Aston University Hong Kong (This update: April 2016) Pengbo Song
ABS SEAS Pharmacy Optometry Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Acceptable for year one entry - see detailed information on this qualification on pages 4-7 Education (HKDSE) We will accept the English component with a 4 overall, 4 in all bands for direct entry, and 3 overall, 3 in all bands for entry to IFP Students with lower grades can be considered for Aston’s IFP – see detailed information on page 4-7 ESF Diplomas The English Schools Foundation has 4 diplomas – Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and IB. The Advanced Diploma is made up of components from IB, A Level, etc. Consider on an individual basis. Project Springboard Certificate This is developed and delivered by 10 member institutes of the Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions.
The programme has been designed to enable students, upon its satisfactory completion, to obtain a qualification which will be at a standard comparable to HKCEE (5 subject passes) for both continuing education and employment purposes.
However, graduates from this programme are not recognised to enter the traditional route to higher education ie A Level in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Institute of Vocational The Diploma in Sales and Education (HKIVE) Marketing is accepted by ABS for year 1 entry with a minimum of 5 in each test + IELTS 6.5 HND – Higher National Diploma’s Accept for 2nd year entry – based on a HND 3 yr merit profile + English qual, HKCEE English “C” (in lieu of IELTS) and Maths “B” (HKIVE) look for maths in HND profile for trad. Engineering programmes) Accept for 1st year entry – based on a HND 3 yr credit profile + English qual, HKCEE English “C” (in lieu of IELTS) and Maths “B” (look for maths for trad. Engineering programmes). Ask for syllabus info if Maths not apparent in HND transcripts. Associate Degrees Consists of 3 years of studies: 1. Certificate in General Studies (CGS) - for S5 graduates 2. Advanced Certificate in General Studies (ACGS) - for S7 graduates 3. Associate Degree. The entire programme can be completed in 3 years. The Associate Degree can be specified in selected areas, e.g. Art & Design, Business Studies, IT etc.
This programme is recognised by some of the local and overseas universities for Year 2 of their undergraduate programmes.
At present, only 18% of 18 - 20 year olds are provided with full degree places. There are now about 14,500 first year full degree places offered by 8 HE institutions, the same number since 1994-95. In order to meet the Chief Executive's 10 year plan (i.e. to provide 60% of 18 to 20 year olds with access to higher education), an extra 30,600 places for associate degrees will be provided by 2010. In September 2001, about 5,000 places in 2-year and 3-year associate-degree programmes will be offered by 12 institutions.
The lowest entry requirement is a pass in at least 1 subject at A-Level and 5 passes in the HKCEE for Form 7 (Upper 6th) graduates. Form 5 (5th form) graduates can do a 1 year Pre-Associate Degree programme.
Upon completion of the associate-degree, graduates may top-up their qualification to a degree in either local or overseas universities such as USA, UK, Australia.
When considering applications from Associate degree holders, attention should be paid to the entry requirement and duration of the Associate Degree programmes completed since they may vary from programme to programme. University of Hong Kong, School of EAS have agreed to accept students from these programmes (Logistics stream only) for direct entry into Year 2 BSc (Hons) in Logistics. professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) AD & DD: GPA 3.3 minimum plus English (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 577/233 / GCSE grade C / HKCEE syllabus B grade C Logistics stream for HD: Associate Of Business GPA 3.0 minimum, plus English as above Administration (AD) Dazhuan Diploma (DD) (5 entrants per year maximum; students are eligible for EAS scholarship subject to performance) Higher Diploma (HD) Bachelors degrees Considered comparable to UK degrees City University of Hong Kong (CityU) Many local tertiary institutions have started to enrol top students after they finish Form Six (Lower 6th) in September 2002. This arrangement aims to attract those Hong Kong Baptist University outstanding students to stay in Hong Kong rather than going overseas to study undergraduate programmes. (HKBU) Lingnan College (LC) Most tertiary institutions, other than the Chinese University of Hong Kong, are officially English-medium. The Chinese University of Hong Kong has set up a The Chinese University of Hong voluntary cash-bonus scheme to encourage English teaching. Kong (CUHK) The Hong Kong Polytechnic ABS normally look for a good Bachelors or honours degree from recognised institutions 2:1 equivalent (60-70%) University (PolyU) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) The University of Hong Kong (HKU) The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) University of Macau These are not recognised by the Hong Kong Government and are generally not accepted by British institutions for 1 year postgraduate study.
The East Asia Open Institute, which was affiliated to the University, is now called the Asia International Open University, and offers distance learning degree programmes, based on the UK Open University units. However, these degrees are normally compared to ordinary degrees (192 credits are required for ordinary degrees and 256 credits for honours degrees). It is, therefore, advisable to look closely at the transcripts and the course contents in order to assess the students' abilities. Caritas Francis Hsu College Established in 1985 and became the second Approved Post Secondary College in Hong Kong on 8 August 2001. Currently it offers Associate Degree Programmes, Higher Diploma Programmes, Daytime Topup Bachelor's Degree Programmes, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Chu Hai College A Taiwanese-registered tertiary institution, offering 4-year degree courses which are not recognised by the Hong Kong Government.
