Frequently Asked Questions

The OUHK does not have any academic entry requirements for most of its part-time (distance learning) first degree programmes. Admission is open to anyone in Hong Kong over the age of 17.

You should note, however, that some of the OUHK programmes, especially those in the areas of education and nursing, are designed for people already holding certain qualifications. In addition, each programme in postgraduate level stipulates its own programme-specific entry requirements.

To find out if there are any entry requirements to a programme, you could browse the programme page, and click on “programme information” under each programme if you are a new student; or “programme regulation” if you are a continuing student.

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Language Ability

I only have HKCEE/HKDSE level, and I am not sure I can handle OUHK part-time (distance learning) courses. Are there any courses that can help me improve my language?

Yes. If you think you need further study in languages to enable you to complete OUHK courses satisfactorily, you may decide to take the following Language Enhancement courses:

Pre-foundation Level:

ENGL A090 - English Speaking and Listening Skills
ENGL E070 - English for Post-secondary Study

These two courses combine English language and training in the study techniques required for successful study in the part-time (distance learning) mode. Credits gained from completing these courses cannot be counted towards any degree programme, however,

Foundation and Middle Level:

ENGL E110 - English for Effective Communication I: Listing and Speaking
ENGL E120 - English for Effective Communication I: Reading and Writing
ENGL E200 - English for Effective Communication II: Reading and Writing
ENGL E205 - Preparing for IELTS
ENGL E210 - English for Effective Communication II: Listening and Speaking

These courses are at University level. Credits gained from completing them may be counted towards the free choice credit component that is a feature of most OUHK programmes of study.

There are also enhancement courses for Chinese and Putonghua languages. These include:

CHIN E130C - Effective Use of Chinese I
CHIN E230C - Effective Use of Chinese II
PTH E150C - A Foundation Course in Putonghua
PTH E250C - Effective Use of Putonghua

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Programmes Offered

What programmes are on offer?

The OUHK offers programmes leading to sub-degree (i.e. certificate, diploma, higher diploma and associate degree) and Bachelor's degree qualifications in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing, and Science, etc. Master's and Doctoral degrees are also available in certain areas.

Can I construct a special programme of study to suit my particular needs?

First of all, you may study courses in any of the programmes. If your particular interests or career requirements are not met by one of the OUHK's named programmes, you may decide to aim for the award of a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) or Associate of General Studies (AGS). These two programmes offer students the opportunity to construct their own programmes of studies within the framework of OUHK programme regulations.

For further information and advice, an application form requesting BGS or AGS academic support is available for download via these links below:

Requesting for academic support of AGS
Requesting for academic support of BGS

Can I change my programme of study - for example, from a Science degree to a Social Sciences degree - during my study in OUHK?

Yes. You should be aware, however, that when you change your programme of study, the programme regulations may also be changed. Therefore, the courses that you have already completed, and the credits you have obtained by examination or advanced standing/credit exemption, may not be counted towards the newly chosen programme.

Please note that continuing students applying to the OUHK part-time (distance learning) programmes or postgraduate programmes with specific entry requirements shall pay the application fee of HK$300. Graduates of the University who have already obtained a qualification awarded by the University or graduates of LIPACE high diploma will be given a waiver of the application fee when they apply to a part-time (distance learning) programme/postgraduate programme with specific entry requirements.

There will be no application fee incurred for continuing students who apply to change a programme of study that has no specific entry requirements.

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Course Selection

What courses can I study?

The University has switched to using a new course code format since 2010 October term. Each course code carries a ‘subject’ to indicate the area of academic discipline (see example below).

Course code: ACT B415

Subject		ACT represents the subject Accounting.
Number (composed of one letter and three numbers)		The letter indicates the School offering the course: A: School of Arts and Social Sciences B: Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration E: School of Education and Languages N: School of Nursing and Health Studies S: School of Sciences and Technology
		The 1st number signifies the level of the subject: 0* or 1: Pre-foundation/Foundation level 2: Middle level 3 or 4: Higher level 8 or 9: Postgraduate level
		The 2nd and 3rd numbers are serial numbers assigned to the course which may be different from the current course code.
		In this example, B represents the offering School is Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, and the first number, 4, indicates that the course is a Higher (Honours) level course.

