Higher Diploma in Sports Science and Rehabilitation

Programme Code

HP001 Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS)
HP817 Year 1 & 2, Higher Diploma (HD)

DFS Application Code: HPDFS-SSR

HD Application Code: HDSSR

The HKSAR Government has been steadfast in its efforts to promote sports development through a comprehensive, five-pronged strategic approach: 1) promoting sports in the community, 2) supporting elite sports, 3) promoting Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, 4) enhancing professionalism, and 5) developing sports as an industry. In recent years, the government has significantly increased its expenditure on sports development, as outlined in the “Sports Policy and Promoting Development of Sports in Hong Kong” report. These initiatives aim to boost participation in sports and physical activities, highlighting the critical role of physical activity in public health. Consequently, there is a growing public interest and demand for knowledge related to sports and physical activity.

Programme Aims and Features

Programme Aims:

The programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in sports science, sport coaching science and rehabilitation necessary for career development in the sports industry. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills in sports science, rehabilitation, and coaching to enhance athletic performance, facilitate injury recovery, and optimise physical training intensity. The programme prepares students to be proficient in designing and implementing evidence-based training and rehabilitation programmes, conducting comprehensive fitness assessments, and applying effective coaching strategies to motivate and guide athletes towards achieving their full potential. Additionally, this programme equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of sports science and rehabilitation and adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the field.

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

communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages in social and academic contexts;
use information technology and / or quantitative / numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
evaluate the functions of the systems of the body and examine their impacts on sports performance;
apply assessment techniques in sports injury and rehabilitation treatment;
employ a range of specialised skills in a strategic approach to sports coaching, coaching science, sports performance, and assessment; and
integrate a range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop sports performance enhancement and rehabilitation programmes.

Opportunities for Further Studies

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Sport Coaching programme offered by the University of Northumbria at Newcastle in collaboration with HKU SPACE.

Career Prospects

The Higher Diploma in Sports Science and Rehabilitation programme is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the dynamic field of sports science and rehabilitation. By completing this programme, graduates will significantly enhance their career prospects and employability in various teams and organisations, such as Hong Kong representative teams, National Sports Association, Hong Kong Sports Institute, physiotherapy clinics, sports organisations, private fitness centers, and educational institutions. Students of this programme will be well-prepared to enter the workforce with a strong foundation in sports science and rehabilitation principles. The programme’s comprehensive curriculum, which includes hands-on training and internships, ensures that students are ready to meet the demands of the job market.

Students can expect to benefit from:

Diverse Career Paths: Opportunities in sports rehabilitation, athletic training, fitness coaching, and more.
Professional Networking: Connections with industry stakeholders through internships and collaborative projects.
Government and Industry Support: Alignment with government initiatives on sports development and health promotion.

By fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and sports organizations, this programme not only addresses the growing demand for sports rehabilitation services but also supports the overall development of the sports industry. Students will be well-positioned to contribute to the sports industry while advancing their careers in a rewarding and impactful field.

2-year Higher Diploma Programme

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 Yi Jin; OR
Hold a Diploma of Applied Education; OR
Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.

Applicants whose HKDSE results 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.

Diploma in Foundation Studies Programme

Obtain Level 1 or above in English Language and Chinese Language^# in the HKDSE Examination, AND at least 6 points⁺ in the best 5 subjects^{*^§}; OR
Equivalent qualifications 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 by the College.

^*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.

^{^} If the candidate has attempted less than 5 subjects but obtained 6 points or above, the application will still be considered.

⁺ Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.

Effective from 2025-26 Academic Year:

Diploma in Foundation Studies

General English I & II
College Speaking / Introduction to Information Technology and AI
College Writing / Grammar for College Studies
Foundations of Chinese Language*
Chinese Language Enhancement*
Basic Mathematics
Elements of Business
Multiple Intelligences and Competencies
Understanding Hong Kong Popular Culture

Higher Diploma Year 1

Introduction to Academic English
English for Academic Purposes I
Practical Chinese
Elementary Statistics
Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
Practical Sport Skill Training
Mechanism of Injury and Physical Assessment
Corrective Exercise Based Rehabilitation
Sports Massage and Strapping
Introduction to Coaching Science

Higher Diploma Year 2

Information Technology Fundamentals
English for Sport Management and Sport Coaching
English for Academic Purposes II
Rehabilitation and Conditioning Training
Introduction to Sport Coaching and Performance
Coaching Science Assessment
Professional Practice
School Sport and Coaching
Sport Performance Programming for Coaches: Theory to Practice
Sport and Recreation Industry in Hong Kong

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded a Higher Diploma in Sports Science and Rehabilitation, 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 Sports Science and Rehabilitation" 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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