Hong Kong Metropolitan University Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKMU LiPACE) is offering 15 full-time Higher Diploma programmes, 2 full-time Diploma programmes, and Diploma of Applied Education programme for the AY2024-25. 7 Higher Diploma programmes are included in the “Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/ Sectors” (SSSDP), covering Health Care, Digital Fashion Creation, Civil Engineering, Interior Design, Resort and Theme Park Management, Tourism and Airline Studies, and Tourism and Hospitality, with a total of 560 subsidised places.
In addition to the 7 Higher Diploma programmes subsidised by the SSSDP, there are 6 other Higher Diploma programmes eligible for the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). These include Pet Care and Animal Assisted Therapy, Criminology, Psychology, Creative Culture and Media Practice, Business Administration Management, and Japanese Studies. 3 Higher Diploma programmes, including Early Childhood Education, Business Administration and Management, and Health and Molecular Testing, are also eligible for scholarships provided by the School.
To enhance the career prospects of its students, those enrolled in Higher Diploma programmes at HKMU LiPACE have the opportunity to intern at various institutions related to their field of study, such as Hong Kong Ocean Park, Menzies CNAC Aviation Services, and InterContinental Hotels Group, among others. Outstanding graduates may even be offered full-time employment opportunities. In terms of further education, the School has signed agreements with local and overseas tertiary institutions, allowing HKMU LiPACE graduates to benefit from credit exemptions or transfers when pursuing related Bachelor’s degree programmes.
Dr. Benjamin CHAN Tak-yuen, Dean of HKMU LiPACE, stated, “Currently, our Higher Diploma, Diploma, and Diploma of Applied Education programmes have over 2,300 students enrolled. The Higher Diploma in Health Care, Business Administration and Management, and Early Childhood Education have been particularly popular in recent years. HKMU LiPACE students are well-equipped with practical knowledge during their studies, making them highly favoured by employers in Hong Kong.”
Ivan Kan Shing-Hang, year 2 student of the “Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing”, is currently interning at BGI Genomics, arranged by the School. The programme offers him numerous practicing opportunities, and he hopes to obtain a license to become a laboratory technician in the future.
Daisy Chan Hiu-Lam, a recent graduate of the “Higher Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management,” will be continuing her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During her studies, she interned at a five-star hotel through an arrangement by the School. Impressed by her performance, the employer hired her as a part-time staff member and has promised to offer her a full-time position upon graduation.
Chloe Leung Hiu-Tung, year 2 student of the “Higher Diploma in Pet Care and Animal Assisted Therapy,” plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Pet Care and Grooming at Tajen University in Taiwan, a partner institution of HKMU LiPACE. She hopes to apply her knowledge in the future by opening a pet grooming shop.
From now until 31 July, students or graduates of the Foundation Diploma and Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as current HKDSE candidates, can apply online or on-site for the HKMU LiPACE Higher Diploma and Diploma programmes and application fee will be waived.
Overview of LiPACE’s SSSDP Higher Diploma Programmes:
Introduction to Other Key Higher Diploma Programmes:
Higher Diploma in Pet Care and Animal Assisted Therapy
HKMU LiPACE is a pioneer in pet care programme among the tertiary education providers in Hong Kong. This comprehensive programme encompasses professional knowledge and techniques in 2 main areas of pet care, namely pet care and grooming and animal assisted therapy. Outstanding students of the current academic year are granted exclusive access to the CityU Veterinary Medical Centre’s Volunteer and Shadowing Programme. This unparalleled opportunity enables them to closely observe and learn from seasoned veterinary professionals, enriching their academic journey with valuable practical experiences.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will possess the necessary skills to pursue rewarding careers in pet grooming, pet product marketing, animal behavior correction, and veterinary assistance. Furthermore, graduates can further their study by enrolling in overseas programmes such as Bachelor of Science in Pet Care and Grooming at the Tajen University in Taiwan, Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Psychology of Human and Animal Behavior (Year 2) at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, or continue their studies with HKMU's Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology or Bachelor of Social Sciences in Applied Social Studies, entering at Year 3.
Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing
The curriculum of Higher Diploma in Health and Molecular Testing was developed in accordance with the “Hong Kong Blueprint for Innovation and Technology Development” announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government at the end of 2022. HKMU LiPACE collaborates with renowned testing and certification companies such as BGI Genomics, Grant Technology, Intertek Testing Services HK Ltd., and SGS Hong Kong to provide each student with a minimum of 100 hours of work-integrated learning.
Graduates of the programme not only can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic products industries, but can also work in diagnostic, testing, and certification laboratories, universities, and research institutions. They can pursue relevant degree programmes in local universities, such as bioscience, testing and certification, and natural sciences. For example, they can articulate to the biomedical science programme at Queensland University of Technology in Australia or the Bachelor of Biotechnology programme at Clark University in the United States, with the possibility of credit exemptions or transfers.
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
HKMU LiPACE pioneers the establishment of the first kindergarten mock-up classroom and ECE STEAM room in Hong Kong. The curriculum comprehensively encompasses child development, educational theories, early childhood STEAM education, parent education, and educational practices. Students also enjoy unique volunteer service opportunities provided by kindergarten and early childhood education institutions across Hong Kong.
HKMU LiPACE has signed an agreement with Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, to allow its graduates to pursue a one-year bridging programme. Those who successfully complete the programme and pass the relevant teaching qualification examination are eligible to apply for teaching positions in mainland China. Furthermore, graduates are qualified to become registered teachers under the Hong Kong Education Bureau and registered childcare workers or childcare centre supervisors under the Social Welfare Department.
