Associate Degree Programmes
Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
Programme Code:
- Certificate in General Studies Programme
- Foundation Programme
- Year 1
Communication, particularly in public relations and journalism, is emerging as the most popular field in Hong Kong because of the fierce competition in the market and increasing significant role of media in shaping organisation perceptions in the mind of the public. People well versed in public relations, media and communication skills are much sought after by private and public organisations to help build the company image as well as relationship with the clientele.
Programme Aims and Features
This programme aims at preparing well-trained and well-qualified graduates for serving newspapers and mass media organisations, in the private and public sectors, where they will put into practice their knowledge in organising promotion, marketing and public relations works. In addition, this programme provides students with a broad-based foundation in Social Sciences education to prepare them for higher level studies in related disciplines.
Opportunities for Further Studies
Graduates are eligible for entry to a bachelor’s degree programme in social sciences or other relevant disciplines offered by local universities, or various degree programmes offered by HKU SPACE Centre for International Degree Programmes in collaboration with overseas universities:
- Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), The University of Western Australia
- Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Media and Cultural Studies, Middlesex University, UK
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Middlesex University, UK
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Publishing, Media and Cultural Studies, Middlesex University, UK
Career Prospects
Graduates can take up positions in newspaper and mass media organisations, or in the public relations and communication fields, in both the private and public sectors.
2-year Associate Degree Programme (Direct Entry to Year 1)
HKDSE
- Level 2 or above in 5 subjects# (including Chinese Language and English Language);
Applicants whose HKDSE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Associate Degree Programme should apply for admission to the Certificate in General Studies Programme.
OR
HKALE
- Pass in one AL subject or two AS subjects in the HKALE; and three passes in HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language, or equivalent;
Applicants whose HKALE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Associate Degree Programme should apply for admission to the Foundation Programme.
OR
- Hold a recognised Pre-Associate Degree / Foundation Programme qualification; OR
- Hold a recognised post-secondary certificate or diploma.
#Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.
The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
“Attained with distinction” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2.
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* |
Students who have successfully completed a quality-assured Applied Learning Course will be recognised as comparable to a HKCEE subject pass (up to a maximum of 2 subjects), other than Chinese Language and English Language. |
Certificate in General Studies Programme^ / Foundation Programme
Certificate in General Studies Programme^:
HKDSE
- Level 2 or above in English Language and any three other subjects# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above;
OR
- Level 2 or above in English Language and any two other subjects# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above; and at least 8 points@ in the best three subjects.
Foundation Programme:
HKCEE
- Three passes in the HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the HKCEE, or equivalent;
OR
- Completed Project Yi Jin with satisfactory results.
^ Subject to EDB approval.
# Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.
The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
"Attained with distinction" is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and
"Attained" is deemed equivalent to Level 2.
|
* |
Students who have successfully completed a quality-assured Applied Learning Course will be recognised as comparable to a HKCEE subject pass (up to a maximum of 2 subjects), other than Chinese Language and English Language. |
Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but are aged 21 or above and have relevant working experience will be considered by the College.
For Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism programme, applicants should be able to write Chinese.
Foundation Programme*
- General English I & II
- Foundations of Chinese Language
- Mathematics and Statistics for Daily Life Applications
- Computer Studies
- The Process of Design
- Popular Culture: Identities and Institutions
- Ethics and Society
- The Science of Everyday Life
- Individual and Society
- Multiple Intelligences and Competencies
Associate Degree Year 1
- General English III
- English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part I
- Putonghua
- Elements of Logic and Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Multimedia / Introduction to Information Technology
- Quantitative Analysis I
- Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies
- Appreciating Social Research
- Foundation Psychology
- Principles of Sociology
- Fundamentals of Management in Organizations
Associate Degree Year 2
- English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part II
- Advanced Chinese Language
- Contemporary World since 1945
- Hong Kong and Chinese Societies in Transition
- Food and the Body
- News Writing, Reporting and Editing
- PR Planning and Event Management
- Communication and the New Media
- TV and Radio News Gathering, Writing and Production in Chinese
- Mass Communication Theories
- PR Communication: Writing and Presentation
- PR: History, Principles and Specializations
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* |
The choice of the Generic Skills and General Education courses in the Foundation Programme may be replaced by another course under the same category depending on availability in a particular semester. |
譚希文 Joyce Tam
- Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
- Four degree offers received, including:
- Year 2, Journalism and Communication, CUHK
- Year 2, BSocSc, HKU
- Year 2, BA (Hons) in Media and Communication, CityU
- Year 2, BSocSc (Hons) in Applied Sociology, CityU
“It is not the end of the world as there is so much to be explored in HPCC! In HPCC you can find your direction, your motivation, your new-make friends and way too much precious memories.
Here you are not being spoon-fed by lecturers, but having daily lessons full of fun, discussions and reflection. Apart from theories, lecturers emphasised on self-engagement, cooperation and sharing experience. We can also gain life-long benefits from every single assignment (project or presentation), and the advice from our passionate lecturers too.”
區蕙淳 Vivian Au
- Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
- Two degree offers received, including:
- Year 2, Bachelor of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Year 2, BA (Hons) in Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
“The past two years was truly wonderful. The programme helped me to build a strong foundation in different fields of social sciences, and over time my interest towards communication studies and journalism grew as I really learnt a lot of things here. Not only the knowledge had we acquired in class but also the practical skills we developed. Besides, I loved the learning mode here as it was totally different from that in the secondary school. I became more active and independent, with which all these qualities were essential to either further my studies in university or fulfill my future career aspirations.”
何燕婷 Yoyo Ho
- ociate of Applied Social Science in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) offered locally by HKU SPACE Centre for International Degree Programmes (CIDP) in collaboration with The University of Western Australia
The past 2-year experience in HPCC had broadened my exposure and I had found my goal as well. I used to be passive, dependent and too timid to express my opinions in front of people. The learning mode in HPCC, with numbers of presentations and group projects in each semester, encouraged us to learn proactively, albeit this learning approach did give me a hard time at the beginning.
Now, I have already got used to this learning method. My friends, schoolmates, the Programme Leader, Dr. Chan or even my family all said that I had changed a lot -- becoming more outgoing and mature. Last but not least, the time in HPCC helped me adapt to the university life quickly. I would say the knowledge learnt from textbooks and all soft skills like time management, communication skills is of great usefulness throughout my life.
關澧瑜 Creamie Kwan
- Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
- Bachelor of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
“Throughout the previous semesters, I have no doubt learnt a lot.
Under the guidance of the professors, not only has our understanding of Social Sciences, such as Sociology and Psychology, deepened, our abilities of critical thinking, analytical skills and presentation techniques have also been greatly improved.
Besides, all the extra-curricular activities definitely broadened our horizons. The excursion to Pacific Coffee was a fine learning experience. We were given the opportunity to chat with foreigners and the staff there. We felt much more confident in our spoken English.
At the talk given by the Police, the negotiation specialists shared their experiences and fascinating cases with us. We had learnt various useful negotiation and communication skills.
Moreover, I was able to participate in the Beijing Olympics as a volunteer under the school’s recommendation. It was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity.”
