Guide to UK Qualifications in Hong Kong 2009/10 by Juhanie Cheung

Guide to UK qualifications in Hong Kong 2009-10 Welcome

What is transnational education?

UK transnational education: a global and local phenomenon

Why choose a UK qualification?

Why choose to stay in Hong Kong for a UK qualification?

Modes of learning in transnational education

Types of award/qualification

Levels of courses

Quality assurance for Hong Kong students on UK programmes

What to expect in terms of support

How to apply

Alumni and professional associations

Course directory

Institution profiles

Frequently asked questions

Hong Kong contact directory

UK contact directory

Further resources and links

The role of the British Council

The British Council in Hong Kong

List of advertisers

ÂŠ 2009 British Council Publisher: British Council Editorial: Kevin van Cauter, Juhanie Cheung, Sally Course, Katherine Forestier, Guy Perring, Ann Wong 3/F, British Council 3 Supreme Court Road Admiralty, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2913 5100 E-mail: enquiries@britishcouncil.org.hk www.britishcouncil.org.hk Advertising and production: EDUplus.com.hk Tel: +852 3181 3007 E-mail: enquiry@eduplus.com.hk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without prior permission by the British Council. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this publication, neither the British Council nor EDUplus.com.hk can accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or changes since compilation, or for any loss, direct or consequential, arising in connection with information in this publication. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the publisher.

What is transnational education? Offshore education, non-local courses, cross-border education and distance learning are terms that have been used to describe transnational education.

Transnational education (TNE) is the delivery of education courses or services in which the learners are located in a different country from the awarding institution.

You will find that transnational education presents additional choices for a student both in terms of modes of learning (see p.12) and subjects available (see p.40).

In Hong Kong, such programmes are known as non-local courses. Transnational education can provide internationally recognised awards and the prestige of international institutions, while offering the convenience of studying within your home country.

UK transnational education: a global and local phenomenon The UK provides nearly 60 per cent of the non-local courses available in Hong Kong. Source: the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Education Bureau

The current growth will see students on UK TNE courses globally exceed students going to the UK to study by 2010. Currently there are over half a million people taking UK professional exams abroad.

Further and higher education are globally accepted as being linked to the future economic prosperity and well-being of young people, and are more important than ever as we live and work in an increasingly sophisticated global economy. There are over 100 million students undertaking higher education globally and this number is expected to increase to 263 million by 2025. The UK is renowned for attracting students from around the world. However, the number of students studying UK courses outside the UK has also grown. Recent research by the UK government indicates that there are around 270,000 students on UK TNE programmes globally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 97 per cent more than ten years ago.

UK qualifications providers are world leaders in quality and recognition. City & Guilds offers over 500 qualifications and serves 1.8 million learners each year. Twenty thousand of these learners are in Hong Kong. Edexcel delivers nearly 6,000 qualifications annually. Furthermore, UK professional organisations such as ACCA, the Actuarial Profession, the Chartered Institute of Building and the Chartered Institute of Marketing boast globally leading reputations providing transnational education in the form of courses, qualifications, continuing professional development, research and publications.

In Hong Kong, the UK offers 59 per cent of non-local courses, giving students a choice of over 700 UK programmes.

Welcome I’m delighted to introduce you to the very first ‘Guide to UK qualifications in Hong Kong’. UK qualifications are prized by thousands of students around the world and well recognised by employers as being excellent preparation for your career, whatever form that takes. What hundreds of UK universities and colleges also provide is choice for students to study the course on campus in the UK or to choose to pursue the same high-quality programme in their home country or region. Throughout the world, UK institutions are making available their prestigious qualifications in formats that are highly attractive in terms of accessibility and cost. Hong Kong is fortunate to be a world leader in this trend which is now called transnational education. There are more UK courses offered here than almost anywhere in the world other than in the UK itself. They are supported by well-established local practices to ensure the quality of courses really matches that delivered in the UK. Today you can study a full UK degree course with complete lecturer and tutor support at a wide range of reputable local institutions, many with a vibrant student environment. In most cases, you also have the option to finish or continue your studies in the UK if you wish. This guide is a compilation of the majority of options that are available and is part of a major initiative by the British Council to ensure that you know more about this pathway. Through transnational education, new routes are available for you to achieve your goal of a UK qualification and we hope this guide will help you learn more about them. Good luck!

Ruth Gee Director, British Council Hong Kong

Why choose to stay in Hong Kong for a UK qualification? While the student experience of learning in the UK cannot be surpassed, studying a UK course in Hong Kong suits those who wish to stay close to their families, remain in their careers or do not have the financial means to live abroad. In fact, British Council research has shown that in addition to quality-related factors, the three leading determinants for studying a non-local course are financial, family and work commitments. The success of UK non-local courses in Hong Kong is partly due to history and partly due to market demand. Many aspects of Hong Kong and the UK are similar: language, with English one of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official languages common law system education system, including academic freedom and autonomy. Hong Kong is also an attractive destination for students from abroad. It is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading financial, trade and logistical

hubs, with a comprehensive adoption of western styles of management in an Asian context. Its infrastructure is highly developed, and the city is respected throughout the world for its transparency in media, politics and business. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world and offers a vibrant nightlife making it a great place for students. It is traditionally seen as the gateway to China and for many students from the mainland, Hong Kong is also a gateway to the West without having to venture too far from home.

Hong Kong is the leading market for higher education offshore learners for the UK, with over 21,000 students in 2008. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Why choose a UK qualification? Did you know over 96 UK alumni have been awarded the Nobel Peace prize?

First and foremost, UK education is synonymous around the world with quality, not just among students but also employers, enhancing the competitive edge of our graduates. This reputation is maintained through many layers of quality assurance that prospective students can depend on. Furthermore, students are encouraged to develop independent thinking and a creative approach to problem-solving, which can benefit them in their career.

Often, studying a full-time degree in your own country is significantly more cost-effective than studying abroad. Costs of studying in a foreign country include visa fees, accommodation and flights.

Employability

Not only does the UK have a centuries-old tradition in education, it is home to an unsurpassed pool of experience and expertise in this field. There are over 3,000 education institutions in the UK offering over 50,000 courses. They include 130 higher education institutions, such as universities, and 550 further education, technical and vocational colleges.

Employers generally prefer graduates who have international experience. A non-local course from the UK can offer both western and Asian perspectives. Many transnational programmes also offer the option of studying in the UK for a module or semester, giving you the chance to gain additional international experience. The reputation of the local partner institution offering the UK programme is another factor. Graduates will benefit from the reputations of both the UK institution and local partner. The medium of instruction is English, the language of business, science and technology. Affordability For several reasons, many students prefer to study in their home country or region rather than overseas. This may be so they can live with their families or retain their current jobs.

Wherever you study, the reputation of UK education will bring you a return on your investment, leading to better career and education opportunities. Quality

Such experience and expertise has established the UK as the world leader in developing quality standards and performance measures for education, which in turn has extended to its transnational education. Please refer to p.22 for more details on quality assurance.

Modes of learning in transnational education Distance learning courses account for half of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offshore provision Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Transnational education sometimes offers more choices in the way you study than traditional education. Below are some of the more popular learning approaches you will find available in Hong Kong:

For a full listing of recognised distance learning courses from the UK, visit:

Full-time

Blended/hybrid learning

Full-time study requires a student to dedicate more of their time to complete a course within a shorter period. Typically these programmes are conducted during normal working hours and are popular for subdegree and undergraduate degrees.

