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SCMP Reporter

Name: Cathy Tsang Ka-yan

Age: 22

Course: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English for Professional Communication

School: City University of Hong Kong

Year of Study: Year Three

Duration of programme: Three years

Young Post: What courses have you studied?

Tsang: In Year One, I learned basic concepts, such as how to conduct qualitative research and what methods should be used. There were also introductory courses to English Studies.  Website design was also covered.

In Year Two, we had an in-depth study  of the media's views about the gender issue. We were also  taught to use  media technology.

In Year Three, we spend most of our time on our final-year project.

YP: What is the theme of your final-year project?

T: We have six people in our group. Each group  is helping a company organise events. Our group is organising a fund-raising activity for The Women's Foundation.

We are divided into  two groups of three. I'm on the fund-raising side, translating Chinese reports into English and helping the organisation retrieve the addresses of its clients, then sending its 2005-2006 report to them.

The  other group is carrying out research on poverty and leadership skills among women.  They have a heavy workload, so we have to help them out sometimes.

YP: Which course interested you the most?

T:  Last year, we took a course called Qualitative Communications Research Method.

Each group had to investigate a specific topic and we looked at lesbianism.

One of our group members knows  a lesbian. She took us to a bar where lesbians hang out. There, we made friends with the girls and talked to them. We wrote a report about our findings afterwards. It was an interesting experience.

YP: What have you learned from your programme?

T: I've learned a lot about visual communication, such as how to use a camera and video camera. The programme also taught us to edit films and use a wide range of software.

My communication skills have also improved.  I know the basics  of running a company and how to be a good public relations officer.

We may not know all the theories behind marketing strategies, but our business writing skills are better than those taking a degree course in marketing.Michelle Chan

Admission

Applicants have to obtain at least a pass in two AL subjects, or a pass in one AL subject and two AS subjects. A Grade E in AS Use of English and AS Chinese Language and Culture is also required.

Career prospects

Graduates can find work in the field of communication, media, information technology,  tourism, as well as the hospitality sector. They can work as public relations officers, journalists, or  salesmen at communication-related companies.

Those who are looking to pursue a career in education may take up teaching posts at local secondary schools or universities.

Those with higher aspirations may further their studies and conduct qualitative research and publish papers at university.



English for Professional Communication