While EdUHK’s roots are in developing future teachers, the University has a variety of non-Bachelor of Education programmes, designed to nurture future talent for the emerging sectors and professions beyond education.
Some of these are four-year programmes with senior-year entry places available, including the BSc (Hons) in Integrated Environmental Management; whereas others are two-year senior-year entry programmes, such as the BA (Hons) in English Studies and Digital Communication, and the BA (Hons) in Heritage Education and Arts Management programmes.
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The BSc (Hons) in Integrated Environmental Management is an interdisciplinary programme for students interested in and dedicated to environmental management and sustainability.
Environmental management is essential globally to protect ecosystems, combatting climate change and promoting sustainable development. In Hong Kong, environmental management is critical to maintaining the city’s liveability, economic growth and environmental sustainability, and developing comprehensive multidisciplinary approaches to resolving an array of imminent environmental challenges.
The programme is designed to enable students to pursue careers in a range of environment-related sectors and to contribute to sustainable development. Graduates could, for example, work as conservation officers for a non-governmental organisation (NGO); provide essential support to organisations within the public sector, such as Hong Kong SAR’s Environmental Protection Department; or as environmental consultants in the private sector, advising firms on how to meet environmental standards.
The core goal of the programme is to equip graduates with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience essential to developing a career in environmental management. This is beneficial for them and for society.
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“As environmental challenges have become more complex and interconnected, there’s a need for professionals who can tackle related issues with a combination of different approaches to ensure the balance between economic growth, human wellbeing and environmental preservation.” explains programme founder Professor Eric Tsang Po-keung of the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) and EdUHK Registrar. “Consequently, apart from focusing on developing solid scientific knowledge basis, the programme creates an interdisciplinary environment, within which students appreciate how scientific knowledge may be used in different community and professional contexts,” he adds.
Dr Brian Man Yu-bon, Associate Professor at SES and current programme leader elaborates, “Prospective students will need some basic knowledge in mathematics and environmental science concepts, as well as social science and understanding of policy. But what’s more important is a passion for the subject and an open attitude to learning.” The programme includes courses on statistical analysis, pollution control and waste management, impact assessment, policy and environmental economics. “There’s also an overseas field trip, where students visit organisations, urban sites and natural attractions, conduct field activities and attend seminars and lectures to investigate real-world problems,” explains Associate Programme Leader, Dr Dennis Hui Lai-hang.
They take place between the third and the fourth year, providing students with integrated environmental management experience linked to future careers. Students can apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to help solve authentic environmental issues.
“The core goal of the programme is to equip graduates with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience essential to developing a career in environmental management. This is beneficial for them and for society,” explains Professor Tsang. “The programme has been accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Limited, which is believed to be strong testimony to the professional standing of the programme,” he adds.
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The BA (Hons) in English Studies and Digital Communication enables students to combine language skills with the ability to develop strong digital literacy skills through a digitally enriched curriculum.
It comprises a wide range of courses to build a solid foundation in English language, linguistics and digital literacy, and students receive hands-on experience in using digital tools for language applications. “First and foremost, it is an English programme, but to work in areas such as journalism and communications, or in the services sector, having skills in digital technology gives graduates a great deal of adaptability,” explains programme leader Dr Albert Lee Kwing-lok. “Using digital tools is no longer an option,” he adds, “digital fluency is a life skill, but tools come and go. People with coding skills can be the ones who drive the technology, rather than merely follow it.”
The programme is also highly relevant for students wishing to pursue a career in education. With the rapid growth of educational technology in language education and the wider use of digitised teaching materials since the pandemic, the ability for educators to create digital resources is a great asset. “The success of language learning apps is a prime example,” says Dr Lee. From the 2025/26 cohort, a separate five-year BEd (English Language) will form part of a new double-degree programme with the BA (Hons) in English Studies and Digital Communication. This will enable students to impart a broader spectrum of knowledge to students when they themselves become teachers in the future.
Given that English is a lingua franca around the world, students learn how to communicate with people from diverse cultures and with varied levels of English proficiency, rather than linking language learning to a single cultural context. “It’s vital to be able to understand cultural nuances and sensitivities. That’s why we look at case studies and have partnered with a university in Japan so students can develop these skills,” says Dr Lee.
Abby Pak Hoi-lam, a student on the programme, says it helps create good employment opportunities on graduation. “Most new graduates need strong IT skills and English for international communication. The programme certainly provides us with these,” she says. Students also receive practical experience in the form of internships, which are a requirement to graduate. The internships are based in Hong Kong or other parts of the Greater Bay Area, and have linguistics and IT at their core. “One student’s internship in Shenzhen was so fruitful, they were offered a job in the company,” says Dr Lee.
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The BA (Hons) in Heritage Education and Arts Management programme equips students with the knowledge, mindset, and skills required for successful careers in arts, culture, heritage, and museum education and management.
“The Hong Kong SAR government has highlighted a major focus on arts and culture. This follows the announcement of the Culture and Tourism Development Plan for the GBA,” explains programme leader Dr Terry Yip Tak-ping. “There’s a pressing need for experts in arts and culture, and people with the knowledge and skills to curate and run museums and galleries.”
The programme is meticulously designed to address the needs arising from changing cultural, spatial, interdisciplinary, and technological contexts. Courses are taught by members of different departments, including Curriculum and Instruction, Cultural and Creative Arts and Literature and Cultural studies. This four-pillar approach enables students to have a broad knowledge and skillset, opening the door to a variety of career opportunities. As the programme allows admission of first-year and senior-year students, it is open to those with diverse academic backgrounds. “Of course, students will find it advantageous if they have some background in history, arts or cultural studies, but it’s not essential,” says Dr Yip.
Student Zhou Yizhuo chose the programme because of his interest in history and culture. “I wanted to study a degree with these elements, as well as media, so this programme is ideal for me,” he says.
Graduates are equipped to pursue specific job titles such as heritage managers, museum managers, arts managers, project managers, event managers, stage managers, cultural officers, education officers, youth services officers, relations officers, and digital communications officers. This is particularly relevant with the ongoing development of the West Kowloon Cultural District, and the Greater Bay Area is expected to create numerous new career opportunities. “Also, as Hong Kong is a centre of art trade, the programme enhances my skills for a career in these areas,” says Yizhuo. Dr Yip concurs. “Our graduates will be uniquely positioned to make the most of these opportunities, thanks to their comprehensive training and skills. This includes extra-curricular activities, such as field trips, and seminars on Chinese art history,” he says.
Another option for graduates is to continue their academic journey through advanced studies in related fields. EdUHK is currently developing a Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Education and Management programme, set to be launched in the 2025/26 academic year. “This will provide an excellent pathway for BA (HE&AM) graduates to further their academic and professional expertise in the field of cultural heritage,” Dr Yip explains.
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