This combines physical and virtual resources to deliver teaching and materials. The combination of technology and face-to-face teaching means students will have multiple choices in their method of learning and communication.

Part-time

Intensive block mode

Part-time courses deliver the same content as full-time courses but are spread over a longer period of time and delivered in shorter sessions. Part-time courses can therefore be provided during evenings and weekends, making them highly suitable for those seeking to stay in their careers while gaining a qualification. Part-time study is popular for professional and postgraduate courses.

Offered in part-time courses, intensive block mode provides the same amount and level of content as full-time or part-time courses, but condenses this into a few days of teaching. This is a popular approach in Hong Kong, where 20 to 30-hour modules are condensed into two full weekends and week day evenings within one fortnight. Intensive block mode is most often used where lecturers from the UK are flown to Hong Kong to teach face-to-face.

Face-to-face This is the traditional way of delivering a course, where the educator will be in the physical presence of students. Teaching can be in the form of lectures, seminars or tutorials. Such courses also offer valuable interaction between fellow students through discussions, group/coursework, networking and socialising. Face-to-face courses will also be hosted on approved premises well facilitated for studying. Distance learning Distance learning delivers material to students who may not physically be on campus. The content may be in the form of printed media such as books and/or digital media such as DVD-ROMs and web-based technologies. Learning by correspondence is a form of distance learning. Some distance learning programmes offer real-time platforms to learn with other students and communicate with teachers and tutors. Often they are supplemented locally with face-to-face support or require on-site assessments such as invigilated examinations (see Blended/hybrid learning).

www.britishcouncil.org/hongkongeducationuk

Flexible learning This allows students to embrace different methods of study, supported by the educational institution. It makes use of a full range of technologies and approaches such as distance learning and blended learning. However, it places importance on the student to choosing when, where and how to study. Work-based learning A method of learning that combines the experience of the workplace with studying a specific field relevant to your career. It requires students to draw from their experience and resources at work and apply what is being learnt from their studies. Likewise, what they learn from work will in itself form part of the learning experience. This is therefore suited to adult learners who wish to stay in their studies and who are supported by their employers.

Concurrent education

Self-study

Here, students take two completely separate courses to obtain two separate qualifications. This approach to learning requires the application of one discipline to another discipline for careers such as specialist lawyers, teachers, consultants and medical practitioners. For example, it is not uncommon for teachers to study a qualification in education and a qualification in the chosen discipline they intend to teach.

Self-study is a fundamental part of all learning as completing any course will require students to initiate their own research work and practice for better understanding. Selfstudy courses support the student by way of materials. However, they may not provide the student with the same range of technologies or academic support as other approaches.

Apprenticeship This focuses on the development of practical skills obtained in the workplace or vocational institute while actually working. Modern apprenticeships combine theoretical study and hands-on training. There is often the added benefit that apprentices are paid by the employer for their work. Internships may be categorised as apprenticeships, but instead focus on work experience related to office or business skills.

Research Learning outcomes of these courses derive from the research conducted by the student. Research graduates will also have developed their skills of analysis, evaluation and expertise. Students will be required to research a specific field, the findings or results of which will add to the existing body of knowledge in that field. Institutions offering research-based courses will support students through research guidance, expert supervision and access to resources.

Types of award/qualification Transnational education is often delivered through an international collaboration of two or more education institutions. Whilst single awards issued by one UK institution are the most common in Hong Kong, you may discover a variety of qualification types such as joint, double and dual qualifications. Definitions of these will vary between institutions. Therefore, check the exact title of the award you are intending to take with the local operator. Top-up programmes Students who have completed Associate Degrees, Higher Diploma or other equivalent courses in Hong Kong may study for an additional two years or equivalent with a UK institution to gain a full ordinary or honours bachelor degree. These courses are often known as top-up programmes or degrees and are a popular route to gaining the same qualifications as students entering university straight from school. The majority of Hong Kong sub-degree graduates are choosing to top up their sub-degrees by studying a UK bachelor’s qualification in Hong Kong. Other forms of transnational education may not lead to any additional qualification, but are valuable forms of learning recognised by employers and education institutions. They can include: student exchange research collaboration executive education continuing professional development/ education short courses summer courses sandwich courses.

Likewise, the following may not be considered qualifications by themselves, but are used to gain entry to a course: language examinations such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) admissions tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test and National Admissions Test for Law access courses preparatory courses foundation courses.

When enquiring about a course, it is important to:

✓ EVALUATE the purpose and learning outcomes of the course. Do they match your own requirements?

✓ KNOW exactly what qualification will be gained upon successful completion of the course. Are you required to take a further course/ examination or make other commitments to obtain the qualification?

✓ CONFIRM the awarding body of the qualification. Remember, the institute delivering the course could be different from the institute awarding the qualification.

✓ UNDERSTAND what the course will lead to in terms of employment and education prospects.

✓ VIEW a sample certificate or diploma. Do all the details of the certificate match the qualification you are intending to take?

Levels of courses The Hong Kong Qualification Framework (QF) categorises seven levels of qualifications according to learning outcomes, similar to frameworks developed in the UK and Australia. In future, Hong Kong recruiters from the employment and education sectors may refer to these seven levels when assessing your education. For full details visit: Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/main.asp Hong Kong Qualifications Register www.hkqr.gov.hk Hong Kong Qualifications Framework www.hkqf.gov.hk Typical examples of titles for qualifications at each level are:

Level 1

Certificate

Level 2

Certificate

Level 3

Diploma

Level 4

Higher Diploma, Associate Degree

Level 5

Bachelor Degree

Level 6

Master Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma

Level 7

Doctoral Degree

Source: www.hkqr.gov.hk/hkqr/Glossary.htm

Getting to know...the alumni Why did you choose your course? Although I had considerable experience of management, business development, client service and even training, I had never received any formal education in learning and development. This was a new career path for me, so I wanted to learn about ‘learning’. What drives you to achieve more in higher education? When I started my degree I was a Worldwide Director of Learning and Development at Research International, a global market research consultancy. I then decided to branch out on my own. The degree helped to validate much of what I was already instinctively doing at my organisation – in effect, it reassured me that I had made many ‘right’ decisions. However, it also gave me much food for thought, and action, through presenting fresh perspectives and new options. What was the biggest challenge of your course? I was asked to challenge my point of view on issues such as organisational learning, leadership development and knowledge management. In many cases, I had to clarify that point of view – crystallising vague gut feel into reasoned argument. How has your qualification/learning experience benefited your career? I gained a broader understanding of HR in general, and how learning and development fits into the human resources cycle (or doesn’t). The master’s gave me the theoretical frameworks and models that I could use to support my arguments or that I could choose to ignore or counter-attack when they didn’t. Also the master’s helped me to question my role within my own organisation and gave me the confidence as well as the kudos and qualification to take the leap into the unknown of self-employment.

Alumnus Daniel Wain UK awarding institution Middlesex University Work details

What was the highlight of being a higher education student?

Director

The biggest surprise and payback was probably the networking. I not only gained exposure to other sectors and experiences, but I also made some very good friends, especially my tutor whom I still meet every few months for a catch-up and some lively debate!