A course code with a suffix ‘C’ indicates that Chinese is used as the medium of instruction; a course code with a suffix ‘B’ indicates that the course is bilingual; all others (i.e. those without a suffix ‘C’ or ‘B’) are in English. A course code with a suffix ’F’ indicates that the course is delivered mainly in the face-to-face mode.

*Some courses have no credit value attached to them. The course code of these courses also starts with '0'.

How long does a course last?

The academic year starts with the Autumn term in early September followed by the Spring term beginning in late January when most courses are offered. Some courses will be offered in Summer term which starts in early June.

The duration of a one-term and a two-term part-time (distance learning) course consists of 16 study weeks and 36 study weeks respectively, both will be followed by a four-week examination period.

It is worth noting that two-term courses starting in Spring term usually involve a 12-week summer break* after the first 20 study weeks. They will then continue with a further 16 weeks of learning in the following Autumn term.

For postgraduate programmes delivered in face-to-face mode, each of the Autumn and Spring terms consists of 15 study weeks and a 3-week examination period, whereas the Summer term consists of 12 study weeks and a 2-week examination period.

For details, you may refer to the current academic calendars via the links below:

Part-time (distance learning) programmes

Postgraduate (face-to-face) programmes

*May not be applicable to some programmes/courses which have teaching activities in Summer term.

How do I know if I am capable of studying OUHK courses?

Self-diagnostic quizzes for certain part-time (distance learning) courses are available. You can obtain these tests in person from the Information Centre of the University or by sending your request to the Admission & Enrolment Office (Part-time & Postgraduate).

The self-diagnostic quizzes are available for the following courses:

Course Codes	Course Titles
*ENGL A101*	University English Writing Skills
*ENVR S237*	Environmental Control and Public Health
*MATH S121*	A Foundation in Pure Mathematics
*MATH S122*	A Foundation in Applied Mathematics
*STAT S242*	Statistics in Society
*MECH S213* *SCI S123*	Materials: Engineering and Science Foundation Physics
*SCI S124*	Foundation Chemistry
*SCI S122*	A Foundation Course in Biology and Earth Science

How do I decide which course to study?

If you are a new student studying a part-time (distance learning) programme, we advise you to start with a pre-foundation or foundation course. Courses at these levels are designed to help you re-establish good study habits. You can find out more about the OUHK's courses in the OUHK website (www.ouhk.edu.hk/enroldl_e). Most of the OUHK's course materials and set books are also available for reference in the OUHK Library and at some public libraries.

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Study Load

Q10

How much time will I need to spend on study?

A10

It depends on the number of credits the course carries, and whether you are familiar with studying by distance education. On average, most OUHK students are expected to spend between 8 and 10 hours a week studying for a 10-credit course.

Q11

Do I have to pass the course I have enrolled on before I move on to studying another OUHK course?

A11

In general, no, but remember that there may be advisory prerequisites for taking certain courses. You should also note that some degree programmes require mandatory successful completion of certain courses to qualify for an award.

Q12

What is the maximum number of sub-degree/degree courses I can take in a term?

A12

New students and students entering postgraduate programmes for the first time can register for courses with a total maximum registration value of 15. For continuing students, the maximum is 30.

The registration value of a course is the credit value of the course divided by the number of terms it takes to complete. It is an indication of a student's study load. For example, a 20-credit course of two terms' duration has a registration value of 10, while a 5-credit course of one term's duration has a registration value of 5.

Prior approval is required from the Dean of the School concerned in order to exceed these limits.

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Examinations

Q13

When will I sit for the course examination?

A13

The OUHK Examinations are normally held in December/January, May/June and August/September. The examination timetable will be announced via the OUHK Website (Current Students). You may also view the current academic calendars for examination periods via the links below:

Part-time (distance learning) programmes

Postgraduate (face-to-face) programmes

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Study Period

Q14

How long will it take me to get a degree?

A14

If you study for the maximum of 15 credits in the first term, and 20 credits in the following terms, the approximate time you would need to obtain a 120-credit ordinary degree would be three and a half years (the time would be shorter if you achieve advanced standing/credit exemption/study through pathway). In general, you are expected to study between 15 to 20 hours a week for a 20-credit course. This would be similar to being a full-time student. For students who may have full-time jobs, they may tend to spread the study load for a degree over a period of five to six years.

Q15

Is there a limit on the maximum period of time I have to finish a degree?

