The School of Continuing Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is to launch a series of new courses targeted at Form Seven graduates this September.
The courses include higher diploma and associate degree programmes. Students who successfully complete the programmes can either enter the workforce or further their studies with advanced standing at local or overseas universities.
Studying full time, Form Seven graduates can complete most of the programmes in two years. Higher diploma programmes also accept Form Five school leavers, but they have to take an additional year. Students who complete Form Five and want to enrol in an associate degree programme should complete a one-year diploma in general studies.
'I always encourage young people to study - by any means possible,' says Dr Victor Lee Tze-kuen, director, the School of Continuing Studies, CUHK.
'If they cannot get accepted directly into an undergraduate programme at university, a higher diploma or an associate degree can serve as a stepping stone.'
Basically, higher diploma programmes follow the British model while associate degree programmes follow the United States model. Higher diplomas are more technically oriented, focusing on specific skills areas that prepare students for specific job categories.