Daniel Wain Consulting Limited Award/qualification Master of Arts Human Resource Management

Getting to know … the students Why did you choose your course? I chose a doctorate of education for two major reasons. First, it is related to my job and will enhance my knowledge. Second, I believe life-long learning is important in the knowledge economy to stay competitive. Why did you select a programme from the UK? I have been educated under the UK education system in Hong Kong and in the UK. The path to higher degree is therefore more straightforward than entering another system. More importantly, I believe in the consistency and the quality standards of the UK education system. As a working person, I cannot afford the time to return to full-time study overseas. This makes a part-time quality programme which is highly accessible here in Hong Kong a very attractive option. What has been the biggest challenge of your course? The major challenge in any adult learning in my experience is ‘learning how to learn effectively’. As busy, working people, putting aside time to undertake a course is a hard struggle. But after you make a commitment, you will soon learn to organise your learning into manageable tasks and eventually reach your goals. This is the greatest gain from my studies so far.

Student Fanny Chan UK awarding institution

How will your qualification/learning experience benefit your career? The experience of self-directed learning is definitely a key asset to anyone’s career given that the business environment changes so quickly nowadays. Being able to learn rapidly and effectively is an important skill to master for your career.

University of Bristol Hong Kong institution The School of Continuing and Profesional Education, City University of Hong Kong

What has been the highlight of being a higher education student so far? One of the highlights of my study is the improvement in critical thinking and my ability to present conceptual arguments from systematic perspectives. This is highly useful in communicating new knowledge more persuasively, helps to create more innovative products, and fosters a solid alliance of like-minded colleagues at work.

Work details Chief Executive Officer www.headlinejobs.hk Award/qualification Doctorate of Education

Quality assurance for Hong Kong students on UK programmes UK institutions in the tertiary education sector have the power to award their own degrees, just like those in Hong Kong. Therefore, to uphold their high standing, UK institutions must ensure their programmes meet quality expectations or risk diluting their reputation. In additional to self-regulation, there are mandatory quality mechanisms applied

nationally by government and statutory agencies. There are also voluntary quality initiatives that UK institutions choose to subscribe to such as international quality bodies or sector-specific organisations. By the time a UK non-local course is delivered in Hong Kong, it will have been assessed, and continue to be assessed, by many different forms of quality assurance.

Layers of quality assurance Level

Details

Illustration

Institutional

Courses are often developed at department or faculty level, with quality assurance imposed by the institute. UK education institutions apply their own quality mechanisms to uphold their reputation and meet quality objectives.

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education www.qaa.ac.uk

The UK has a range of quality assurance organisations: some are government agencies with mandatory schemes; others are independent bodies enhancing the credibility of courses and their providers.

Higher Education Funding Council for England www.hefce.ac.uk

UK national

The QAA provides guidance on standards and checks how universities maintain their own academic standards and quality.

Office of Standards in Education (England) www.ofsted.gov.uk Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inspectorate of Education (Scotland) www.hmie.gov.uk ESTYN (Wales) www.estyn.gov.uk Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland) www.etini.gov.uk Quality Improvement Agency and Centre for Excellence in Leadership www.qia.org.uk The Learning and Skills Council (England) ww.lsc.gov.uk

Level

Details

Illustration

Transnational education

In addition to national quality assurance, UK courses delivered in other countries are subject to further checks. These focus on ensuring the content and quality of the exported course matches that delivered in the UK.

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education www.qaa.ac.uk

Likewise, the Hong Kong government has stringent measures in place to ensure non-local courses match the quality delivered in the home country. This includes formal registration and requirements for venue safety, quality of teaching and status the of UK partner. All courses leading to an overseas award must be listed with the Non-local Courses Registry as either ‘exempt from registration’, if offered in partnership with local institutions such as universities that can accredit their own courses, or ‘registered’, which involves meeting criteria assessed by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) on behalf of the registry.

Non-local Courses Registry, Hong Kong Education Bureau www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx? langno= 1&nodeid=1249 Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/main.asp Hong Kong Qualifications Framework www.hkqf.gov.hk Hong Kong Qualifications Register www.hkqr.gov.hk/hkqr/welcome.do

From 2010, non-local courses may also be accredited by the HKCAAVQ to ensure they meet the standards and quality of equivalent local courses.

Local partner

Often UK institutions partner local institutions such as universities. These local partners will subject their UK partner and its courses to their own set of quality assurance.

Hong Kong has some of the leading universities in the region. They only seek equivalent partners in terms of quality and international standing, the majority of whom come from the UK.

Other qualifications and quality assurance organisations Other organisations involved in quality of education include examination bodies, awarding bodies, membership organisations and quality assurance agencies. Some further examples:

There are also international membership bodies that uphold standards and promote better practice among members, such as:

City & Guilds www.cityandguilds.comm

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business www.aacsb.edu

Edexcel www.edexcel.org.uk

European Quality Improvement System www.efmd.org/equis

Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations www.ocr.org.uk

Association of MBAs www.mbaworld.com/MBAWorld/index.jsp

British Accreditation Council www.the-bac.org

See also p.92 for further information and web links for education quality organisations.

Getting to know...the alumni association What activities and events does the association organise? Our alumni group in Hong Kong is one of the most active in the city with numerous activities throughout the year. Alumni have various opportunities to meet and hear from MBS professors on a regular basis. Professor Ismail Erturk, senior lecturer in banking at MBS visited Hong Kong in March and gave a speech on the mutualisation of the banking sector, for example. Manchester Business School Alumni Association (MBSAA) China also works with other alumni associations to organise networking sessions. We recently held several social events in Central with UK universities (Warwick, Cambridge and Oxford) and the University of Texas for our alumni to extend their network. These sessions were attended by more than 200 guests, including VIPs from the British Consulate and British Council. What are the benefits of membership and what services are provided? Apart from regular social events and our professional speaker series, reunions are held annually for alumni to catch up with old friends and renew acquaintances.

Local:

1,400

This year, we introduced a new member benefits programme which includes special discounts at selected shops, restaurants and many MBSAA events.

Regional:

7,000

Global:

25,000

Members have access to MBSNet, our online portal, which provides a calendar of events, school information and discussion sites. Through MBSNet, they can utilise online resources from the MBS Business Information Service. Alumni also have access to online job postings and other career resources.

Office contact details

In addition, alumni receive Network, our magazine and a monthly e-newsletter about school news, business topics and other MBSAA alumni.

6/F, Wilson House

What is the highlight of the year?

Tel: +852 2526 4694

Our annual alumni dinner every October is the largest event of the year and a regular highlight in our calendar.

Fax: +852 2526 4910

There are many other highlights as the emphasis of our alumni association’s efforts evolves from season to season. We are committed to supporting and being involved in charity events, such as dragon boat racing in Hong Kong. We have also started the China National Board China Study Trip, which enable alumni to form new links in several cities in China. This year’s highlights are the network expansion and members benefits. What is your members’ profile? The MBS course is truly international, and our alumni are likewise. Over 20 nationalities are represented in our Hong Kong alumni network which creates enormous potential for first-class networking and contact-building. Since Manchester Business School Worldwide launched its part-time MBA programme in Asia in 1992, we have developed a network of alumni from various organisations and maintained excellent relationships with the region’s professionals, including CEOs, CFOs, company directors, private bankers, wealth managers, bankers, accountants and marketers.

