Who we are

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) was established in 1989 by the Hong Kong Government. The University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate awards, and is the only fully accredited and recognized university in Hong Kong to deliver its programmes mainly by distance learning. To date, about 40,000 students have graduated.

Admission to OUHK is open to anyone in Hong Kong over the age of 17. OUHK is unique among Hong Kong tertiary institutions in that it has no entry requirements for most of its first degree distance learning programmes. Exit standards, however, are rigorous.

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Why choose the OUHK?

You have many university study programmes to choose from in Hong Kong . What makes OUHK special? OUHK provides a unique blend of advantages for Hong Kong people:

• True flexibility. OUHK offers unparalleled flexibility in distance education study methods, so it is particularly suitable for busy Hong Kong people. As an OUHK student, you study wherever you want, and whenever you want -- you do not need to attend lectures at fixed times and places. You can also control the pace at which you complete your programme -- there are no time limits on finishing a qualification. You also have the added flexibility of multiple exit points and articulated programmes.

• A genuine Hong Kong focus. Unlike many overseas programmes, a Hong Kong perspective is built into OUHK courses wherever it's relevant. Most OUHK academic staff, course writers, and designers have extensive experience living and working in Hong Kong .

• Local and international recognition. OUHK degrees and other qualifications are equal to those from other Hong Kong Government-established universities, and are recognized both in Hong Kong and overseas for employment, for postgraduate studies, and for many exemptions from professional examinations. Employers recognize that our graduates have proved their self-discipline, perseverance and intellectual ability.

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Teaching through our high quality course materials

• Local and international subject-matter experts. Our courses are written by subject experts on the OUHK faculty or experts from other universities. We have courses written by academics from all of the other universities in Hong Kong, and from many leading universities around the world, such as Beijing Normal University, the University of London, the University of California, the National University of Singapore, Monash University, and more. Honorary professors are sometimes invited to offer their advice towards the development of our programmes and courses.

• Interactive materials. Course materials do not simply include text to be read. They include activities, self-tests, and supplementary readings and case studies which make learning more interesting and effective.

• Rigorous quality control. All OUHK courses, whether locally developed or bought from overseas universities, are closely scrutinized and validated by both internal and external reviewers to ensure quality.

• Multimedia and other support. Many courses integrate video and audio programmes, computer software, interactive CD-ROMs and broadcast TV programmes. OUHK courses are supported online through the University's Online Learning Environment, giving you the opportunity to participate in online discussions or to incorporate resources found on the World Wide Web into your studies.

If you want to get a taste of what distance learning at OUHK is like, you can try out some of OUHK's sample courses online.

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Supporting your learning

OUHK distance learners receive plenty of support throughout their studies.

• Tutors. For each course, a student will be placed in a tutorial group. The tutor will be responsible for guiding the student's learning. Tutors mark and comment on assignments; give help by telephone and email, and online; and run regular face-to-face tutorial sessions on weekday evenings or weekends on campus or in off-campus centres. You are not normally required to attend tutorials, but most experienced OUHK students strongly recommend them. 

• Course Coordinators. Course Coordinators, who are OUHK's academic subject experts, oversee the running of courses and programmes. They are available to provide assistance to students when necessary.

• Online support. The University provides a comprehensive range of learning support services, including use of OUHK's Electronic Library and Student Email System. OUHK's Online Learning Environment enables quick online access to most of our course materials, and to news and learning aids, and easy communication between fellow students, tutors and Course Coordinators.

• Social support. Many of the student societies at OUHK are open to distance learning students, and distance learners often form study groups to help one another tackle a course. A large network of OUHK alumni support the University's work and its students, both during and after their studies.

• Campus and facilities. OUHK's Ho Man Tin campus offers a Library, a self-study centre; and computer labs. The Jockey Club Environmental Laboratory and the language and technology laboratories are also located on campus. Additional University facilities are found in its Homantin Plaza Learning Centre and its Island Learning Centre in Sheung Wan (in the Shun Tak Centre). Other OUHK study centres are available in other parts of Hong Kong .

• Financial support. The University runs two financial assistance schemes: the Student Financial Assistance Scheme and the Emergency Assistance Loan. An OUHK MasterCard Interest Free Tuition Loan is also available. In addition, a number of scholarships donated by commercial organizations, firms and individuals are awarded each year to OUHK students for their outstanding academic achievement. A number of Government financial assistance schemes run by the Student Financial Assistance Agency (SFAA) are open to OUHK students.

• Support for students with special needs. OUHK offers a range of equipment and services to help all of its students succeed in their university studies, including those who are confined at home, in hospital or in a correctional institution.

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Assessment

For most courses, your overall result will depend on your performance in both continuous assessment and an examination:

• Continuous assessment. This includes a number of formal assignments at regular intervals. The assignments may involve writing essays, answering multiple-choice questions, or carrying out projects and case studies.
• Written examination. Most courses have an examination, which takes place at the end of the course.

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