Evaluation of its standard is difficult as there is no external validation for the courses. Generally the degrees are not regarded as anywhere near a UK standard. However, some British institutions have taken graduates into their masters programmes provided they have demonstrated relevant work experience and good Grade Point Averages (GPAs) as well as an acceptable English level. Hang Seng School of Commerce Associate degree graded on GPA: (HSSC) Full mark – 4, Pass 2 or above, entry to UGC-funded universities in HK – 3 or above. Entry to top-up degree HSSC/Coventry University – 2.5. University of Birmingham look for 3.2, 3.0 min Hong Kong Shue Yan College An approved post secondary colleges registered under the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance in Hong Kong.
It is financially independent and has 2,500 students. 14,500 first-year, first-degree places are available to about 17% of the relevant age group. Another 14% are provided with first-year, sub-degree places.
A Diploma from the College is considered comparable to a British Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). The Open University of Hong Kong / The OUHK (formerly The Open Learning Institute) is the first government established institution in Hong Kong to provide higher education through distance OUHK (since May 1997) learning. It started taking students in October 1989 and operates an open access policy, whereby those over the age of 18 can enrol without academic qualifications. It offers degree, non-degree and postgraduate programmes.
Degree programmes have been developed under each of its 4 schools: Arts and Social Science Business and Administration Science and Technology Education and one centre Continuing and Community Education.
Minimum time to complete a degree is 3 years for an ordinary degree (120 credits) 4 years for an honours degree (160 credits). The first honours degree graduates graduated in June 1993. Postgraduate diplomas Considered comparable to the standard of those awarded by UK institutions. Master's degrees ABS normally look for a 2:1 equivalent (60-70%) Research degrees City University of Hong Kong Aston Business School has a reciprocal agreement with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, which includes reciprocal study visits and exchanges of teaching staff (CityU) and students. Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Lingnan College (LC) The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) The University of Hong Kong (HKU) The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd)
ABS EAS LHS LSS IB (International 35 points overall 32 points with the Biology & BMS 33 points, some Baccalaureate) TOK/Bonus can be prerequisite subjects 33 points with Biology 6 & a second science subject specific included studied at HL eg subject at HL. requirements (eg in 6,6,5 at HL (For IBML: 6 in Maths & physics for languages) Language) BEng EEE Optometry Generally: 34 - 35 points (3 HL & 3 SL) with 3 science subjects o SL Maths & MEng: 34 points & at HL English 5 perquisites as above Including 6 points in Biology & Maths or Physics For AFM & EAM: o Maths 6; Pharmacy For Business Consultancy 34 points (3 HL & 3 SL) with Chemistry & Biology, & Research: Maths or Physics at HL o 6 in both Maths Including 6 points in Chemistry and possibly in & English) other subjects as well.
Psychology 33-34 points (3 HL & 3 at SL). Some science or social science subjects preferred.
Aston University Additional Information on institutions in Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong AACSB International accredited Strong MBA programmes offered: o No 1 MBA in East Asia (Asia Inc, 2003 & 2004) o No 69 Worldwide (FT MBA 2005 survey) o No 12 EMBA Worldwide (FT, EMBA ranking 2004) o No 4 producer in International Business Research in the world (Management International Review) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Opened in 1991 (HKUST) Four Schools: Science, Engineering, Business & Management and Humanities & Social Science Current enrolment (2003/4) is almost 8000 Full time MBA o No 44 Worldwide (FT MBA 2005 survey) o No 20 for research strength o No1 for the international experience it offers o No 8 for graduate career progression Exchange agreements are held with both of the above.
Hong Kong’s Qualifications Framwork (QF) is a seven-level hierarchy that categorises qualifications obtainable from education, vocational training, and continuing education sectors. The QF has allowed the implementation of the Qualifications Register (QR) website www.hkqr.gov.hk which is a web-based database of learning programmes, qualifications and course providers. This website can be used to check qualifications as ONLY ACCREDITED programmes will appear.
Detailed information on HKDSE
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE / DSE ) is part of the new 3+3+4 education system which came into effect in September 2009 with the first cohort completing in summer 2012, replacing the old HKCEE + HKAL academic structure. Students must pass the 4 core subjects Chinese language English language Mathematics Liberal Studies
In addition to the 4 core subjects, students take 2-3 elective subjects.