Members

Kobi Chen Manchester Business School Worldwide East Asia Centre 9-27 Wyndham Street Central, Hong Kong

E-mail: mba@mbs.edu.hk Nearest MTR station Central, Exit D1 Website www.mbs.edu.hk Years of operation in Hong Kong 17 years

Getting to know...the alumni Why did you choose your course? Although I have been working in the graphic design industry for years, I did not consider my qualifications sufficient to boost my career. I therefore decided to take a degree in Graphic Design.

Why did you select a programme from the UK? I chose the University of Sunderland programme because of its multifaceted nature and because it is deliverered in Hong Kong. The UK has a long history in artistic and cultural development. I also found various UK universities obtained high rankings in art-related areas.

How has your qualification/learning experience benefited your career? My bachelor degree has definitely assisted my career development. The partnership between a UK university and local institute helped to make the course both international and practical. I learnt about forthcoming trends from local tutors too.

How else did the TNE experience enhance your learning? The provision of a well-equipped learning environment enabled me to improve my English language skills as well as designing ideas. I have become more mature after taking the programme and I am able to see the creativity and meaning behind a work of art. I do not need to rely on software and can consider how a design works in relation to my clients’ needs. As a professionally dedicated graphic designer, I strive to create sophisticated design, not just a nice-looking piece of work.

Alumnus Frankie Chow UK awarding institution

What has been the highlight of being a higher education graduate?

University of Sunderland

Publishing my graduation project for the University of Sunderland’s Degree Show 2009. The theme was ‘A Day with WABE’, a graphic diary of a Down’s Syndrome child. I also received positive feedback about the project from the external examiner in the UK.

Hong Kong institution Sun Wah–PearL Linux and Digital Forensics Ltd Award/qualification Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design (top-up)

What to expect in terms of support To deliver courses locally, UK institutions will usually partner a Hong Kong institution, whether it is a university or private education company. Some will manage the course themselves and have local offices and staff to support their students. Partnerships and other local support enable students to access resources necessary to complete their courses. Therefore, you should ask the local partner or representative what kind of support is provided. For example: Content hard copy study materials online materials videos/DVD DVD-ROMs library access to recommended reading publications. Communication student e-mail address access to online materials, maybe also communication facilities such as online conferencing, chat rooms, forums and intranet regular access to relevant lecturers or tutors even out of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;classâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time.

Access to staff course director UK teachers/lecturers local teachers/lecturers local student representative body local student counselling. Others computer facilities employment services access to UK campus facilities (such as library, computer and sports facilities) premises for meetings or group work equipment/facilities (important for technical, vocational, medical and scientific studies).

Getting to know...the alumni Why did you choose your course? I wanted to do an MBA because it is highly valued in business and administration cricles and widely recognised as a necessary qualification for moving up in the management hierarchy. The programme covers a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills in management, finance, marketing and business strategy. It provides you with strategic thinking and the mindset to deal with future challenges and changes. I believe this is a good path for managers with the requisite work experience. Why did you select a programme from the UK? I think a UK qualification is the best choice for Hong Kong students. The UK higher education system provides world-class qualifications and UK universities are internationally renowned for their reputation. The UK style of studying is very suitable for Hong Kong people. How has your qualification/learning experience benefited your career? Hong Kong is an international city and the business environment is very challenging and increasingly competitive. Managers are required to have a global view and international perspective to develop business strategies. The programme provided me with up-to-date knowledge about different aspects of the business world. Through experience-sharing with classmates, I was able to widen my thinking. During discussions and presentations from group sessions I also learnt to compromise and strengthen my relationships with people. And what I learned could immediately be applied, helping me to improve my performance and efficiency at work.

Alumnus

Where did you go for education advice?

Hong Kong institution

I found background information from the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and conducted an online search to discover its ranking. I consulted colleagues, teachers and alumni to better understand the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture, style and strength. In addition, in July or August every year, UK higher education road shows take place in Hong Kong. This enabled me to meet academics of the institute to gain further insight.

School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

What were the highlights of being a higher education student?

Assistant Vice-President Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Ltd

Working independently and undertaking self-study and research. You then begin to develop self-confidence in identifying and solving problems. A second highlight was meeting people and making friends with classmates, which is just as important as learning lecture materials. During my studies, I used every opportunity to share experiences with classmates and learn from them. You may gain useful advice. And they may even end up working with you in the future.

Yu Cheung Ping UK awarding institution University of Birmingham

Work details

Award/qualification Master of Business Administration

Getting to know … the students Why did you choose your course? As an arts student, I wanted to challenge myself by taking an MBA course. I could explore many subjects – finance, management accounting, statistics, marketing and information systems – which were totally new to me in a single course. I also think a master’s degree is essential for my career development. The knowledge is useful for an entrepreneur or for securing a job at management level. Why did you select a programme from the UK? After comparing courses, I found that, in general, UK course providers focus more on research. I believe this is a benchmark of a high-quality education system. More importantly, the University of Strathclyde is famous for strategic management. This is a crucial skill in today’s fastchanging global economy. What has been the biggest challenge? Self-discipline! The course workload is heavy and I need to spend a lot of my time on assignments. Luckily, my classmates have formed a study group where we can exchange ideas, share research results and provide each other with emotional support. Such encouragement is a major driver in overcoming any difficulties.

Student

How will your qualification/learning experience benefit your career?

Nanna Man

Having worked in the editorial field for 10 years, most people I encounter at work have similar backgrounds. It has been valuable to learn from MBA lecturers, tutors and classmates who come from different sectors. They have diverse knowledge, ways of thinking and presentation skills and I can gain a great deal from them. Being selfemployed, connections are also important. Classmates from other fields have already generated business opportunities for me.

UK awarding institution

What has been the highlight of being a higher education student so far?

Work details

Learning subjects such as management of organisations and decisionmaking, which have provided a holistic view of relationships in the business world. The course has given me a totally new view of the organisations I work for and shown me how to analyse business cases from a range of perspectives. This is useful for daily communication with my working partners and will be a life-long benefit from my MBA studies.

Self-employed

University of Strathclyde Hong Kong institution School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University

Editor and trainer

Award/qualification Master of Business Administration

How to apply Application Applying for a UK programme in Hong Kong is likely to differ from applying in the UK. Usually you will be applying through the local institution partnered with the UK institution (also known as the local operator) or with its local representative office. The local operator will guide you through the application process. Payment of fees may be made to the local operator rather than the UK institute. It is important that you check whether the UK programme you are paying for should be formally registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau. (This requirement does not apply to distance learning courses delivered entirely from abroad). Check for local operator details in our directory section from p.86 and our transnational education website below: www.educationuk.org.hk/TNE For most applications, you will not be required to go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application system. And unlike applying in the UK, there is no standard application timeline for degree programmes.

Step guide 1. Choose your field of study. Which subjects will match your interests, skills, career and aspirations? 2. Identify your desired qualification level. Would a higher diploma or undergraduate degree suit your needs, existing experience and qualifications? 3. Shortlist the potential courses that are of interest to you. 4. Compare and select institutions that offer your shortlist of courses. 5. Contact the local representative. This could be the local branch of the UK institution or its Hong Kong partner. For pure distance learning courses, contact the UK institution directly. 6. Confirm the entry and application requirements. Do this BEFORE applying in consultation with the local operator to avoid the risk of rejection. Requirements may include: qualifications and experience English proficiency fees interview. 7. Submit your application with supporting documents, which may take time to collect. These may include: certificates - original or verified copies proof of address reference letters referee contact details passport details. 8. Await application result. This may come in the form of an unconditional or conditional offer.

