Higher Diploma

Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS)

Student Membership

Students of the Programme are eligible to apply for student membership of HKCS.

Associate Membership

Graduates of the Programme are eligible to apply for associate membership of HKCS.

The programme is supported by many industry partners. The industry partners provide activities and workplace experiences such as company visits, workshops and guest seminars to arouse students’ interest and enrich their generic and technical skills. Supporting industry partners include ASTRI, Equinix, Hong Kong Jockey Club (Division of Information Technology and Sustainability), IBM, Microsoft, Towngas, UBS AG.

The Higher Diploma in Data Science is a two-year full-time programme. Students are required to take a total of 63 units (21 courses).

Students are required to take the following courses:

The medium of instruction for formal classroom teaching is English. Exemption from using English as the medium of instruction will be applied for individual courses.

Students who successfully obtain 63 units as required by the programme, attaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for all courses attempted and having passed all courses stipulated by the programme are eligible for graduation. The qualification of Higher Diploma in Data Science shall be awarded by Hong Kong Baptist University.

The School provides a wide range of facilities and services to enhance students’ learning and personal growth.

• Libraries and Learning Commons 
• HKBU e-Learning Platforms 
• Sports Facilities 
• Medical and Dental Services 
• Counselling Support 
• Student Societies and Interest Clubs 

Graduates are eligible to apply for the local UGC-funded, self-funded, and other overseas undergraduate programmes as well as the senior year entry (year 3 entry) of the following Hong Kong Baptist University’s UGC-funded programmes:

• BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and
• BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Statistics.

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of this programme. Graduates will be able to take up various entry-level positions in IT companies, such as junior AI Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst and Analyst Programmer.

Recognition of Higher Diploma for Civil Service Appointment

Higher Diploma (HD) is valuable standalone qualifications. Holders of such qualifications are fully prepared to take up jobs at elementary management and assistant professional levels. At present, 14 grades in the government set locally accredited HD as the qualification requirement for their entry ranks. These grades are Ambulance Officer, Assistant Information Officer (Design) / (Photo), Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, Assistant Programme Officer, Health Inspector II, Immigration Officer, Inspector of Customs and Excise, Inspector of Police, Occupational Safety Officer II, Officer (Correctional Services), Operations Officer (Airworthiness), Police Translator II, Station Officer (Operational) / (Control) and Statistical Officer II.

Besides, sub-degree graduates are considered as having met the entry requirements of civil service grades requiring sub-degree or lower qualifications. On the whole, sub-degree graduates can apply for about 80 civil service grades. Please visit the section of "Job Opportunities" in the Civil Service Bureau's Homepage for further information.

(Source: ipass.gov.hk, 19/03/2018)

* Tuition fees and application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. They are subject to annual review.

The School provides a number of scholarships to recognize students with outstanding academic qualifications or other unique achievements.

Click here for more information on the scholarship.

Government Student Financial Assistance Scheme

Students can apply for Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS) from the Government. Please refer to the website of Student Finance Office (SFO) for details.

Continuing Education Fund

The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) subsidises adults with learning aspirations to pursue continuing education and training courses. Please refer to the website of CEF for details.

Click here for information on the financial assistance.

1. Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): Level 2 in five subjects^* (including Chinese Language^# and English Language)

Or

2. Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education

Or

3. Successful completion of the Diploma of Applied Education

Or

4. Other equivalent qualifications to be assessed by the School

Or

5. Applicants aged 21 or above with acceptable qualifications to justify admission

Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or numeracy test.

* If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the minimum entrance requirement would be “Attained” for Citizenship and Social Development and Level 2 in four other HKDSE subjects including Chinese and English. Level 2 in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognized as one of the five HKDSE subjects. Applicants are allowed to use Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.

# “Attained” or above in Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

Application Procedure

2025 HKDSE Applicants

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) applicants can submit their application through the E-APP of the Education Bureau. 

^*subject to changes

Other Applicants

Other applicants should apply through the SCE Online Application system.

New Student Orientation     : August 2025

Commencement of Study   : September 2025

2025 HKDSE Applicants

Other Applicants

^#Applicants who apply for the Programme on or after 21 July 2025, please refer to the due date of the tuition fee deposit stated on the debit note.
*Subject to annual review

Higher Diploma Programmes

The School reserves the right to make changes as required.

(I) Qualification & Recognition

01. What is Sub-degree?

Sub-degree is a collective term of post-secondary qualifications. It includes Higher Diploma and Associate Degree, both of which are at Level 4 under the 7-level Qualifications Framework.

02. What are the differences between Higher Diploma and Associate Degree programmes?

Both Higher Diploma and Associate Degree programmes equip students with generic skills, practical vocational skills as well as knowledge in specialised disciplines. In general, Higher Diploma programmes are more vocation-oriented while Associate Degree programmes put more emphasis on general education. Upon completion of Higher Diploma programmes, graduates will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary to further study in universities or pursue career in professions.

