The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the latest reformation of its full-time undergraduate curriculum in Hong Kong Tuesday.

The university has planned to put greater emphasis on inter-disciplinary studies and work-integrated education and will introduce more double degree programs and programs jointly offeredby different academic departments in the 2005/2006 academic year.

Introducing the planning parameters of the university's Academic Development Proposal for 2005 to 2008, PolyU vice-president (Academic Development) Philip Yeung said the change in curriculum structure has well reflected PolyU's mission of meetingthe community's ever-changing demands for professional manpower.

"With a view to supporting the future development of Hong Kong's key economic sectors, we have identified several niche areas of our strength for strategic development. These include design, fashion and textiles, logistics, hotel and tourism management, construction, engineering, health sciences and accountancy."

Starting from 2005/2006, all PolyU Bachelor's degree programs will include a mandatory work-integrated education component, through which students will gain valuable workplace learning experience during their studies at PolyU. Those practical components involving professional training may take up to one additional year.

"The advent of a knowledge-based economy also calls for professionals with a broader outlook and transferable skills. In support of this development, we aim to further expand our broad-based professional education," he added.

Academic Secretary of PolyU Nancy Tong explained that the objective of broad-based education would be achieved through the restructuring of programs into generic schemes, further expansion of major/minor options, and the introduction of more inter-disciplinary and double degree programs.

A total of 15 double degree programs and programs with double degree options will be offered by PolyU in the forthcoming academic year. This means that degree students can simply spend anextra year on a self-financed basis to obtain a second degree in adifferent academic discipline.

Prospective applicants can also obtain first-hand information at PolyU's Education Info Day to be held on its campus on Oct. 9.

Source: Xinhua