Requirements and pre-requisites

Fees

Before making an application, ensure you can meet the admissions criteria to be successfully accepted. This will save you disappointment in future as institutions will keep a record of rejected applications for a period of time.

Be aware that over the duration of your programme, there will be a series of fees. These may include course fees, application fees, lab/equipment fees, graduation fees and any fees related to study options, such as overseas study and local library fees. Ask the local operator about all the costs involved before applying.

For undergraduate degrees from the UK, every institution will have its own specific entry requirements for each course. Typically, you will be required to have gained good grades in Hong Kong or UK A-levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Higher National Diploma or equivalent, or Associate Degrees and Higher Diplomas offered in Hong Kong. Note that having the required qualifications and grades will not guarantee you a place. Places may be limited and other factors such as extra-curricular activities, interview skills/results and soft skills may be taken into consideration. For masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programmes, prospective students are typically expected to hold a 2.1 honours degree. However, many other factors are strongly considered, such as work experience, leadership and managerial level responsibilities, Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), research experience and published research. These will also be considered for PhD and DBA applicants, though you are expected to hold a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in a relevant discipline and have proven research skills.

Funding and scholarships The Continuing Education Fund is available for Hong Kong residents and reimburses eligible applicants 80 per cent of their fees, subject to a maximum sum of HK$10,000 (whichever is less), on successful completion of a reimbursable course. Many local students of UK courses in Hong Kong are eligible for the Continuing Education Fund. For an updated list please visit: www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef/course.htm The availability of scholarships is not confined to Hong Kong students wishing to go to the UK to study. There are some scholarship opportunities available for those staying in Hong Kong. Details of this will be available from the UK institution or local partner. Scholarships for UK education are also listed on the Education UK website: www.britishcouncil.org/hongkongeducationuk

UK institutions require a certain level of English language competency as courses are conducted in English. The majority of applicants will be required to hold a minimum IELTS grade of 6.5 or higher. Note also that certain disciplines at tertiary level will require a minimum grade from an admission test. Examples: Graduate Management Admission Test National Admissions Test for Law Thinking Skills Assessment (Oxford)

Alumni and professional associations One of the ongoing benefits of graduating from a UK institution is the opportunity to join the respective alumni association. Alumni associations can be casually formed among alumni, or formal organisations managed by the institution or local committees. They maintain the body of graduates, offering events, news, connection with your institutions, networking and other activities not just for the members, but also for the benefit of the larger society. These associations are particularly active in Hong Kong. Graduates of UK TNE courses may have the benefit of being invited to join both the UK alumni association as well as the alumni association of the Hong Kong institution. For contact details of UK alumni associations in Hong Kong, visit www.uk-alumni.org.hk.

During your studies, you may be entitled to student membership status with some professional associations. For full membership status, associations may also require that you hold both the professional and academic pre-requisites. Find out if the qualification you wish to take is linked to a professional association.

Institution profile Established in 1990 in Hong Kong, ABRS is a leading professional training organisation specialising in information technology and management. To date, over 20,000 people have attended ABRS courses and seminars. ABRS offers industrial-oriented training on PCs, AS/400, Unix, Cisco, Lotus Notes, Oracle, networking, system development, management and executive skills as well as overseas degrees and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in IT and management areas. It also offers professional qualification courses by leading institutions. Many leading companies in Hong Kong have sponsored employees to attend ABRS courses or contracted ABRS to conduct special training courses. These companies include AT&T, IBM, Standard Chartered Bank, Hong Kong Bank, Citi Bank, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Cathay Pacific, PCCW, Jardine Engineering, Hong Kong Electric, NCR, Hewlett-Packard and Dah Sing Bank.

Organisation ABRS Professional Learning Services UK partners/affiliations University of Greenwich Office contact details Steven Tam or Rowena Li 4/F, Chinachem Johnston Plaza 178-186 Johnston Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2598 4811 Fax: +852 2598 4092 E-mail: info@abrs.net Nearest MTR station Wanchai, Exit A3 Offices in Asia Hong Kong, Shenzhen Website www.abrs.com.hk Years of operation in Hong Kong 19 years Alumni association www.facebook.com/album.php? profile=1&id=225442475528 Scholarships Yes

Institution profile The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), founded in 1904, is a well-established global body for professional accountants. It was the first global accountancy body to enter China and now has over 20,000 members and 34,000 students in the country, with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and a centre in Macau. ACCA offers business-relevant qualifications to those seeking a career in accountancy, finance and management and is recognised worldwide, especially by accountancy employers. It supports its 131,500 members and 362,000 students in 170 countries throughout their careers, providing services through a network of 82 offices and centres. The ACCA Qualification is an established route to professional status, providing the accounting knowledge, skills and professional values to produce finance professionals capable of building careers across all sectors. There is a strong focus on professional values, ethics and governance.

Organisation Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Office contact details Gloria Fong Room 1901 19/F, World Wide House 19 Des Voeux Road

Potential ACCA students should obtain a minimum of two A-Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects including English and mathematics, or equivalent. Individuals who do not meet this requirement but are 21 or above may register through the mature student entry route. Graduates of a bachelor degree and sub-degrees in accounting from accreditated programmes can receive exemptions from a maximum of nine ACCA Qualification (Foundation Level) examination papers. ACCA has over 350 examination centres in around 170 countries, providing flexibility on where to sit tests.

Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2524 4988 Fax +852 2868 4909 E-mail: students@hk.accaglobal.com Nearest MTR station Central, Exit A or B Offices in Asia Bangladesh, Beijing, Cambodia, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam Website hongkong.accaglobal.com www.accaglobal.com Years of operation in Hong Kong 59 years

Institution profile City & Guilds is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading vocational awarding bodies. Founded in the City of London in 1878, the organisation now qualifies around 1.8 million learners in 80 countries every year. City & Guilds, Hong Kong Office was established in 1996 to serve learners in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan and South Korea. Operating under Royal Charter, The City & Guilds Group includes City & Guilds, Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC), the Land-based Business Division and the Hospitality Awarding Body (HAB).

Organisation City & Guilds

City & Guilds qualifications act as a benchmark for skills globally and are widely recognised and well respected, providing learners with opportunities for career development as well as progression into higher education. Currently there are more than 8,500 approved City & Guilds centres worldwide offering more than 500 qualifications across a wide range of industries. City & Guilds was the first UK awarding body to launch the Europass Certificate Supplement, which provides additional information to a vocational certificate by detailing the exact skills that City & Guilds graduates have obtained.

Office contact details Dr William Leung Room 1303-05 13/F, Tai Yau Building 181 Johnston Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2832 5833 Fax: +852 2832 9961 E-mail: info@cityandguilds.com.hk Nearest MTR station Wanchai, Exit A3 Offices in Asia Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Shanghai, Singapore, Sri Lanka Website www.cityandguilds.com.hk www.cityandguilds.com Years of operation in Hong Kong 13 years

Institution profile The School of Continuing and Professional Education (SCOPE) is the continuing education arm of City University of Hong Kong. SCOPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to provide education for professional practice, retraining, and self-development which anticipates and responds to community needs and the effects of social and technological changes. The School provides courses at different levels and across many different subjects. These include degree programmes, continuing education diploma/certificate courses, professional programmes and general courses.

