D(ECE) is a one-year full-time programme comprised of 36 credit points. The programme curriculum is built on a theory-practice integrated framework, and comprises ten taught courses and a Practicum.
Understanding Child Development from an Ecological Perspective
Supporting Social and Emotional Development of Non-Chinese Speaking Children in Home and Schools
Supporting Language Development of Non-Chinese Speaking Children
Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms in Local Context
Embracing Play-based Learning and Teaching
Applying Technology into Learning and Teaching Resources
Promoting Equity and Social Inclusion in Home-School-Community Collaboration
幼兒教育專用中文（一）Chinese for Specific Purpose I
幼兒教育專用中文（二）Chinese for Specific Purpose II
English Communication Skills in ECE
Practicum
Practicum
The Practicum course offers opportunities for participants to put what they learn into practice and hone their skills in supporting the NCS students in learning. The course spans two semesters, and includes school attachment and block practice.
Important Note: Prior to undertaking the Practicum, the University will request participants of the programme to declare whether they have been convicted of or are being prosecuted for any sex-related offence in Hong Kong or elsewhere, and to provide relevant details. Such information may be released to their placement schools/organizations. The University reserves the right not to allow any participant of the programme to undertake the Practicum. If so, these participants will not be able to meet the graduation requirements of the programme.
Medium of Instruction
Based on the course nature and teaching content, six courses will be taught in English and five courses will be taught in Chinese (Cantonese).
Venue of Teaching and Learning
Classes will be held at Tai Po Campus and/or New Study Centre in North Point as decided by the University.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this programme are empowered with the knowledge, skills and values in culturally responsive practices. They can work as teaching assistants in kindergartens and non-formal education agencies, to facilitate and support the achievements of NCS children.
Graduates may continue their professional development by enrolling in a higher diploma programme that will carry them up the ladder towards becoming a qualified teacher in the field of early childhood education, particularly in support of NCS children.
General Entrance Requirements
Local applicants* are eligible to apply through the Direct Application route if they:
have obtained in the HKDSE (a) Level 1 or above in Chinese Language (Note 1) and English Language; and (b) 6 points or above in the best five subjects (Notes 2 & 3); or
possess other equivalent qualifications; or
are mature applicants (aged 21 or above by 1 September 2025) who can demonstrate relevant academic abilities, including proficiency in both Chinese and English languages, and a commitment to study in the programme.
Local applicants* are also required to have achieved satisfactory performance in both language tests and an interview.Having knowledge of one or more ethnic minority languages (e.g. Hindi, Urdu, Nepali) will be an advantage.
Note:
1. For non-Chinese speaking (NCS) applicants who have met the specified circumstances^ as announced by the Education Bureau (EDB), the University accepts the Alternative Qualifications in Chinese Language (ACL) in the table below, as equivalent to Level 3 in HKDSE Chinese Language for meeting the minimum Chinese Language requirements and for calculation of the related admission scores. If the grade/score falls below the following specified requirements, it is not included in the admission scores calculation.
2. If a local applicant has attempted less than 5 subjects but can obtain 6 points or above, his/her application will also be considered. Calculation of points: Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.
3. Local applicants are allowed to use up to two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (Applied Learning Chinese is not applicable) in the application. For admission scores calculation (i.e., Best 5), the results of ApL subjects (Category B) are converted into numeric values as follows:
Table 2. Conversion of Levels/Grades to Scores for HKDSE Category B - Applied Learning Subjects
