The University does not have any academic entry requirements for most of its distance learning programmes. Admission is open to anyone in Hong Kong over the age of 17. For students who are in confinement (local) or students with special education needs, please click here.
You should note, however, that some programmes, especially those in the areas of education and nursing, are designed for people already holding certain qualifications. Besides, each programme in postgraduate level stipulates its own programme-specific entry requirements. For details, please click here.
With the exception of programmes being phased-out, most of our distance learning programmes set no restrictions on how long you can take to complete your qualification. If you wish, you may take a break of any length after completing a course, and resume your study in a future term.
Under the 5-credit system, if you study for the maximum of 15 registration value in the first term, and 20 registration value in the following terms, the approximate time you would need to obtain a 120-credit ordinary degree would be three and a half years (the time would be shorter if you achieve advanced standing/credit exemption/study through pathway). In general, you are expected to study between 30 to 40 hours a week for a 20-registration-value study load. This would be similar to being a full-time student. For students who may have full-time jobs, they may tend to spread the study load for a degree over a period of five to six years.
Under the 3-credit-unit system, if you study for the maximum of 12 registration value in the first term, and 15 registration value in the following terms, the approximate time you would need to obtain a 90-credit-unit ordinary degree would be three and a half years (the time would be shorter if you achieve advanced standing/credit exemption/study through pathway). In general, you are expected to study between 30 to 40 hours a week for a 15-registration-value study load. This would be similar to being a full-time student. For students who may have full-time jobs, they may tend to spread the study load for a degree over a period of five to six years.
New students and students entering distance learning programmes for the first time can register for courses with a total maximum registration value of 15 (under the 5-credit system) or 12 (under the 3-credit-unit system). For continuing students, the maximum registration value is 30 and 24 respectively.
The registration value of a course is the credit value of the course divided by the number of terms it takes to complete. It is an indication of a student’s study load. For example, under the 5-credit system, a 20-credit course of two terms’ duration has a registration value of 10, while a 5-credit course of one term’s duration has a registration value of 5; under the 3-credit-unit system, a 18-credit-unit course of two terms’ duration has a registration value of 9, while a 3-credit-unit course of one term’s duration has a registration value of 3.
Prior approval is required from the Dean of the School concerned in order to exceed these limits.
One important thing to remember when you apply for your first course is that you may be able to get credit for your previous studies. Credit exemption — known as advanced standing at the University — is available for many students who have completed tertiary level studies elsewhere. These transferred credits can count towards the requirements for most of our qualifications. If you have transferable credits from other educational institutions, you may be able to considerably shorten the time you need to complete your programme at the University.
The University has also set up entry pathways for various Bachelor’s Degree programmes and Master’s Degree programmes. The programme credit requirements are reduced for students admitted via entry pathways; in other words, students are given an exemption without the need to go through the advanced standing process. However, students must satisfy the entry requirements specified for admission to the pathway programmes. Holders of relevant qualifications are advised to apply for admission via these pathways if they satisfy the entry requirements. For details, please click here.
The Registry’s Advanced Standing & Graduation Team (Tel: 2768 6624) can provide more information.