Organisation School of Continuing and Professional Education, City University of Hong Kong UK partners/affiliations Coventry University De Montfort University Edinburgh Napier University Northumbria University Oxford Brookes University Sheffield Hallam University Staffordshire University University of Central Lancashire University of Wolverhampton Office contact details LG/F Academic Exchange Building City University of Hong Kong Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon Tong Tel: +852 3442 7423 Fax: +852 3442 0399 E-mail: scope@cityu.edu.hk Nearest MTR station Kowloon Tong Website http://scope.edu

Institution profile The University of Hong Kong established the Department of Extra Mural Studies in 1956, forming the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first continuing education unit at a university. In 1992, it was renamed the School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). Enrolments since 1956 have surpassed two million and annual enrolment now exceeds 100,000. HKU SPACE provides over 1,000 courses (some 40 subject groups) and collaborates with 62 institutions drawn from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, principally the UK, US and Australia. The Centre for International Degree Programmes (CIDP), established in 2003, delivers further opportunities for full-time study for associate degree and higher diploma graduates to progress to degree level. CIDP works with seven overseas partner universities and has around 1,000 students. In Mainland China, HKU SPACE offers programmes in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Suzhou. Courses include marketing, accounting, transport and logistics, business information technology and public relations. The total number of graduates from such programmes now exceeds 1,500. Associate degree programmes have also been introduced to Mainland China students. HKU SPACE has opened a campus in Suzhou in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology of Suzhou and Global Edu Tech Management Group (GEM). HKU SPACE Global College (Suzhou) offers business administration, accounting and logistics associate degree programmes, as well as central government-recognised dazhuan programmes. The School is continuing to explore opportunities for future cooperation, with local and overseas institutions, in order to offer a greater variety of programmes to students.

Organisation Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education UK partners/affiliations Edinburgh Napier University Goldsmiths, University of London Kingston University Queen Mary, University of London Middlesex University University of Bath University of Greenwich University of Hull University of Leicester University of London University of Nottingham University of Stirling University of Strathclyde University of Sunderland University of Surrey University of Ulster Office contact details 3/F, T.T. Tsui Building University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Road Hong Kong Tel: +852 2559 9771 Fax: +852 2546 3538 E-mail: enquiry@hkuspace.hku.hk Offices in Asia Beijing, Hong Kong, Suzhou Website hkuspace.hku.hk Years of operation in Hong Kong 53 years Alumni association alumni.hkuspace.hku.hk Scholarships offered Yes

Institution profile Informatics Higher Education Centre offers diploma/higher diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses for people who wish to further their knowledge. Courses cover different areas of business management and information technology, including accounting, marketing, human resources management, business administration, MBA, information technology, computing and information systems, and strategic business information technology.

Organisation Informatics Education (HK)

At the Informatics Professional Development Centre (IPDC), training programmes for corporations and industry professionals are provided. IPDC offers more than 50 training topics and a strong global network. Clients include multinational corporations and government departments. IPDC also offers more than 20 professional training and certification programmes, including business management, financial management, information technology, business language and other soft skills. To assist learning, Informatics Virtual Campus (IVC), a 24-hour web forum, has been set up to allow discussions and exchange among students and teachers of different countries.

UK partners/affiliations Oxford Brookes University Thames Valley University University of Portsmouth University of Wales Office contact details Rebecca Chor Room 301-304 3/F, Hong Kong Pacific Centre 28 Hankow Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: +852 3556 6188 Fax: +852 2724 2663 E-mail: rebeccachor@informatics education.com Nearest MTR station Tsim Sha Tsui, Exit A Offices in Asia Bandar Seri Begawan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Ha Noi, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Quezon City, Vientiane, Yangon Website www.informatics.edu.hk Years of operation in Hong Kong 17 years Alumni association www.informatics.edu.hk/en/info/ mem_type.php

Institution profile The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) was established by Royal Charter in 1880. It is the largest professional accountancy body in Europe, with over 133,000 members working in wide-ranging careers in 165 countries worldwide, including nearly 3,000 members in Hong Kong. It provides leadership and practical support to members and works with government, regulators and industry to ensure professional standards. Organisation The organisation has an international reputation for technical excellence, rigorous ACA training and maintenance of standards of professional conduct, and the ACA qualification offered by ICAEW can serve as a passport to a rewarding career.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Members fill top positions in large organisations in Hong Kong, including Cadbury Schweppes, SmarTone-Vodafone and Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels. Many senior partners in the big four accountancy firms belong to ICAEW, as do senior individuals at the British Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Among the 12 advisers appointed by the China Accounting Standards Committee, eight are ICAEW members.

Hong Kong/Macau partners/affiliations

The ICAEW also offers a number of other leading qualifications and development programmes for members and non-members.

27/F, Wu Chung House 213 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road East Wanchai, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) Office contact details Dilys Wong

Tel: +852 2287 7277 Fax: +852 2575 8925 E-mail: hongkongoffice@icaew.com Nearest MTR station Wanchai Offices in Asia Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Website www.icaew.com/hongkong www.icaew.com Years of operation in Hong Kong 3 years

Institution profile Kaplan Higher Education, a division of Kaplan Inc, is one of the largest providers of tertiary education courses and services in Hong Kong. Its university partners from across the globe represent a portfolio of programmes from diploma to research-based doctoral levels. Kaplan helps to develop managers and professionals with executive leadership qualities to meet the needs of the evolving knowledge economy in Hong Kong and beyond. Kaplan Inc, a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), is a global, diversified education company with operations in more than 30 countries. Kaplan serves more than one million students each year.

Organisation Kaplan Higher Education (HK) Limited UK partners/affiliations NCC Education University of Bedfordshire University of Hull Office contact details Kaplan Higher Education (HK) Limited 1/F, Far East Finance Centre 6 Harcourt Road Admiralty, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2834 4770 Fax: +852 2834 4042 E-mail: info@kaplan.edu.hk Nearest MTR station Admiralty, Exit B Offices in Asia China, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Singapore Website www.kaplan.edu.hk Years of operation in Hong Kong 20 years

Institution profile Students from around the world have been taking London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Qualifications for more than 100 years. LCCI opens up opportunities for a move into further education, professional bodies and the employment market, serving more than 250,000 students each year. LCCI International Qualifications are recognised and accredited by the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority (QCDA) and regulatory bodies and education ministries around the world. They cover a range of business skills, including financial and quantitive subjects, English language, marketing and customer service, administration and IT.

Organisation London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications Hong Kong/Macau partners/affiliations Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Office contact details Samuel Li Unit 1105 11/F, Emperor Group Centre 288 Hennessy Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 3102 0100 Fax: +852 3102 0111 E-mail: infohk@lcciasia.com Nearest MTR station Wanchai, A4 exit Offices in Asia Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and representatives in other major Asia locations Website www.lcci.org.uk www.lcciasia.com Years of operation in Hong Kong 50 years

Institution profile NCC Education is a global provider and awarding body of quality UK education programmes in business and IT, ranging from foundation to masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s levels. Originally part of the National Computing Centre, it was first established as an IT initiative by the UK Government in 1976. NCC Education started offering IT qualifications in 1996 and from 1997 developed its higher education portfolio to include business programmes, IT qualifications for school children and a range of foundation programmes. Today, NCC Education has an extensive network of Accredited Partner Centres in over 50 countries, five international offices and employs academic managers worldwide.

