Types of award / qualification
Transnational education is often delivered through an international collaboration of two or more education institutions. Whilst single awards issued by one UK institution are the most common in Hong Kong, you may discover a variety of qualification types such as joint, double and dual qualifications. Definitions of these will vary between institutions. Therefore, check the exact title of the award you are intending to take with the local operator.
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Top-up programmes
Students who have completed Associate Degrees, Higher Diploma or other equivalent courses in Hong Kong may study for an additional two years or equivalent with a UK institution to gain a full ordinary or honours bachelor degree. These courses are often known as top-up programmes or degrees and are a popular route to gaining the same qualifications as students entering university straight from school. The majority of Hong Kong sub-degree graduates are choosing to top up their sub-degrees by studying a UK bachelor’s qualification in Hong Kong.
Other forms of transnational education may not lead to any additional qualification, but are valuable forms of learning recognised by employers and education institutions. They can include:
- student exchange
- research collaboration
- executive education
- continuing professional development/education
- short courses
- summer courses
- sandwich courses
Likewise, the following may not be considered qualifications by themselves, but are used to gain entry to a course:
- language examinations such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- admissions tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test and National Admissions Test for Law
- access courses
- preparatory courses
- foundation courses
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Important considerations
When enquiring about a course, it is important to:
- Evaluate the purpose and learning outcomes of the course. Do they match your own requirements?
- Know exactly what qualification will be gained upon successful completion of the course. Are you required to take a further course/examination or make other commitments to obtain the qualification?
- Confirm the awarding body of the qualification. Remember, the institute delivering the course could be different from the institute awarding the qualification.
- Understand what the course will lead to in terms of employment and education prospects.
- View a sample certificate or diploma. Do all the details of the certificate match the qualification you are intending to take?
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Modes of learning in transnational education
Transnational education sometimes offers more choices in the way you study than traditional education. Below are some of the more popular learning approaches you will find available in Hong Kong:
Full-time
Full-time study requires a student to dedicate more of their time to complete a course within a shorter period. Typically these programmes are conducted during normal working hours and are popular for sub-degree and undergraduate degrees.
Part-time
Part-time courses deliver the same content as full-time courses but are spread over a longer period of time and delivered in shorter sessions. Part-time courses can therefore be provided during evenings and weekends, making them highly suitable for those seeking to stay in their careers while gaining a qualification. Part-time study is popular for professional and postgraduate courses.
Face-to-face
This is the traditional way of delivering a course, where the educator will be in the physical presence of students. Teaching can be in the form of lectures, seminars or tutorials. Such courses also offer valuable interaction between fellow students through discussions, group/coursework, networking and socialising. Face-to-face courses will also be hosted on approved premises well facilitated for studying.
Distance learning
Distance learning delivers material to students who may not physically be on campus. The content may be in the form of printed media such as books and/or digital media such as DVD-ROMs and web-based technologies.
Learning by correspondence is a form of distance learning.
Some distance learning programmes offer real-time platforms to learn with other students and communicate with teachers and tutors. Often they are supplemented locally with face-to-face support or require on-site assessments such as invigilated examinations (see Blended/hybrid learning).
For a full listing of recognised distance learning courses from the UK, visit:
www.britishcouncil.org/hongkong-educationuk
Blended/hybrid learning
This combines physical and virtual resources to deliver teaching and materials. The combination of technology and face-to-face teaching means students will have multiple choices in their method of learning and communication.
Intensive block mode
Offered in part-time courses, intensive block mode provides the same amount and level of content as full-time or part-time courses, but condenses this into a few days of teaching. This is a popular approach in Hong Kong, where 20 to 30-hour modules are condensed into two full weekends and week day evenings within one fortnight. Intensive block mode is most often used where lecturers from the UK are flown to Hong Kong to teach face-to-face.
Flexible learning
This allows students to embrace different methods of study, supported by the educational institution. It makes use of a full range of technologies and approaches such as distance learning and blended learning. However, it places importance on the student to choosing when, where and how to study.
Work-based learning
A method of learning that combines the experience of the workplace with studying a specific field relevant to your career. It requires students to draw from their experience and resources at work and apply what is being learnt from their studies. Likewise, what they learn from work will in itself form part of the learning experience. This is therefore suited to adult learners who wish to stay in their studies and who are supported by their employers.
Concurrent education
Here, students take two completely separate courses to obtain two separate qualifications. This approach to learning requires the application of one discipline to another discipline for careers such as specialist lawyers, teachers, consultants and medical practitioners. For example, it is not uncommon for teachers to study a qualification in education and a qualification in the chosen discipline they intend to teach.
Apprenticeship
This focuses on the development of practical skills obtained in the workplace or vocational institute while actually working. Modern apprenticeships combine theoretical study and hands-on training. There is often the added benefit that apprentices are paid by the employer for their work. Internships may be categorised as apprenticeships, but instead focus on work experience related to office or business skills.
Self-study
Self-study is a fundamental part of all learning as completing any course will require students to initiate their own research work and practice for better understanding. Self-study courses support the student by way of materials. However, they may not provide the student with the same range of technologies or academic support as other approaches.
Research
Learning outcomes of these courses derive from the research conducted by the student. Research graduates will also have developed their skills of analysis, evaluation and expertise.
Students will be required to research a specific field, the findings or results of which will add to the existing body of knowledge in that field. Institutions offering research-based courses will support students through research guidance, expert supervision and access to resources.
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What to expect in terms of support
To deliver courses locally, UK institutions will usually partner a Hong Kong institution, whether it is a university or private education company. Some will manage the course themselves and have local offices and staff to support their students.
Partnerships and other local support enable students to access resources necessary to complete their courses. Therefore, you should ask the local partner or representative what kind of support is provided. For example:
Content
- hard copy study materials
- online materials
- videos/DVD
- DVD-ROMs
- library access to recommended reading publications
Communication
- student e-mail address
- access to online materials, maybe also communication facilities such as online conferencing, chat rooms, forums and intranet
- regular access to relevant lecturers or tutors even out of ‘class’ time
Access to staff
- course director
- UK teachers/lecturers
- local teachers/lecturers
- local student representative body
- local student counselling
Others
- computer facilities
- employment services
- access to UK campus facilities (such as library, computer and sports facilities)
- premises for meetings or group work
- equipment/facilities (important for technical, vocational, medical and scientific studies)
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