Questions related to admission
- Among HKDSE Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, which subject(s) is/are given more weight when admitting students?
In principle, they are given equal weight. However, if there are two students with the same HKDSE scores, the one who has achieved better results in Chinese Language and English Language is highly preferred.
- Which HKDSE elective subjects will be given bonus marks?
No bonus marks will be given to any elective subjects. All elective subjects will be considered and carry the same weight.
- Is it necessary for me to obtain Level 4 or above for Chinese Language and English Language in HKDSE to enter your BA Programmes ?
No. The minimum requirements for Chinese Language and English Language are Level 3. If you obtain Level 4 or above for languages, you will have a better chance of being accepted by our BA Programmes.
- I mainly take science subjects in HKDSE. Will I have a disadvantage in entering the BA Programmes?
No. Each elective subject carries the same weight. Any students with good HKDSE scores are welcome to choose the BA Programmes.
- Are the results in Mathematics Extended Module 1 or 2 (M1 or M2) counted when admitting students?
Our BA Programmes count M1 or M2 as equivalent to HKDSE elective subjects.
- Will the BA Programmes consider the results in Applied Learning subjects?
Applied Learning subjects will not be considered as elective subjects in the score calculation.
- Will the BA Programmes consider the results in Other Languages subjects?
We will count the Other Languages subject with grade E or above as an elective subject in score calculation, if it is better than all your elective subjects.
- Will I be considered by your BA Programmes if I haven't taken Chinese Literature or Literature in English in HKDSE?
We welcome any students who are interested in Arts subjects.
- Will students’ performance in Other Experience and Achievement in Competitions / Activities (OEA) be considered by the BA Programmes ?
Yes.
- Do I need to select the BA Programmes as my first choice in JUPAS to enter the programme?
You don't have to, but the Arts Faculty will give favourable consideration to JUPAS applicants who have put the Bachelor of Arts Programmes as their Band A choice. Over 90% of our students put our BA Programmes as their Band A choice.
Questions related to course selection
- Since all Physical Education courses are full, I am not able to take Physical Education / Healthy Lifestyle courses in Year 1. What can I do?
It would be fine as long as you are able to fulfil the graduation requirements for Physical Education / Healthy Lifestyle courses before you graduate. We encourage you to take the two Physical Education / Healthy Lifestyle courses by the end of Year 2 at the latest. Starting in Year 3, your study load will become heavier, so you need to put more effort and time in studying your Major courses.
- Is it necessary for me to take the Year 1 course(s) offered by the Major I intend to join in order to get into that Major?
No, it is not necessary to do so.
Questions related to Curriculum and Major Programme Assignment
- Is it possible for me to change programme within or across faculties/ schools/ programmes after studying Year 1?
Students need to apply to the Academic Registry and get the approval from the relevant faculties / schools and departments.
- When do I choose my Major? When will HKBU announce the results of the Major Programme Assignment?
In the Semester 2 of Year 1 (March every year), you will prioritize all the 6 Majors on the BUniPort based on your interest and overall performance. After the announcement of examination results in mid-June, you may change the choices. The University will announce the results of the Major Programme Assignment in late June or early July.
- If I am assigned to a Major which I do not like, what can I do?
Even if you are not assigned to your first choice, you can still acquire the knowledge that you are interested in through various means.
The Major programmes of the Faculty of Arts are interrelated. Chinese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Creative and Professional Writing and Translation are all related to languages. Humanities and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics are related to cultural studies and philosophy. Creative and Professional Writing and Humanities are both offered by the Department of Humanities and Creative Writing.
Students majoring in Chinese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, or Translation may pursue a Double Major. You can declare a Double Major at the end of Year 3, provided that you have taken sufficient credits and have confidence in fulfilling the Double Major requirements in Year 4. Please refer to our website for details.
To obtain knowledge of different disciplines, you may also pursue a Minor or take courses offered by the Major you like using your Free Elective units.
- If I have difficulties in choosing a Major, who can help me and give me advice?
If you need additional information and advice concerning the choice of courses, the selection of Majors, or other academic matters, you should consult the Faculty Academic Advisors. You can make an appointment at the Dean’s Office (email : artsug@hkbu.edu.hk or tel: 3411 5860) to meet one of the Faculty Academic Advisors.
You may also seek advice from senior fellow students.
Questions related to Double Major
- Which Major programmes are included in the Double Major Programmes?
There are two paths to attaining a Double Major (see Q2 below for details). Depending on the path you take, the Double Major Programmes include either:
A. Any two majors from these three majors: Chinese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics; or
B. These two majors: English Language and Literature or Translation.
- How can I pursue a Double Major?
First of all, there are two paths to attaining a Double Major.
First path: You can declare a double major in any two of these three majors: Chinese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
Second path: Students who major in English Language and Literature or Translation can declare a second major in the other major of these two majors. (e.g. A student who majors in Translation can declare a second major in English Language and Literature, and vice versa.)
Step 1: Choose a path and get into one of the above Majors according to your path
Step 2: Take the required number of units according to the Double Major course lists and study schedules announced on the Faculty website.
Step 3: Maintain a cGPA of 3.0 or above and declare the Double Major at the end of Year 3.
Step 4: Fulfil the graduation requirements for the Double Major by the end of Year 4 - If I have declared a Second Major in Year 3, but I cannot complete it before graduation, what should I do?
As long as you have fulfilled the graduation requirements for the Home Major (i.e., the Major assigned to you at the end of Year 1), you can still graduate with a Single Major (Home Major) even if you cannot complete the Second Major.
- If I pursue a Double Major, do I have to work on two Honours Projects?
No, you don’t have to. You will work on an Honours Project of your Home Major, but you may opt for an Honours Project of an interdisciplinary nature.
- I plan to pursue a Double Major. However, I am not able to enrol in the courses offered by the Second Major, especially the required courses, on the BUniPort during the Pre-registration Period. These courses are designated for students in that Major programme. What can I do?
You are not able to enrol in these courses during the Pre-registration Period. You have to submit an online application via BUniPort (Studies > My e-Application > Online Form).
Questions related to Minor programmes
- How do I pursue a Minor programme?
The credit requirement for a Minor programme is 15 units. You may visit the website of the Academic Registry for the course lists of Minor programmes offered in HKBU and use your Free Elective units to pursue a 15-unit Minor programme. The Academic Registry will send an e-mail to all final year students to invite applications for Minors via the BUniPort.
- As an Arts Faculty student, am I only allowed to pursue a Minor programme offered by the Faculty of Arts?
No. You can choose any Minor programmes offered by either the Faculty of Arts or other faculties/schools/academy. There are more than 30 Minor programmes in HKBU.
Questions related to career prospects
- What types of careers can I pursue upon graduation?
Courses in the BA Programmes attempt to fill the needs of the community for graduates who possess strong language abilities in both Chinese and English, professional knowledge, a range of transferable skills and creativity. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts go into a wider variety of fields for career development such as civil service, teaching, public administration, translation, community services and business etc.