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Programmes

Community Nutrition (NEW)

Higher Diploma inCommunity Nutrition (NEW)

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Programme Code

  • HP818 Year 1 & 2, Higher Diploma (HD)

Application Code: HDCN

Phone 2975 5881　　Email sss.sze@hkuspace.hku.hk

Community nutrition incorporates the study of nutrition and the promotion of good health through food and nutrient intake in population. This area of nutrition focuses on the promotion of good health and the primary prevention of diet-related illness within a community setting. It involves the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition programmes and policies that address the specific needs of communities.

The HKSAR government released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint in 2022, which aims to shift the focus of our healthcare system from treatment-focused healthcare to more prevention-oriented primary healthcare at the community level. One of the critical fields within primary healthcare is community nutrition. Higher Diploma in Community Nutrition programme aligns with this policy by contributing to a more robust and effective primary healthcare system.

 

Programme Aims and Features

Programme Aims:

The programme aims to equip students with a wide range of knowledge in nutrition and community healthcare, and develop students’ skills to apply such knowledge in the design and implementation of community-based nutrition programmes. It also prepares them to progress to further studies towards a degree in the relevant fields, and enables timely entry into the workforce to meet the growing demand for the nutritional care services in the community.

 

On completion of the programme, students should be able to​:

  • ​Communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts;
  • Use information technology and/ or quantitative/ numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
  • Apply knowledge of basic sciences to the function of nutrients in metabolic processes, and relate the roles of diet, community and primary healthcare in the maintenance of health and in prevention of diseases;
  • Interpret nutrition information, nutritional requirements and guidelines, food customs, culinary science and plan menu for healthy individuals across the lifespan;
  • Relate the chemical composition of food to their underlying properties and effects on human health;
  • Assess the health and nutritional needs of different populations in the community and design community-based nutrition programmes that address their needs;
  • Apply the knowledge of nutrition, culinary science, food science and metabolism to develop a functional food product for health maintenance and disease prevention.

 

Opportunities for Further Studies

UGC-funded Universities

The programme is tailored to cover foundational principles and knowledge in science and community nutrition that complement the in-depth, research-driven content of advanced courses at the university.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for admission to various bachelor’s degree programmes related to nutrition, community health and public health.

The list below shows the degree programmes that our graduates may apply for further studies*:

  • The University of Hong Kong
    Bachelor of Science
    Bachelor of Nursing
    Bachelor of Science (Major in Food and Nutritional Science) (Senior Year Entry)
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Bachelor of Science
    Bachelor of Science in Public Health
    Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences
    Bachelor of Science in Community Health Practice
    Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Bachelor of Science (Hons) Scheme in Food Science and Nutrition


Other Local Institutions

Graduates are also eligible to apply for the below degree programmes offered by other institutions:

  • HKU SPACE in collaboration with Ulster University, UK
    Bachelor of Science (Hons) Food and Nutrition

*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.

 

Career Prospects 

Students will have opportunities to engage in community health projects and industry visits, enhancing their understanding of real-world applications and preparing them for various career paths such as nutrition assistant, patient care assistant, or roles in health promotion within community settings.

  • Obtain Level 2 or above in 5 subjects*§ including English Language and Chinese Language# in the HKDSE Examination; OR
  • Hold a recognised Diploma in Foundation Studies Programme; OR
  • Hold a Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.
 
Applicants who have attained Level 2 or above in any one of the following HKDSE subjects — Biology, Chemistry or Technology and Living (Food Science and Technology Strand) — or possess an equivalent qualification will be considered favourably. Those without the relevant subject background will be required to attend a summer intensive course mainly in Chemistry and Biology before programme commencement.

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Higher Diploma Programme should apply for admission to the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Relevant and substantial work experience and / or prior qualifications obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education, will be considered by the College. 

 

Mature Students

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications, but are aged 21 or above and with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.

 

*Applicants are allowed to use not more than 2 Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows: 

“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above;
“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and 
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.

#ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

§ If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the requirement will be “Attained” for the subject.

Effective from 2026-27 Academic Year:

 

Higher Diploma Year 1

  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Nutrition
  • Fundamentals of Food Science
  • Human Physiology and Anatomy
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Introduction to Community and Primary Healthcare
  • General Chemistry for Biological Sciences
  • Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle

 

Higher Diploma Year 2

  • English for Science and Technology
  • English for Academic Purposes II
  • Practical Chinese*
  • Information Technology Fundamentals 
  • Health Promotion and Nutrition Education
  • Basic Biochemistry
  • Diet and Disease
  • Nutrition and Health Assessment
  • Nutrition and Culinary Management
  • Functional Foods and Nutritional Products

 

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded a Higher Diploma in Community Nutrition, students should:

  • obtain 60 credits (i.e. 240 QF credits) of courses as prescribed in the Years 1 & 2 curricula of the programme for which they are registered;
  • achieve a Cumulative GPA of 1.7 or above;
  • obtain Grade C- or above in all core English courses; and
  • obtain a pass for the course “CCSA8004 – China’s Development, Hong Kong and the National Security Law”. 

 

Award

Successful completion of this programme leads to the "Higher Diploma in Community Nutrition" awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

 

The College reserves the right to make modifications to individual courses on a need basis.

* Non-Chinese speaking students or students who have not received sufficient training in the Chinese language may apply for exemption from the Chinese course(s), and alternative courses may be assigned.

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