Certificate & Diploma Programmes

This programme consists of six courses, totaling 200 hours. 

* Included 2.5 examination hours in each course

Field trip will be arranged for each course

Students who successfully fulfil the academic requirement by obtaining an overall of 50 marks or above out of 100 in each course of this programme is eligible for graduation and will be awarded the Professional Diploma in Tree Management issued by SCE.

This programme is enlisted as a recognized programme by Urban Forestry Support Fund – Study Sponsorship Scheme. The amount of subsidy given to each eligible student under the programme is 70% of the payable tuition fee or HK$35,000, whichever is less. More information of eligibility and application of this study sponsorship scheme could be found here. Please note that successful applicant cannot claim other subsidy such as the Continuing Education Fund or receive financial support from employer.

Classes and examinations will be held on weekday evenings (normally two classes per week) at SCE Learning Centres. Field trips will be organised at some of the weekends.

1. Holder of an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma or equivalent; OR
2. Aged 23 or above with lower academic qualifications and three years’ relevant work experience; AND
3. Attained a required level of English proficiency equivalent to Band 6.0 in the IELTS / Grade E in HKALE Use of English / Level 3 at HKDSE English Language; OR
4. Applicants may be required to sit for an entrance test which assesses their English language proficiency.

Remarks:

i. Each eligible application will be assessed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Interviews are scheduled on an as-needed basis depending on each applicant.

ii. Applicants with relevant academic qualifications and/or relevant work experience have a higher priority to be admitted to the programme. Those who do not possess academic qualifications in tree management or relevant areas of study are required to attend a competency test based on the learning materials provided by SCE before programme starts.

Applicants may submit application through (A) online system, or (B) hard-copy submission by mail or in-person.

(A) Application through online system

1. Enter SCE Online Application System and fill in required data.
2. Upload files of the following documents onto the system:
   1. proof for relevant academic qualifications and professional qualifications, e.g. certificate of public examinations (application for exemption should be submitted with supporting documents which include transcript/result slip, certificate and course syllabus);
   2. proof for relevant work experience (if any);
   3. any pertinent supporting documents; and
   4. a recent photograph (1.5” x 2”).
3. Make payment for the application fee for admission, and handling fee for exemption (HK$200 per course if applicable) through the Online Payment Gateway.

(B) Application through hard-copy submission

1. Download and complete Application for Admission form (SCE-AF-002)
2. Attach PHOTOCOPIES of the following documents:
   1. HKID card;
   2. proof for relevant academic qualifications and professional qualifications, e.g. certificate of public examinations (application for exemption should be submitted with supporting documents which include transcript/result slip, certificate and course syllabus);
   3. proof for relevant work experience (if any);
   4. any pertinent supporting documents.
3. Attach two recent photographs (1.5” x 2”).
4. Make payment for the application fee for admission, and handling fee for exemption (HK$200 per course if applicable), in the form of a crossed cheque made payable to “Hong Kong Baptist University” with applicant’s name, contact number and programme name written at the back. Applicants who submit application in-person may make payment with cash or EPS.
5. Complete set of application should be submitted either by-mail or in-person at the following address(es).

• Applicants will be requested to present the HKID card and original copies of all credentials for verification. Those who submit application in-person may bring along the HKID card and original credentials for verification.
• All fees paid are non-refundable.
• All documents submitted together with the application form will not be returned to applicants.  For unsuccessful applications, the documents and forms will be destroyed and the electronic files will be deleted.
• Notes to non-local applicants – Part-time certificate/diploma programmes are generally not considered by the Immigration Department for visa purposes. For a non-permanent Hong Kong resident, it is his/her responsibility to check whether he/she can take the programme before making application.

Students can apply for Credit Transfer/Exemption under the following conditions:

1. Credit Transfer will be considered if students have completed (or are currently studying) the required courses offered by the School prior to admission to the programme. Courses concerned will be automatically transferred to the programme and supporting documents are not required.
2. Exemption will be considered if students possess a demonstrated competence (e.g. passed relevant courses in public examinations or other institutes) equivalent to the learning outcomes of the course to be studied. Supporting documents such as course syllabuses, transcripts or certificates should be submitted.

The above request(s) should be submitted when applying for admission. Late application will not be considered. Courses that are being studied or pending for result/certificate should also be reported at the time of admission, followed by the submission of supporting documents for approval upon release of result/issuance of certificate.

Credit Transfer/Exemption will not be granted if such qualifications have not been reported during admission or if they are obtained after registration in the programme.

Remarks for Credit Transfer/Exemption are shown as below:

Limitations for Credit Transfer/Exemption

For all Programmes of Levels 1 to 2, the maximum exemption and credit transfer is limited to half of the total number of programme hours. For all Programmes of Level 3 or above, the maximum exemption is limited to one quarter of the total number of programme hours, while the sum of exemption and credit transfer is still limited to half of the total number of programme hours. In the case that the number of hours of exempted and/or transferred credit course(s) (including the course(s) being studied) has exceeded the maximum allowance, students should submit explanations and approval will be granted at the School’s discretion.

Applicants may refer to the Exemption List for reference.

Q: When will I know if I have been admitted?

A: The admission result will be sent to applicants via e-mail within 10 working days after the application deadline.

Q: If I am a Certified Arborist, can I apply for course exemption?

A: Yes, you are eligible to apply for an exemption of taking one course “RLE4300 Introduction to Arboriculture”. Please complete Part III “Application for Course Exemption” and pay $200 course exemption application fees.

Q: When will I know the result of my application for course exemption?

A: Result of application for course exemption will be released together with the admission result via e-mail.

Q: Can I change from one programme to another?

A: Once the offer is confirmed upon completion of registration, applicants are not allowed to change to another programme. Applicants are required to submit a new application with relevant documents and application fee for another programme.