Organisation NCC Education UK partners/affiliations University of Greenwich

NCC Education offers students a route to an internationally recognised degree by studying in either their home country or in the UK through the NCC Education Degree Journey. Over 40 universities accept NCC Education diplomas and advanced diplomas for direct entry into Years 2 or 3 of their three-year honours degree programmes. The NCC Education International Foundation Year programme is also accepted as entry into Year 1. NCC Education has over a million graduates from its Accredited Partner Centres. It has achieved a respected global reputation for providing high-calibre education programmes, supported by its customer service. In addition, students can make use of Campus, its state-of-the-art online facility.

University of Portsmouth University of Wales Hong Kong/Macau partners/affiliations ABRS Technology Centre and Institute Hong Kong Institute of Continuing Education Hong Kong Management Association Hopkins Management Group Ltd Institute of Professional Education and Knowledge Kaplan Higher Education Ltd Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre Macau Tourism and Casino Career Centre Raffles Business Institute School of the Nations Unisoft Education Centre Office contact details Lavender Zheng Room 5T08-01, 5/F, CEPA Centre HKPC Building 78 Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Tel: +852 2788 5676 Fax: +852 2777 1378 E-mail: lavender.zheng@nccedu.com Offices in Asia Hong Kong, Malaysia, Beijing Website www.nccedu.com/hongkong Years of operation in Hong Kong 30 years 81

Institution profile Resource Development International Hong Kong (RDI) is a fully owned subsidiary of its UK parent company Resource Development International Ltd, the world’s leading provider of UK distance/online programmes. RDI was among the first private education providers to be awarded ISO 9001:2000. Its higher education institutions are audited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and it actively participates in QAA collaborative audits of its partners. All RDI Management Learning’s programmes are registered with HKCAAVQ and most courses have modules approved for CEF financial assistance. Operating from its administrative centre in Central, the provider offers a total of 31 programmes from nine UK universities, covering postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate levels. It provides classroom facilities, computers and library access, and delivers courses with tutorial support to around 1,000 Hong Kong students. Its college arm, RDI Management Learning College, is an approved centre for Edexcel, which enables it to deliver the BTEC Diploma in Management Studies and Higher National Diploma programmes. Studying transnational education courses through RDI Management Learning means diploma, degree and master’s qualifications will have the same status as those studied on UK university campuses. Courses offered include MBA, MSc, MA, BABM, BA and BSc from the universities of Birmingham, Bradford, Wales, Derby, Sunderland, Teesside, East London, Birmingham City and from Edexcel.

Organisation RDI Management Learning UK partners/affiliations Birmingham City University Edexcel Sheffield Hallam University University of Birmingham University of Bradford University of Derby University of East London University of Sunderland University of Teesside University of Wales Office contact details Kerry Lee South China Building 1-3 Wyndham Street Central, Hong Kong Tel : +852 2992 0133 Fax : +852 2992 0918 E-mail : info@rdihongkong.com Nearest MTR station Central, Exit D1 Website www.rdihongkong.com Years of operation in Hong Kong 13 years

Institution profile The Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries, the two chartered professional bodies for UK actuaries, work closely together across the UK as The Actuarial Profession. They represent their membership through promotion of the profession and in collaborations with government, business, regulators and other professions. The Actuarial Profession educates new and existing members and provides research to improve actuarial knowledge. It regulates members by applying ethical codes and enforcing professional standards.

Organisation Name The Actuarial Profession UK partners/affiliations

The Profession offers relevant benefits to all members. Key among these benefits are professional education programmes and networking opportunities. Members join a small group of professionals who have made a personal commitment to high standards of education, competence and integrity.

Institute of Actuaries Faculty of Actuaries

The exam programme is flexible, allowing individuals to continue working for an actuarial employer. In addition to passing professional exams, candidates work with their employer to meet the practical work-based skills requirement.

Institute of Actuaries

Office contact details Barbara Beebee Staple Inn Hall High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ England Tel: (44) (207) 632 2130 Fax: (44) (207) 632 2121 E-mail: barbara.beebee@actuaries. org.uk Website www.actuaries.org.uk

Frequently asked questions How do I know whether the institutions/ agents offering TNE programmes are reliable and accredited? All non-local courses that deliver part of the course face-to-face in Hong Kong and lead to an overseas award must be listed on the Non-local Courses Registry. This can be viewed at www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx? langno=1&nodeid=1485&inmode=2 Many UK distance learning courses also register in Hong Kong, even though they are not required to do so. You may check if the course and/or UK institution is recognised in the UK by checking the following sites: www.dcsf.gov.uk/providersregister and www. dcsf.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees Is the course fee for TNE programmes normally higher or lower than the one offered in the UK? The costs of studying a UK course in Hong Kong will be significantly lower. The programme fees themselves will not be significantly different, though there are many factors that determine whether the fees of the non-local course differ from those offered in the UK. Additional costs to the programme could include official registration fees with the Education Bureau, logistics, provision of lecturers from outside Hong Kong and services provided by the local operators, such as library, laboratory or IT facilities. However, most of these costs are absorbed by the partnership and outweighed by factors that reduce the fees. Is the qualification obtained via TNE the same as that obtained by taking the course in the UK? Is the title different? Will it be equally recognised by the UK authorities? Before enrolment the student must check that the details of the certificate match that of the course or qualification taken. UK nonlocal qualifications gained in Hong Kong hold the same status, post-nominal letters and recognition as the UK equivalent.

Is the appearance of the certificate/diploma obtained via TNE the same as that obtained when taking courses in the UK? Is there anything special marked on the TNE course certificate/diploma? Typically, the certificate will match that of one received in the UK, stating the UK institute as the awarding body. For joint awards, all institutes of the partnership will be stated as the awarding bodies. The accompanying transcript may note the location where the course was taken, perhaps citing Hong Kong or a local campus as the location. Likewise, the transcript may state the mode of learning (such as distance learning). Are TNE alumni regarded as the same as regular alumni by UK and local institutions? As an overseas graduate of a UK institution you will have the opportunity to become a member of the UK alumni association, the local chapter of the alumni association and also the alumni association of the local operator. Is there a list of TNE agents/institutions in Hong Kong? Please refer to p.86 for our directory. A listing of all UK qualifications available in Hong Kong and their respective local operators may be found at: www.educationuk.org.hk/TNE

Will someone from the British Council’s education services meet prospective students who show an interest in knowing more about available TNE programmes in Hong Kong? Yes, we are able to offer initial guidance and provide information on UK non-local courses to prospective students and employers. TNE is not new to Hong Kong or other countries, is it? What is its history? How many students in Hong Kong have obtained UK qualifications via TNE?

Note from the Student Financial Assistance Agency: “Applicants should check with the institutions/course providers concerned the course details, such as the enrolment date, entry requirements, course commencement date, course fees, assessment methods, etc.”

