HKU to weigh up credit system

The University of Hong Kong is considering replacing its British-based curriculum with the American credit-unit system.

Professor Samuel Chan Ting-hon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), said the university was moving to a modular system before possibly adopting the credit-based structure in four years time.

'It is a global trend: most universities around the world use the credit-unit system because it allows more flexibility,' he said. The system was good for students and more effective.

However, the proposal still had to be submitted to the Senate.

The current system was incompatible with programmes offered beyond HKU, making credit transfer impossible, said Professor Chan. Because of this, many students were obliged to take an extra year of studies to pursue overseas exchange programmes.

'With a credit-unit structure, students would be given more flexible choices both in local and overseas institutes. It also enables an inter-faculty and inter-departmental curriculum,' he said.

Individual faculties would adopt the changes at their own speed. 'It would be the major direction and individual faculties would evolve at their own pace. We have mentioned the concept to faculty deans and received support.' According to Dean of the Science Faculty, Dr Cheng Kin-fai, the change to a more diversified education system is a response to social changes.