The Development of Sub-degree Education in Hong Kong The Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions (FCE) Professor Reggie Kwan, College President Caritas Francis Hsu College & Caritas Bianchi College of Careers
What is Sub-degree? Background In 2000, the Government announced its policy objective to enabling 60% of all secondary school leavers to receive post-secondary education by 2010. Sub-degree courses include Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Professional Diploma. Self-financed sub-degree sector includes 20 such institutions, some are private providers and some are the extension arms of UGC-funded institutions. The Government objective of raising participation rate was achieved within six years.
FCE and EDB worked closely on the development of Sub-degree (1) The Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions (FCE) was established in 1994 to promote lifelong learning in Hong Kong. FCE is a self-funded and not-for-profit organization. Its current membership consists of fourteen institutions: The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Caritas Community & Higher Education Service, Lingnan University, City University of Hong Kong, The Open University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Vocational Training Council, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Institute of Technology and Po Leung Kuk as Associate Member.
FCE and EDB worked closely on the development of Sub-degree (2) FCE Member Institutions began offering Associate Degree in 2001. To ensure the quality of sub-degree programmes, FCE worked closely with EDB and with external QA bodies such as the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and the Joint Quality Review Committee (JQRC). In April 2008, FCE and the Expert Group of the Tripartite Liaison Committee (EDB/HKCAAVQ/JQRC) co-organized the Seminar on Sub-degree Education in Hong Kong: From Quality Assurance to Quality Enhancement.
Entry Requirements of AD programmes Associate Degree (AD) 2 years a) F.7 level with 1 pass in HKALE (AL) or 2 passes in HKALE (AS) subjects; or b) holder of Pre- Associate Degree. Pre-Associate Degree (Pre-AD) 1 year a) F.5 level with 5 passes in HKCEE (including English and Chinese); or b) holder of Project Yi Jin Full Certificate
Entry Requirements of HD programmes High Diploma (HD) 2 3 years* a) F.7 level with 1 pass in HKALE (AL) or 2 passes in HKALE (AS) subjects; or b) F.5 level with 5 passes in HKCEE; or c) holder of Project Yi Jin Full Certificate. * 4 years for students without 5 passes in HKCEE in some institutions. The Qualification of Project Yi Jin (PYJ) With a pass in 10 subjects, including 7 core & 3 electives, it gives PYJ graduates a comparable to 5 passes in HKCEE qualification and can apply for HD or Pre-AD courses or similar courses.
Differences in curriculum between AD and HD (an example) Focus Generic Skills including English and Chinese Languages, IT& Quantitative Skills, Communication & Analytical Skills. General Education including Cultural Study, Social Science, Philosophy, Arts & Humanities, Science & Technology. AD General Education with many areas of subjects 35% 25% HD Vocational based training, focus on specialized knowledge 30-35% - Specialized Knowledge & Skills in a specific field or theme 40% 65-70%
Number of Self-financed AD/HD Programmes in Hong Kong (2001-2007) 300 250 200 Associate Degree 150 100 50 Higher Diploma Total no.of AD/HD programmes 0 '01-02 '01-02 '01-02 '01-02 '02-03 '02-03 '02-03 '02-03 '03-04 '03-04 '03-04 '03-04 '04-05 '04-05 '04-05 '04-05 '05-06 '05-06 '05-06 '05-06 '06-07 '06-07 '06-07 '06-07
Number of Students enrolled in AD/HD Programmes in Hong Kong (2001-2007) 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 Students enrolled in UGC funded Institutions 20,000 15,000 Students enrolled in Self- funded Institutions 10,000 5,000 0 '00/ '00/ '00/ '00/ 01 01 01 01 '01/ '01/ '01/ '01/ 02 02 02 02 '02/ '02/ '02/ '02/ 03 03 03 03 '03/ '03/ '03/ '03/ 04 04 04 04 '04/ '04/ '04/ '04/ 05 05 05 05 '05/ '05/ '05/ '05/ 06 06 06 06 '06/ '06/ '06/ '06/ 07 07 07 07 Total no. of students enrolled in AD/HD programmes
Progression Path Post-graduate Study or Employment Bachelor Degree Year 3 (4-year course) Year 2 (3-year course) High Diploma (2-year or 3-year) Diploma (Year 2) Diploma (Year 1) Year 2 (4-year course) Year 1 (3-year course) Form 7 (HKALE) From 6 Form 5 (HKCEE or PYJ) Associate Degree (AD) (2-year) Pre-AD (1-year)
The Development of Sub-degree Education in Hong Kong Thank You!