| Programme Short Name | Study Mode | Normal Period of Study | JUPAS Code | EdUHK Programme Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD(ECE) | Full-time | 2 Years | JS8507 | A2H049 |
| Enquiry (Admissions) | Programme Leader | Enquiry (Programme) | Programme Booklet | Programme Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (852) 2948 6886 Submit Your Enquiry |
Ms WOO Yuen Shan |
(852) 2948 8215 |
Programme Booklet | Programme Website |
Programme Introduction
The Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme aims to provide students with the academic and professional preparation necessary to become competent, caring and reflective beginning teachers able to work in a range of early childhood settings and undertake further professional advancement.
Programme Features
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Funded by the Government
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Graduates are eligible for applying as registered Qualified Kindergarten Teachers and Registered Child Care Workers, and possess the professional qualification required of all child care supervisors
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Graduates are recognised as having acquired training on the One-year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work of the Social Welfare Department
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Articulation to the various undergraduate programmes offered by EdUHK, including
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Students can earn a higher diploma, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years
Programme Structure
| Domain | Credit Points (cps) |
|---|---|
| Major | 24 |
| Education Studies | 20 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Field Experience | 9 |
| General Education | 7 |
| Language Enhancement | 9 |
| Total: | 72 |
Notes:
(1) Classes will be held in Tai Po Campus and Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Sports Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre as decided by the University.
(2) Students admitted into this programme are required to visit the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and/or other parts of Mainland China. The programme may also require students to participate in other non-local learning experience for completion of the programme. While the visits are subsidised, students are required to contribute part of the estimated cost of the visits ("students’ contribution"), whereas any personal entertainment, meals expenses, travel document fee and personal insurance costs shall be at students’ own expense. The estimated cost of the visits and students’ contribution for students admitted to the coming cohort is yet to be available due to a variety of factors such as inflation of cost of the visits, trip duration, traveling expenses, the exchange rate, etc.
Field Experience
Field experience (FE) is a core domain in both the pre-service and in-service teacher education programmes at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) which aims to support students to develop the graduate attributes of the University, i.e., Professional Excellence, Ethical Responsibilities and Innovation (PEER &I), and to nurture them to be outstanding and caring educators and professionals who contribute constructively to sustainable social and economic development in Hong Kong and beyond. Please click here for more details.
Career Prospects/Professional Recognition
Graduates of the programme:
- are eligible to register as Qualified Kindergarten Teachers and Registered Child Care Workers;
- are recognised as having acquired training on the One-year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work of the Social Welfare Department;
- have the professional qualification required of child care supervisors; and
- are eligible to apply for the University's Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) Programmes (Part-time), and Undergraduate Programmes (Full-time) (Senior Year Admissions).
General Entrance Requirements
Applicants can apply for this programme through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) or Direct Application (Non-JUPAS) route.
JUPAS Route
If applicants are applying on the strength of their HKDSE results, they should apply through JUPAS. Applicants are normally required to possess Level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language and English Language (not more than two Applied Learning subjects).
Direct Application (Non-JUPAS) Route
Applicants are eligible to apply through the Direct Application (Non-JUPAS) route if they:
- have obtained (i) Grade E or above in at least six different subjects, including Mathematics, Chinese Language* and English Language (Syllabus B)* at the HKCEE level in not more than two sittings, with at least four subjects in one sitting; and (ii) Grade E or above in AS Use of English and AS Chinese Language & Culture at the HKALE level; or
- have completed a Pre-Associate Degree / Associate Degree Foundation Programme or equivalent (i.e. QF Level 3 Qualification); or graduated from Yi Jin Diploma; or
- possess recognised post-secondary qualifications or are currently attending Year 1 of a recognised post-secondary programme (i.e. QF Level 4 programme); or
- have obtained acceptable non-local qualifications^ (e.g. GCE A-level / International A-level, IB Diploma, etc); or
- are mature out-of-school applicants (aged 25 or above by 31 August 2025) and demonstrate the sustained development of specific talents or achievements and a wealth of experience.
* Grade C in English Language (Syllabus A) is regarded as equivalent to Grade E in English Language (Syllabus B). Since 2007, the University has accepted Level 2 or above for Chinese Language and English Language.
^ Country-specific entrance requirements can be found HERE. Other non-local qualifications not listed therein will be considered on individual merits.
Language Requirements
In addition to the foregoing general entrance requirements, applicants holding non-local qualifications have to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in both the Chinese and English languages, unless exempted by the University.
English Language Requirement
The following is a list of acceptable tests and the score required:
- Level 2 / Grade E or above in the HKCEE English Language; or
- Grade E or above in ASL Use of English in the HKALE; or
- Level 2 or above in English Language in the HKDSE; or
- A TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80# (internet-based test); or
# TOEFL ITP and MyBestTM Score are not accepted
(the test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years after the test date) - A minimum overall band of 6 in the academic version of IELTS; or
(the test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years after the test date) - Grade E or above in GCE AS Level or AL Level English; or
- Grade C / Grade 4 or above in IGCSE/GCE O-level English; or
- Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE English or English Literature
Chinese Language Requirement
Applicants are normally required to obtain:
- Level 2 / Grade E or above in the HKCEE Chinese Language; or
- Grade E or above in ASL Chinese Language & Culture in the HKALE; or
- Level 2 or above in Chinese Language in the HKDSE; or
- Grade E or above in GCE ASL or AL Chinese; or
- Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE / IGCSE / GCE O-level Chinese.
What Our Student Says
This program allows me to systematically learn the relevant theoretical knowledge of early childhood education. In addition, the program provides abundant internship opportunities. By observing the daily work and teaching practices of preschool teachers, I can apply what I have learned and gain invaluable experience, such as lesson planning, classroom management parent communication, and making teaching aids. This will lay a solid foundation for me to become an outstanding and compassionate early childhood education professional in the future.
Mo Mei-Yu
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
The programme offers students various opportunities to explore how education in the early years can make a difference in our society and to experience how growing up with young children can give oneself a sense of satisfaction. Throughout my learning journey, I have learned how to build connections with children by integrating games and hands-on practices. During the block practices, I have gained valuable experiences. My experience at the EdUHK has undoubtedly encouraged me to strive for the best in nurturing the future generation and to bring positive influences to children.
Tsoi Wing-Hei
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
This program enables students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of various teaching strategies through theoretical instruction. Additionally, it provides opportunities for practicum placements in kindergartens, allowing students to accumulate valuable practical experience. Furthermore, the program fosters creativity through activities such as designing diverse teaching aids and educational activities. This approach significantly enhances my enthusiasm for teaching.
Wu Hiu-Tung Nicole
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
This programme offers numerous practical opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge and professional skills. At the same time, I learned that the curriculum design should take into account the different abilities of children, so I will set a variety of difficulty levels. The Education University of Hong Kong has enabled me to fully utilize my strengths and grow alongside the children.
Feng Jieting
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
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