Institution Overview
The University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) was established by The University of Hong Kong in 1957 and is directly affiliated with the University. It is an important platform for continuing and professional education under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. HKU SPACE offers a range of Postgraduate Diploma programs with a strong emphasis on practical application and professional development, covering fields such as culture, education, business, management, arts, and law. Some programs are taught in Mandarin or Chinese, making them particularly suitable for applicants from Mainland China.
Note: Postgraduate Diploma programs are classified at Level 6 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, the same qualification level as master’s degrees. However, they focus more on professional and practical skills development and are not degree programs.
Postgraduate Diploma Programs Offered (Reference for the 2026/2027 Academic Year)
Chinese-Taught Programs
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Studies
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Cultural Tourism Experience and Management
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Chinese to Young Children
4. Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Guided Interpretation Education and Leadership
5. Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Classical Painting and Calligraphy Connoisseurship and Investment Management
English-Taught Programs
Business & Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Branding and Event Management, Postgraduate Diploma in International Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Postgraduate Diploma in International Live Entertainment and Event Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Luxury Services and Brand Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion and Insurance Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Insurance Regulation, Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Technology and Regulation
Education & Humanities
• Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education Leadership, Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Training and Professional Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Photography
Arts, Health & Law
• Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Piano Teaching and Performance), Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation)
Languages
• Postgraduate Diploma in Global Workplace English
Among the above programs, Chinese-taught programs are mainly delivered in Mandarin / Chinese, while the remaining programs are generally taught in English. Specific arrangements are subject to official program information. Some programs are offered as one-year full-time or part-time study options, and selected programs support spring intake.
Admission Requirements Overview
Academic Qualifications
• Applicants should hold a recognized bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification;
• Some programs accept applicants with relevant professional qualifications and at least 3 years of related work experience;
• Certain Chinese-taught programs may accept applicants with a sub-degree qualification and several years of relevant work experience, subject to individual assessment.
Language Requirements
• Chinese-taught programs: IELTS / TOEFL is generally not required, but applicants should demonstrate good Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. An interview assessment is usually required.
• English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 80 / TOEFL paper-based 550 / TOEFL computer-based 213 / HKDSE English Language Level 3 / HKALE Use of English Grade E / equivalent qualifications.
Work Experience & Other Requirements
• Some programs require applicants to have relevant work experience or professional qualifications;
• Some programs require admission interviews or portfolio assessments, particularly in arts, photography, and music;
• Certain programs may prefer applicants with a relevant undergraduate background. For example, the Chinese Classical Painting and Calligraphy Connoisseurship program may give preference to applicants with qualifications related to Chinese visual arts or calligraphy.
Application Timeline (Reference for the 2026/2027 Academic Year)
• Spring Intake: Selected programs, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Studies and Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Cultural Tourism Experience and Management, may begin in January–February 2027. Applications generally open 3–6 months in advance and may close on a rolling basis once places are filled.
• Fall Intake: Selected programs may commence between May and September 2026, with applications generally opening 3–6 months before the program start date.
• Program commencement dates, application opening dates, and deadlines vary considerably by program and should be confirmed through the official program website.
Qualification & Recognition
Upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of all graduation requirements, students will receive a Postgraduate Diploma awarded by the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). The qualification is classified at Level 6 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework and is recognized in Hong Kong. Students may apply for a student visa to study in Hong Kong, and eligible graduates may apply for the Hong Kong IANG visa to remain and work in Hong Kong after graduation.
A Postgraduate Diploma is not a degree qualification and is generally not eligible for academic degree verification by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange. Applicants whose primary goal is employment or further study in Mainland China are advised to understand in advance how Postgraduate Diploma qualifications are recognized and used in Mainland China.
The above information is compiled from official HKU SPACE sources and publicly available materials. Specific programs, tuition fees, language requirements, special requirements, and application deadlines are subject to the official admission information published by each program for the relevant year.