03. Are the Academic Awards of this Programme conferred by the HKBU?

The awards are conferred by the Hong Kong Baptist University.

04. Has the Programme gone through any accreditation?

The Programme has gone through a vigorous accreditation process and was approved by the Senate of HKBU. Consistent review exercise is regularly performed to ensure the teaching, learning and assessment of the Programme are in good quality and are up to standard. Referring to the Qualifications Framework (QF) established by the Education Bureau (please see below), the qualification of the Programme is equivalent to Level 4.

Level 1: Certificate

Level 2: Certificate

Level 3: Diploma

Level 4: High Diploma, Associate Degree

Level 5: Bachelor Degree

Level 6: Master Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma

Level 7: Doctorate Degree

More information can be also obtained from the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS).

(II) Application & Admission

05. Can I apply for the Programme?

The minimum entry requirements of the Programme are as follows:

• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): Level 2 in five subjects^#1 (including Chinese Language^#2 and English Language); OR
• Successful completion of the Diploma Yi Jin; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications to be assessed by the School; OR
• Applicants aged 21 or above with acceptable qualifications to justify admission.

^#1 A DSE applicant is allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning subjects in the application.
^#2  “Attained” or above in Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.
^* Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or numeracy test.

06. How can I apply for admission?

HKDSE candidates: candidates can submit their applications through the “Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes” (E-APP) of the Education Bureau.

Other applicants: applicants can submit their applications through the SCE Online Application System.

07. Do I have to attend any admission interview?

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and/or numeracy test, if necessary. Individual notification of the interview and/or numeracy test details will be sent to the applicants by e-mail or phone.

08. Are there any information talks about the Programme?

Information Talks will regularly be held. For details, please visit the programme webpage.

(III) Fees & Aids

9. Can I apply for financial assistance from the government?

Student can apply for the various Government financial assistance schemes listed below, according to their own needs and circumstances.

• Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) 
• Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS) 

Click here for information on the financial assistance.

10. Are there any scholarships or grants?

The school provides a number of scholarships to recognize students with outstanding academic qualifications or other unique achievements. 

(IV) Programme

11. Where are the teaching venues?

Programmes offered by the School of Continuing Education (leading to HKBU awards or SCE awards, or collaborative programmes) are conducted at various teaching venues, including Kowloon Tong and Shek Mun (Shatin) Campuses and Learning Centres in Tsimshatsui, Kowloon East, and Wan Chai. These venues are well-equipped to support students’ studies. While most of the classes are held at either the Kowloon Tong Campus or the Shek Mun Campus, depending on the School’s development, students may be assigned to take classes at other venues during their study period.

12. What is the medium of instruction?

The medium of instruction for formal classroom teaching is English. Exemption from using English as the medium of instruction will be applied for individual courses.

13. What facilities and services are available for students?

．Libraries and Learning Commons

．HKBU e-Learning Platforms

．Sports Facilities

．Medical and Dental Services

．Counselling Support

．Student Societies and Interest Clubs 

14. Are there any graduation requirements for the Programme?

Students who successfully obtain 63 units as required by the programme, attaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for all courses attempted and having passed all courses stipulated by the programme are eligible for graduation.

15. If I failed a course, what should I do?

In case a student failed in a course, he/she may be allowed to sit for supplementary examination or needs to re-take the course.

16. Will I have the opportunity to further my studies after completing this Programme?

Graduates may apply for admission to various undergraduate programmes including local UGC-funded programmes, local self-funded programmes or programmes at overseas universities.

17. What is the career prospect after graduating from this Programme?

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of this programme. Graduates will be able to take up various entry-level positions in IT companies, such as junior AI Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst and Analyst Programmer.

Recognition of Higher Diploma for Civil Service Appointment

Higher Diploma (HD) is valuable standalone qualifications. Holders of such qualifications are fully prepared to take up jobs at elementary management and assistant professional levels. At present, 14 grades in the government set locally accredited HD as the qualification requirement for their entry ranks. These grades are Ambulance Officer, Assistant Information Officer (Design) / (Photo), Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, Assistant Programme Officer, Health Inspector II, Immigration Officer, Inspector of Customs and Excise, Inspector of Police, Occupational Safety Officer II, Officer (Correctional Services), Operations Officer (Airworthiness), Police Translator II, Station Officer (Operational) / (Control) and Statistical Officer II.

Besides, sub-degree graduates are considered as having met the entry requirements of civil service grades requiring sub-degree or lower qualifications. On the whole, sub-degree graduates can apply for about 80 civil service grades. Please visit the section of "Job Opportunities" in the Civil Service Bureau's Homepage for further information.
(Source: ipass.gov.hk, 19/03/2018）