Key Learning Areas Elective Subject Personal, Social & Chinese History Humanities Economics Ethics & Religious Studies Geography History Tourism & Hospitality Studies Science Biology Chemistry Physics Science (Integrated Science / Combined Science) Technology Business, Accounting & Financial Studies (BAFS) Design and Applied Technology Health Management & Social Care Information & Communication Technology Technology & Living Arts Education Music Visual Arts Physical Education Physical Education
The compulsory part of Mathematics (Core subject) provides a broad knowledge of mathematics. If Maths is required at A level, then students must take one of the elective extended modules. The students’ performance in the core compulsory part and the extended module are reported separately and offers must be clear. Mathematics – Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) Mathematics – Module 2 (Algebra and Calculus)
Admissions staff are suggested to consider whether they will accept either or a specific elective module. School of Engineering and Applied Science may wish to only accept Mathematics – Module 2 (Algebra and Calculus)
The students’ performance in the core compulsory part and the extended module are reported separately and offers must be clear. Example: “Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 554 to include at least electives which must include Physics or Maths; where Maths is included then this will must include the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject. A minimum of Level 3 must be achieved in all other subjects”
Understanding the Levels The table below applies to all HKDSE subjects – except Maths Level UCAS Comments Tariff 5** n/a To be allocated with further evidence after the first administration of the HKDSE exams in 2012 5* 130 Between A and A* in the 2010 GCE A level exam 5 120 Comparable to grade A in the 2010 GCE A level exam 4 80 Comparable to grade C in the 2010 GCE A level exam 3 40 Comparable to grade E in the 2010 GCE A level exam
For maths, the overall performance is indicated by the combined tariff points to both Core compulsory part and the elective extended module Level Core Elective Comments Extended 5** n/a n/a To be allocated with further evidence after the first administration of the HKDSE exams in 2012 5* 60 70 130 points (60+70) for 5* in both Core and Extended parts - 5 45 60 Between A and A* in the 2010 GCE A level exam 4 35 50 120 points (60+60) for 5* in the Core and 5 in the Extended part - 3 25 40 Comparable to grade A in the 2010 GCE A level exam
Elective choices Admissions staff will need to be aware that some local schools may not be able to offer the full range of electives and this may affect some applicants in the science electives as they may only offer the Integrated Science or Combined Science. Where a full science subject is required eg Chemistry for MPharm, it is unlikely that Admissions will accept Integrated Science or Combined Science in lieu.
Applicants are required to obtain the HKDSE with a minimum of
Typical A level offer HKDSE offer AAA-AAB 555 to include at least 2 electives ABB-BBB 554 to include at least 2 electives BBC 544 to include at least 2 electives
Where a specific subject is required at A level, this is to be specified as an elective: eg for MPharm, the offer would be “Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 555 to exclude Liberal Studies but to include the Chemistry elective plus one elective from Biology, Physics or Maths; where Maths is included then this must be 5 in the Core (compulsory part) and 5 in the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject. A minimum of Level 3 must be achieved in all other subjects” eg for BEng Mechanical Engineering, the offer would be “Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 554 to include at least 2 electives which must include Physics and Maths; where Maths is included then this will must include the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject. A minimum of Level 3 must be achieved in all other subjects”
Where a degree has no A level subject specific requirement, then the below wording is suggested. eg for Aston Business School’s programmes, the offer would be “Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 555 to include at least 2 electives. A minimum of Level 3 must be achieved in all other subjects”
English language - We have recently completed some research on the HKDSE to finalise whether we want to accept the English component of the HKDSE. This was completed by our agents GET and Amber in collaboration with the country manager. The research has been presented to admissions staff, and it has been agreed that we can accept the HKDSE English component with a 4 overall, 4 in each band. http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/ir/ircountry_hkdse.html?1 – link with requirements of other UK Universities
HKDSE acceptance to the IFP
We recently collected some market intelligence with regards to other universities that accept the HKDSE on to their foundation programmes with lower grades than direct entry. After this information was presented to schools, it has been concluded that Aston will also accept HKDSE students on to foundation programmes.
The recommendation for the offer for IFP would be:
Conditional on obtaining the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), with a minimum level of 333 (excluding Chinese and Liberal Studies), including at least 2 elective subjects. If we require a subject (eg Maths/Physics/Chemistry/Biology) I would suggest we ask for a 4 in that subject. Students must also meet IFP English requirements.
Eg. For MPharm the offer would be:
“Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 443 (44 in elective subjects) to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include the Chemistry elective plus one elective from Biology, Physics or Maths; where Maths is included then this must be 4 in the Core (compulsory part) and 4 in the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject.”
Eg, for BSc Biomedical Sciences the offer would be:
“Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 433 to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include at least 2 electives which must include Biology with a 4. eg for BSc Mathematics, the offer would be:
“Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 433 to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include at least 2 electives which must include Maths with a 4; where Maths is included then this will must include the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject.”
Eg for BEng Mechanical Engineering the offer would be:
“Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level of 443 (44 in elective subjects) to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include at least 2 electives which must include Maths and Physics; where Maths is included then this will must include the elective Extended Module: Calculus and Statistics or Algebra and Calculus. Please note that Mathematics is counted as one subject.”
Where a degree has no A level subject specific requirement, then the below wording is suggested. eg for Aston Business School’s programmes, the offer for IFP would be “Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level 333 to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include at least 2 electives”
Eg for BSc Sociology the offer would be:
“Conditional on obtaining the HKDSE with a minimum Level 333 to exclude Liberal Studies and Chinese but to include at least 2 electives”
ALL students must meet the HKDSE English requirement of a 3 overall and a 3 in all bands, or offer a suitable IELTS of 5.5 with a 5.0 in each section