2006 Review - The University of Hong Kong

The quality of our programmes is also attracting growing interest from
overseas students and those outside the local mainstream school
system. Applications from this group rose 31 per cent in 2005-06 to
7,570. We admitted 395 international students from 50 countries to
regular degree programmes. As with Mainland students, our intake is
limited. Nevertheless, the growing appeal of our programmes to students
outside Hong Kong has placed us in healthy competition with the world’s
best universities.
New Horizons in Learning
The University seeks to offer demanding, student-centred programmes
based on the most modern and effective pedagogy and teaching tools.
The move to a four-year undergraduate curriculum in 2012 is an excellent
opportunity to revisit these goals and inject elements that will also
enhance students’ abilities to cope with new and unexpected situations.
Emphasis will be placed on encouraging a flexible approach to studies
so students can cross disciplines, extend learning outside the classroom
and gain a rounded education.
Physically we need to be prepared for enrolment to expand by at least onethird,
and hopefully more if our student intake from outside Hong Kong
is allowed to increase. A campus expansion plan has been proposed,
as described in the Growing with the Times chapter. Its configuration is
intended to promote learning outside the traditional classroom setting
and facilitate student interaction and collaboration.
The curriculum must also be reviewed. In 2006 we began the process
of proposing ideas and consulting with staff. Choice will be a central
element of the new curriculum. Students will still specialise but we want
them to achieve greater balance and variety in their learning. We also
want them to have a wealth of experience either by placement abroad
or through performing community or social service in Hong Kong.
Stephen Luo Jia Yun is a Year 2 LLB student from Shanghai.
“The relationship between teachers and students at HKU is quite close
and relaxed. Students are encouraged to solve problems they might
encounter in their future careers, not just pass exams, and there are many
extracurricular activities that we can join. The international environment
created by the use of English and the large number of foreign students
on campus also helps to prepare us for the future.”
14 The Review 2006
The Review 2006 15