A15

Most OUHK part-time (distance learning) programmes set no restrictions on how long you can take to complete your qualification. If you wish, you may take a break of any length after completing a course, and resume your study in a future term. However, there may be some programmes, especially the face-to-face postgraduate programmes, that have set time limits for students to complete the programmes. You should refer to the relevant Programme Regulations for details.

Q16

Do I have to complete the whole degree?

A16

No. One of the advantages of open learning is that you can set your own objectives and goals. The OUHK offers multiple certified exit points through its articulated sub-degree programmes. For further details, please refer to the part-time (distance learning) programmes list for information.

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Support Services

Q17

How will I study?

A17

Students studying in the part-time (distance learning) mode receive packages containing specially structured learning materials such as written texts, assignment questions and other supplementary materials. The OUHK also makes use of other media, such as video and audio programmes, computer software, CD-ROMS, and online discussion boards to enrich students' learning experience. Electronic Library resources are available for access 24 hours daily. When registering the part-time (distance learning) courses, you can choose your tutorial group which are run by tutors who will provide teaching comments and advice on your assignments and is available by telephone to answer your queries (during designated timeslot set by tutors). Your tutor will also run optional tutorials and/or surgery sessions, etc. on weekday evenings or at weekends. Students studying postgraduate courses delivered in face-to-face mode will have more frequent and regular class sessions. These sessions are usually held during weekday evenings and weekends.

Most courses have an end-of-course written examinations, your result in a course will depend on your performance in both the continuous assessment and the examination, and in some cases, the required attendance at the compulsory day schools or laboratory sessions.

An email account will be provided to all students. All academic and administrative information will be sent to the student's university email account as far as it is applicable. This includes information about the student's programme and courses, tutorial timetables, changes to tutorial and study schedules, University news, and student announcements. For this reason, enrolled students should check their email account frequently to access important and updated information.

Q18

Where can I study?

A18

The OUHK provides self-study facilities including discussion rooms and self-study rooms in addition to the Library on campus. Since the University's online learning facilities and Electronic Library are accessible anywhere with Internet access, you can also study at home, at your workplace, at public libraries, and even on your business trips.

Q19

Will I meet other students when I study at the OUHK?

A19

Yes. You have opportunities to meet the fellow members of your class by attending supplementary lectures and/or tutorials or day schools or laboratory sessions, etc. at OUHK campuses. You may also meet your classmates in the OUHK library. Some OUHK students get together as self-help groups in their homes, the OUHK library, or other convenient locations. There are activities organized by various student societies in which you could participate.

Q20

Does the University provide support services for students with disabilities or special educational needs?

A20

The University provides services to students with disabilities or special educational needs during their studies. The services include course selection counselling, special study aids on loan at the Facilities for Special Educational Needs in Library, arrangement of wheelchair accessible tutorial centre, course materials in CD format and special examination arrangement etc*. Students have to apply for the services via Student Affairs Office before the stipulated deadline and should indicate their type of disabilities to facilitate the University to provide the appropriate services for them.

Students should carefully consider their study load as they will be assessed by the same academic performance measure as other OUHK students. They are encouraged to seek further advice from their respective Course Coordinator(s) by calling the Information Centre at 2711-2100. If you do not indicate the nature of disability before the commencement of course, you might not be able to complete the course due to the aforesaid compulsory requirements of course.

* The University will try to provide the required services according to circumstances, however, it may not always be possible to do so if there are insufficient resources or other constraints.

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Tuition Fees

Q21

How much will an OUHK course cost?

A21

The fee of part-time (distance learning) course depends on the level of the course while postgraduate course delivered in face-to-face mode adopts a lock-in fee system. You may refer to the following links for more information about tuition fee:

Part-time (distance learning) course fees

Postgraduate programmes delivered in face-to-face mode

Q22

I am aged 65 (or above). Do I qualify for any tuition discounts?

A22

Elderly persons aged 65 or above with a Senior Citizen Card will be offered a 30% discount on the tuition fees at the time of course registration. If you are interested in the Scheme, you should submit your application in person and produce your senior citizen card for verification during office hours. If you prefer to apply by mail, you should submit your application together with a copy of your senior citizen card, you will be required to show the original senior citizen card for verification afterwards.

