to understand and evaluate the usefulness of different investment products to suit different risk and return preferences scenarios.

Topics include

• Investment concepts and planning;
• Stock investments;
• Fixed income investments;
• Securities analysis;
• Bonds;
• Derivatives;
• Markowitz Portfolio Theory;
• Capital Market Theory;
• CAPM;
• Efficient capital markets.

 

Financial Risk Management

The course aims to enable students to understand the concept and role of corporate risk management within the international business framework. Major topics include features of risk, classification of risks, risk analysis and evaluations and how risk management plays a key component in achieving corporate objectives and to aid decision-making. The basics of various derivatives and financial instruments will also be introduced. At the end of the course, students are expected to understand and evaluate the usefulness of various risk identification tools in different risk management situations.

Topics include

• Introduction to risk and risk management;
• Financial derivatives;
• Futures & forwards and hedging techniques;
• Interest rate markets and mechanisms;
• Options & options trading strategies & pricing and swaps.

 

Foundation of Personal Financial Planning

This course covers the importance and need for personal financial planning. Major topics include financial planning tools, financial planning process and the importance of personal taxation planning. Moral and regulatory duties inherent in the financial services industry will also be discussed. Students are also expected to appreciate the range of saving and investment products to provide for protection and retirement needs.

Topics include

• Introduction to financial planning,
• Applications of time value of money in financial planning,
• Overview of financial markets and regulations for a financial planner,
• Personal investment planning,
• Client assessment & risk management,
• Insurance risks & planning strategies,
• Retirement & pension planning,
• tax planning,
• Estate planning,
• Implementing and monitoring the financial plan.

 

Global Financial Markets and Institutions

This course covers the structure, function, and management of international financial markets and institutions.  Major topics focus on the various financial institutions including investment banks, dealers, mutual funds, venture capitalists, and commercial banks. Emphasis will be placed on the economic rationale for financial intermediation and the products and services they produce.

Topics include

• Global financial markets, functions and structures of financial institutions, financial intermediaries, financial regulatory system,
• Central banking and monetary policy,
• International stock markets,
• International money markets,
• International bond market,
• Foreign exchange market,
• International financial system,
• Commercial and investment banks,
• Insurance and brokerage industries,
• Mutual Fund Industry,
• Asian Economic Crisis.

 

Fundamentals of FinTech

This module introduces the basic concepts of FinTech, covering the emerging technologies of FinTech and regulatory challenges in FinTech. It examines main FinTech landscape including data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, robo-advisor, digital payment, and crowdfunding.

Topics include

• Introduction to FinTech;
• Regulatory, legal issues and business ethics in FinTech;
• Introduction to data analytics;
• Predictive analytics and cloud computing;
• Introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrency;
• Applications of FinTech for Financial Services Sector.

Jan 2025 Intake - Tentative timetable

Principles of Accounting

Session	Date	Time
1	23/Jan/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
2	6/Feb/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
3	13/Feb/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
4	20/Feb/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
5	27/Feb/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
6	6/Mar/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7	13/Mar/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
8	20/Mar/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
9	27/Mar/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
10	3/Apr/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
11	10/Apr/2025 (Thu)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exam	TBA

 

Economics

Session	Date	Time
1	22/Jan/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
2	5/Feb/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
3	12/Feb/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
4	19/Feb/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
5	26/Feb/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
6	5/Mar/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7	12/Mar/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
8	19/Mar/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
9	26/Mar/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
10	2/Apr/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
11	9/Apr/2025 (Wed)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exam	TBA

 

Financial Risk Management

Session	Date	Time
1	20/Jan/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
2	3/Feb/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
3	10/Feb/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
4	17/Feb/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
5	24/Feb/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
6	3/Mar/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7	10/Mar/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
8	17/Mar/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
9	24/Mar/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
10	31/Mar/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
11	7/Apr/2025 (Mon)	7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exam	TBA

 

Venue: HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College (HPSHCC) Campus (at Causeway Bay) or other locations in Hong Kong Island.

 

2025/26 Schedule

May 2025	September 2025	January 2026
Quantitative Methods Corporate Finance Global Financial Markets and Institutions	Mathematics for Finance Investment Foundation of Personal Financial Planning Fundamentals of FinTech	Principles of Accounting Economics Financial Risk Management

The above tentative timetable may be subject to change without prior notice.

Application Fee

HK$150 (non-refundable)

Course Fee

• Course Fee : HK$4800 per module (subject to approval)

Applicant shall:

1. (i) have gained in HKCEE Grade E in 4 subjects (including Mathematics) and Level 2* in English Language and (ii) one A-level pass or two AS-level passes in any subject or other equivalent post-secondary qualifications; or
2. have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 in five subjects including English Language; or
3. hold an Advanced Certificate in Financial Studies or a Certificate in Investment award within the HKU system through HKU SPACE; or
4. be aged 21 and above.

*With effect from 2007, HKU SPACE recognizes Grade E previously awarded for English Language (syllabus B) (Grade C in English Language (syllabus A)) at HKCEE as an acceptable alternative to Level 2 in this subject at HKCEE.

• The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100

CEF Courses
PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z14920A	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
MATHEMATICS FOR FINANCE (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z149196	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
QUANTITATIVE METHODS (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z149218	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
INVESTMENT (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z148890	FEES $$4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
ECONOMICS (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z14884A	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
CORPORATE FINANCE (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z148858	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z148874	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
FOUNDATION OF PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z148866	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS (MODULE FROM ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN FINANCE (INVESTMENT))
COURSE CODE 33Z148882	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312
Fundamentals of FinTech [Module from Advanced Diploma in Finance (Investment)]
COURSE CODE 33Z133435	FEES $4,800	ENQUIRY 2867-8312

Continuing Education Fund

More information of application procedures: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/cef/application-procedures

	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.
	Advanced Diploma in Finance (Investment) This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [4])

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Application Form ADFI

Enrolment Method

1. Please complete APPLICATION FORM and submit them in person at any of the following SPACE enrolment centre. Please refer to the SPACE enrolment centre for opening hours and address.
2. All applications must be accompanied by:

   a) Photostat copies of full educational certificates and transcripts.

   b) Testimonials or other documentary proof of the applicant's working experience.

   c) A separate non-refundable crossed cheque payable to “HKU SPACE” for HK$150 in respect of the application processing fee. Application fee and course fee can be paid by credit cards at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

Note: When submitting your application in person at any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres, please bring along the originals of your educational certificates / transcripts and documentary proof of working experience for certification at the enrolment centres. Late applications may only be considered at the discretion of the Course Director.

Payment Method

1. Cheque or Bank Draft

   Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application, student's name, and student card no. (if applicable). You may either:

   bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Please refer to the SPACE enrolment centre for opening hours and address.

2. VISA/MasterCard

   Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or MasterCard, including “HKU SPACE MasterCard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of HKU SPACE MasterCard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment for courses with a tuition fee of HK$2,000 to $40,000. The cardholder must also be the course applicant himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any of the enrolment centres.

 

Notes

1. Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances, subject to the School's discretion.
2. In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries of the relevant subject area for details.
3. Fees and places on courses cannot be transferred from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of $120 will be levied on approved transfers.
4. Receipts will be issued for fees paid but HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of receipt sent by mail.
5. For additional copies of receipts, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a completed form and a crossed cheque for $30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Such copies will normally only be issued at the end of a course.
6. Classes are expected to be held at HKU SPACE learning centers. The health and safety of our students is our top priority. If the situation in Hong Kong requires. HKU SPACE reserves the right to move some classes to other locations, including online teaching platforms.