Higher Diploma in Digital Fashion Creation
The programme offers practical training such as fashion technology, design thinking, visual communication, and IT and digital design literacy. To provide students with workplace exposure, HKMU LiPACE proactively engages students in prestigious fashion events and international competitions and regularly invites industry professionals including designers, entrepreneurs, and fashion innovators to share their valuable experiences.
香港都會大學李嘉誠專業進修學院（都大 LiPACE）於2024-25學年開辦15個全日制高級文憑、2個全日制文憑及應用教育文憑課程。當中有7個高級文憑課程獲納入「指定專業／界別課程資助計劃」（SSSDP），包括醫療護理、數碼時裝設計、工程學（土木工程）、室內設計、度假區及主題樂園管理、旅遊及航空業以及旅遊及款待業，合共560個資助學額。除了以上 7個高級文憑課程獲SSSDP資助，另有6個高級文憑課程可申請持續進修基金，包括寵物護養及動物輔助治療、犯罪學、心理學、創意文化及媒體實務、工商管理及日本研究。亦有3個高級文憑課程，包括幼兒教育、工商管理、健康及分子檢測，亦可申請學院提供之獎學金。
就讀都大LiPACE高級文憑課程的學生均有機會按修讀學科到不同機構實習，如香港海洋公園、中航明捷、洲際酒店集團等。表現優異的畢業生，更有機會獲聘為全職員工。 升學方面，學院與多間本地及海外專上院校簽訂了協議，畢業生升讀相關學士學位課程可獲豁免或轉移部分學分。
都大 LiPACE院長曾德源博士表示：「目前，本院的高級文憑、文憑及應用教育文憑課程共有逾2,300名學生。醫療護理、工商管理及幼兒教育高級文憑都是近年大熱課程。都大LiPACE學生於求學時期已裝備了不少實戰知識，深受香港僱主喜愛。」
都大LiPACE「健康與分子檢測高級文憑」二年級學生簡誠亨（Ivan）現正於學院安排的實習機構華大基因（BGI）實習，課程給予他很多實習機會，他希望將來能成功考取牌照，成為化驗師。
應屆「旅遊及款待業高級文憑」畢業生陳曉琳（Daisy）即將升讀香港理工大學「酒店管理理學士」。她在學期間透過學院安排到一間五星級酒店實習，因僱主非常滿意其表現即獲聘為兼職員工，更表示待她畢業後將會聘請她為全職員工。「寵物及動物輔助治療高級文憑」二年級學生梁曉彤（Chloe）表示正計劃畢業後前往學院合作伙伴台灣大仁科技大學修讀「寵物照護暨美容學士學位」，希望將來能學以致用，開設寵物美容店。
由即日起至7月31日，基礎課程文憑及應用教育文憑課程學生或畢業生，以及應屆香港中學文憑（DSE）考生於網上或即場報讀都大LiPACE高級文憑及文憑課程，可獲豁免報名費。
都大 LiPACE「指定專業／界別課程資助計劃」（SSSDP）高級文憑課程簡介
其他重點高級文憑課程簡介
都大LiPACE是本港首間推出寵物護養及動物輔助治療課程的大專院校。此課程涵蓋了寵物護理及動物輔助治療兩大專業知識及技能，本年度學生被選中參與城大動物醫療中心義工及影子計劃 （Volunteer and Shadowing Programme），可以近距離觀察專業獸醫工作，豐富學習體驗。畢業生可投身寵物美容和寵物相關行業（例如寵物產品營銷、動物行為矯正等），或擔任獸醫助理。畢業生亦可選擇報讀台灣大仁科技大學寵物照護暨美容學士學位、英國University of Salford 的 BSc （Hons） Psychology of Human and Animal Behavior 二年級、都會大學心理學榮譽社會科學學士或應用社會研究榮譽社會科學學士三年級。
課程配合香港特區政府2022年底公布的《香港創新科技發展藍圖》而開辦。都大LiPACE與BGI （華大基因）、Grant Technology、Intertek Testing Services HK Ltd.及SGS Hong Kong等知名檢測及認證公司合作，為學生提供最少100小時的實習時數，畢業生可投身製藥業、生物及診斷產品業、醫療集團外，亦能於診斷、檢測和認證實驗室、大學及研究機構工作。另可選擇升讀本地大學生物科學、檢測認證、自然科學等相關學位課程，如銜接升讀澳洲昆士蘭科技大學生物醫學及美國克拉克大學生物技術學士學位課程，更可豁免或轉移部分學分。
都大LiPACE設全港首個幼稚園模擬課室及幼兒STEAM活動空間，課程包含幼兒發展、教育理論、早期教育STEAM、家長教育和教育實踐等科目，並獲多間幼兒教育機構提供多項全港獨有義工服務機會。學院與深圳信息職業技術學院簽訂協議，畢業生合資格修讀其一年制的銜接課程，完成後並通過內地的教學資格考試者，可申請內地執教資格。此外，畢業生亦具資格成為香港教育局檢定教員及社會福利署註冊幼兒工作員或幼兒中心主管。
課程涵蓋時裝技術、設計思維、視覺傳意及電腦數碼設計技術等實用科目，學院會安排同學參與不同的時裝界盛事及世界性比賽，亦會定期邀請時裝設計界別人士，如設計師、企業家及時裝創客等分享寶貴經驗，並提供職場工作體驗。