To comply with the requirements of the HKSAR Government's Office of the CEF, the University will not offer any tuition fee discount or reduction to students applying for "CEF reimbursable courses".

Applicants interested in the short courses offered by the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education may contact LIPACE for further information or visit their website.

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Student Financial Assistance

Q23

What are the financial assistance schemes available for OUHK students to apply?

A23

The government and university provide various financial assistance schemes to financially support the needy students, e.g. the OUHK Bursary/Loan, Government’s grant or loan schemes and the Continuing Education Fund. Please visit the Student Affairs Office website for more details.

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Accreditation

Q24

Will my OUHK degree be recognized?

A24

OUHK has been granted authority by the Hong Kong Government to validate its own courses on a self-accreditation basis. OUHK graduates are treated exactly the same as the graduates of other Hong Kong tertiary institutions by the Government for employment purposes.

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Advanced Standing/Credit Exemption

Q25

Will my previous qualifications count when I study for an OUHK degree?

A25

An advanced standing scheme is in place to recognize students' prior qualifications. Your previous qualifications may be recognized if they are completed at the tertiary level. The qualification you hold must be at Level 4 of the Qualifications Framework or equivalent. If you wish to transfer credits to an OUHK Postgraduate Diploma or Master's degree, the qualification you hold must be at Postgraduate level standard, that is, at least be a Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma or a higher degree at Master's degree level.

The OUHK offers three advanced standing schemes, General Credit Transfer (GCT), Specific Credit Transfer (SCT) and Block Credit Transfer (BCT).

Claims for advanced standing will be considered when you are a registered student; if you have never registered with the University, you may submit your application under the Extended Scheme.

Also, students holding eligible recognized qualifications may apply for admission to a programme via specific entry pathways. Students admitted via the pathways are normally required to study less credits. In this way, their prior qualifications are recognized.

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Study Abroad

Q26

Can I study for an OUHK course in a location other than Hong Kong?

A26

Persons living overseas are welcome to pursue their studies in OUHK through distance learning. However, they should note the following before submitting applications for enrolment:

Students will be provided with course materials designed by experts in their respective fields, which should enable students to successfully complete the course requirements. These course materials are normally to be collected in Hong Kong, but can be mailed to students living overseas at the students' cost.
There will be tutorial classes, but they are voluntary. Some courses require students to attend satisfactorily in different forms of compulsory day schools or laboratory sessions, etc, in order to pass the course. Normally, classes are held at OUHK campuses.
Examinations are also held in Hong Kong. However, students may apply for overseas examination arrangements if needed, but the extra expenditures incurred will be borne by the students. As there are stringent requirements on overseas examinations arrangements, therefore, not all applications will be approved.
Students not residing in Hong Kong who wish/need to attend tutorial classes, day schools and examinations in Hong Kong should enquire with the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government about entry requirements and visa applications. Normally, entry visas are not issued for people who come to Hong Kong solely for the purpose of studying part-time (distance learning) programmes.
Students who are not Hong Kong residents are not normally eligible for financial assistance.

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Registration Period

Q27

When can I start my study?

A27

You may start studying the part-time (distance learning) programme in either of the Autumn term or the Spring term each year. Autumn term begins in September while Spring term begins in January. The registration period for the Autumn term starts in June, while that for the Spring term begins in the preceding November. Some courses may have a different schedule.

The postgraduate programme delivered in face-to-face mode admits new students to commence in the Autumn term which starts in September every year. The application period starts in November of the preceding year.

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More Information

Q28

How can I get more information about the OUHK?

A28

You may download the latest programme brochure online or obtain a copy in person at the Information Centre of the University, or you can browse our website for such information.

If you have any questions, you may call our Information Centre at 2711 2100, or the Admissions & Enrolment Office (Part-time & Postgraduate) at 2768 6601/2; or by email at info@ouhk.edu.hk.

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Library Services

Q29

Where are the OUHK Libraries, and what are their opening hours?