The UK has been offering education overseas for more than 100 years. One of the most longstanding provisions has come from the University of London External Systems, which has specialised in TNE for over 150 years. We know that there are more than 21,000 students studying UK higher education courses in Hong Kong. There are also over 20,000 graduates in Hong Kong annually from other post-secondary courses for City & Guilds and Edexcel qualifications. Are any TNE courses included in the list of Continuing Education Fund reimbursable courses? Yes, many UK courses are eligible for the Continuing Education Fund. For an updated list, visit: www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef/course.htm

Further resources and links Education UK The Education UK website provides a searchable directory of all accredited UK institutions and courses at various levels of education. You will also find guidance regarding scholarships, finances, application, immigration and studying in the UK. www.britishcouncil.org/hongkongeducationuk.htm We also have materials available in the Education UK Zone, located on the third floor of our Admiralty centre. During our Education UK exhibitions, you can find out more regarding UK non-local courses by visiting our TNE zone. Research Assessment Exercise Every few years, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) takes place to judge the quality of research being carried out in UK colleges and universities. The results of the most recent assessment can be downloaded from the following website: www.rae.ac.uk

Register of UK education and training providers You can download the archived register of education and training providers from the address below: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ documents/employersandsponsors/ pointsbasedsystem/diusregister.pdf (as last published by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) on 30 March 2009).

Teaching Quality You can find information on teaching quality from the following UNISTATS and QAA websites: www.unistats.com www.qaa.ac.uk

England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Scotland

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills www.bis.gov.uk

Association of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colleges www.ascol.org.uk

Department for Children, Schools and Families www.dcsf.gov.uk

Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk

Accreditation UK www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities www.cosla.gov.uk

General Teaching Council for England www.gtce.org.uk

General Teaching Council for Scotland www.gtcs.org.uk

Learning and Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk

Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inspectorate of Education www.hmie.gov.uk

Learning and Skills Network www.lsneducation.org.uk

Learning and Teaching Scotland www.ltscotland.org.uk

National Database of Accredited Qualifications www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education www.qaa.ac.uk

National Qualifications Framework www.qca.org.uk/qca_5967.aspx

Scottish Council of Independent Schools www.scis.org.uk

Office for Standards in Education www.ofsted.gov.uk

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework www.scqf.org.uk

Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency www.qcda.gov.uk

Scottish Enterprise www.scottish-enterprise.com

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education www.qaa.ac.uk

Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council www.sfc.ac.uk

Quality Improvement Agency for Lifelong Learning www.qia.org.uk

Scottish Government www.scotland.gov.uk www.teachinginscotland.com

Training and Development Agency for Schools www.tda.gov.uk

Scottish Qualifications Authority www.sqa.org.uk

Department of Education Northern Ireland www.deni.gov.uk

Universities Scotland www.universities-scotland.ac.uk

Education and Skills Wales www.learning.wales.gov.uk Further Education Colleges in Wales www.fforwm.ac.uk

The role of the British Council The British Council is the United Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

The British Council operates in over 110 countries and has been connecting people around the world with the UK for over 70 years. The British Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first office in Hong Kong was opened over 60 years ago and is today one of its flagship operations, providing diverse programmes ranging from the arts and sciences to English teaching and examinations.

grow in sophistication. To support prospective students, we offer an array of services that include: exhibitions and seminars publications guidance and consultation online resources.

In education we help foster relationships among governments and institutions; administer scholarships; engage with UK alumni; and assist prospective students to make informed decisions regarding UK education. This includes choices to study UK qualifications in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a world leader in transnational education, with a market that continues to

You can prepare for your course by improving your English language via programmes offered by our English teaching centre. Courses can be tailored to your needs. You can also prepare for and take the IELTS examination at the British Council. The British Council is a leading provider of English courses and examinations in Hong Kong.

The British Council in Hong Kong Arts & culture

Examinations

We bring the very best of creativity and innovation from the UK through a variety of programmes. These provide opportunities to interact with artists, to ignite out-of-the-box thinking and enhance your language skills in an inspiring environment. We actively encourage exchange of ideas and expertise through international collaborations. Our programme areas include performing arts, visual arts, literature, music, design and more.

We prepare you for future success by administering international examinations covering a wide range of English language, educational and professional subjects. We organise and deliver IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Young Learners English Tests - Starters, Movers and Flyers - and the increasingly popular KET and PET examinations. We offer BULATS for those in the workplace and those wanting a test for CEF. We run IELTS tests at least twice a month. Schools, universities and professional bodies use our services for their exams.

www.britishcouncil.org.hk/arts Education Whatever your educational needs and whichever way you prefer to learn, our education services can give you the support you need through a variety of activities including seminars, exhibitions, exchange visits and alumni events. We provide you with comprehensive information on the UK education system, types of qualifications and education opportunities at a diverse range of institutions both locally or in the UK. We also build partnerships and sustainable networks between education communities in Hong Kong and the UK. www.britishcouncil.org.hk/education

www.britishcouncil.org.hk/exams

English learning Our English programmes aim to give you the confidence you need by learning with highly qualified teachers using the latest technology and innovative teaching methodologies. Lessons are memorable, interactive, stimulating and enjoyable. We also offer free English learning resources in our English Online platform: www.britishcouncil.org.hk/EnglishOnline www.britishcouncil.org.hk/english

Facilities We offer just the facilities and benefits that you need to aid you in learning English. These include:

We provide English courses for adults, secondary, primary and kindergarten students including:

The British Council Shop, which caters for all your English language learning needs. The shop stocks all the course books for our English language courses. It also offers an extensive range of young learnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; materials, from readers and phonetic guides to fun activity books. You can browse at your leisure, try the range of CD-ROMs on the inhouse computer or listen to audio books and CDs. Look out too for regular promotions and exclusive offers for British Council members.

Job Seekersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Skills workshops

Our Multimedia Study Centre, which gives you unrestricted access to a wide range of materials, including computer software, videos, audio tapes, course books and task sheets, as well as internet access. All the materials are catalogued for easy access and one of our Learning Assistants is always on hand to guide you through the materials. They are also available to help you with any questions you may have about your learning. When you join one of our adult courses, you automatically become a member of the Multimedia Study Centre located at our Admiralty centre.

teacher training courses.

Skills Focus courses IELTS preparation courses and workshops courses to complement the new senior secondary syllabus, HKCEE, A-level and AS-level students courses for Hong Kong teachers

The Cyber Cafe, available at our Admiralty centre if you want to use the internet to improve your English. Our web pages contain a comprehensive set of links to the best English language learning sites on the internet. Our Customer Services Centre where our staff will help you to find out more about what we do and the services we offer, including English language courses, UK education, examinations, our arts and science programmes as well as information about the UK. The centre is located on the third floor of our Admiralty building.

List of advertisers ABRS Professional Learning Services

ACCA

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Chamberlain Educational Services Centre

Chartered Institute of Building

City & Guilds

City University of Hong Kong - SCOPE

Education UK

Hong Kong Baptist University - SCE

Hong Kong College of Technology

38, 59

Hong Kong Communication Art Centre

Hong Kong Polytechnic University - HKCyberU

19, 65

Hong Kong Polytechnic University - IGDS

Hong Kong Polytechnic University - SPEED Hong Kong School of Commerce

Kaplan Higher Education

LexisNexis Hong Kong

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Manchester Business School, University of Manchester

Middlesex University Business School, Hong Kong

NCC Education

RDI Management Learning Ltd

11, 41, 53, 54, 55, 63, 91

SWP Training & Development Centre

The Actuarial Profession

University of Hong Kong - HKU SPACE

14, 15

10, 17, 26