A29

The Stanley Ho Library is located on Levels 1 and 2 of the Main Campus. There is also a branch library, Ho Sik Yee Library, located on Level 5 of the Jockey Club Campus. The address of the two campus libraries are as follows:

	Stanley Ho Library
	Levels 1-2, Main Campus
	Good Shepherd Street
	Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
	Hong Kong
	(Access via lift no. 6 or no. 9 to 2/F of Kwok Tak Seng Building)

	Ho Sik Yee Library
	Level 5, Jockey Club Campus
	81 Chung Hau Street
	Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
	Hong Kong
	(Access via lift no. 11 or no. 12 to 5/F of Jockey Club Campus)

Enquiry:	2768 6777 (Stanley Ho Library)
	3120 2555 (Ho Sik Yee Library)
Fax:	2715 1950	Email:	libwww@ouhk.edu.hk

Opening hours

	Mondays – Fridays (excluding public holidays)	9:00 am – 10:00 pm
	Saturdays – Sundays (including public holidays)	12:00 noon – 10:00 pm
	Public holidays (Mondays – Fridays)	1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
	Festival days*	early closing at 5:40 pm

*Festival days include Mid-Autumn Festival, Winter Solstice, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Notice of opening hours and any subsequent changes will be announced in advance via the Library homepage and posted at the Library entrance.

The Electronic Library at http://www.ouhk.edu.hk/lib is available for access 24 hours daily.

Q30

What kinds of resources can be found in the OUHK Libraries?

A30

Course set books, course materials, course related audio-visual materials, books, journals, reference materials, and many more are available at the two campus libraries.

The Electronic Library provides abundant learning resources including full-text e-books, e-journals, e-news, databases, reference resources, supplementary readings and selected past examination papers from academic departments. OUHK students can access the Electronic Library anytime anywhere while they are on campus, at home or in office.

Library staff members are happy to assist students in making use of all library resources.

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Computer Facilities

Q31

Are there computer facilities for OUHK students to use?

A31

Yes, there are self-access computing facilities at the OUHK's Ho Man Tin Main Campus, Jockey Club Campus, OUHK - CITA Campus and Kwai Hing Campus.

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Useful Contact Numbers and Email Addresses

Q32

Useful Contact Numbers and Email Addresses

A32

	Enquiry	Contact	Phone No.	Room No.	Email Address
1.	General	Information Centre	2711 2100	P27	info@ouhk.edu.hk
		24-Hour Infoline	2309 2188
2.	Admission & Support Services	Admissions & Enrolment Office (Part-time & Postgraduate)	2768 6601/2	A0511	regadm@ouhk.edu.hk
3.	Student Records	Student Records Office	2768 6623	A0511	regrec@ouhk.edu.hk
4.	Advanced Standing	Advanced Standing & Graduation Office	2768 6624	A0511	regaso@ouhk.edu.hk
5.	Student Financial Services	Student Affairs Office	2768 6636	C0512	sao_sfs@ouhk.edu.hk
6.	Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Special Educational Needs	Student Affairs Office	2768 6634	C0512	sao@ouhk.edu.hk
7.	Tutorials & Assignments	Class Scheduling, Assignments & Tutoring Office	2768 6677	A0511	regcsat@ouhk.edu.hk
8.	Examinations	Examinations Office	2768 6688	A0511	regexam@ouhk.edu.hk
9.	Graduation	Advanced Standing & Graduation Office	2768 6683	A0511	reggrad@ouhk.edu.hk

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Campus

Q33

Campus

A33

The OUHK Main Campus (Block A, Block B, Block C) is located at 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin and with a gross area of around 34,000 sq.m, it contains a Multipurpose Hall, Lecture Theaters and Tutorial Rooms.

The OUHK Jocky Club Campus (Block D, Block E) is located at 81 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin.

The total gross floor area of JCC is approximately 25,000 sq. m which contains an Auditorium, a Multi-purpose Hall, Lecture Theatres and Tutorial Rooms.

The OUHK Kwai Hing Campus (KHC) is located on Level 8-11, Tower 2 of Kowloon Commerce Centre, 51-53 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung. With a gross area of over 124,300 sq. ft., the Campus contains lecture theatre, 14 classrooms, 2 PC Laboratories, a learning resources centre, several purpose-built teaching/ learning facilities, study rooms and student commons.

The OUHK CITA Campus is located at 0/F to 5/F, 201-203 Lai King Hill Road, Kwai Chung. The area of the Campus is around 3,530 square metres with 11 classrooms, 3 PC laboratories, a learning resource centre, studios, self-study rooms and student amenities.

Maintained by: Admission & Enrolment Office (Part-time & Postgraduate), Registry

Modified Date: May 2020