Programmes - HKU SPACE Community College
Skip to main content
Social Sciences Social Sciences

Associate of Arts in Applied Communication

Programme Code: AD 128 3416 6338 2305 5315 aaac@hkuspace.hku.hk
^The Higher Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communications has been modified and renamed to the Associate of Arts in Applied Communication for the academic year 2026/27, subject to final approval.
 
 
 

Application Code 報名編號 : AD128

Programme Aims & Features

The Associate of Arts in Applied Communication (AAAC) develops students’ critical understanding of communication and media as interconnected academic disciplines. Through the integrated study of communication theories and technological dimensions, it builds a solid foundation in communication and media studies while cultivating advanced communication competencies in English and Chinese for social, academic and professional contexts.

Graduates thus possess the academic grounding and applied communication skills necessary for advanced study in communication, media and related disciplines, and are well prepared for articulation to relevant bachelor’s degree programmes and entry‑level roles in communication and media industries.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

ILO1. communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts; 
ILO2. use information technology and/or quantitative/numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
ILO3. analyse and integrate fundamental concepts and ideas across a broad range of core curriculum subjects and describe their relevance to human experiences; 
ILO4. apply interdisciplinary concepts across communication, media, and business contexts, demonstrating integration of theoretical frameworks with contemporary communication practices;
ILO5. synthesise communication theories and practices to design integrated communication strategies for addressing organisational and social challenges, preparing for advanced study in communication disciplines.
 

Assessment Methods

For most of the courses, assessment will be based on a combination of formative assessment (assignments, mid-term tests, etc.) and summative assessment (such as final examinations). In some courses, assessment may be based entirely on continuous assessment without a final examination.

Award

Successful completion of this programme leads to an award of Associate of Arts in Applied Communication within the University of Hong Kong system through HKU SPACE.

 

Opportunities for Further Studies

2025 Overall Progression Rate: 50%

Some of our graduates/students are admitted to UGC-funded degree programmes every year. The list below shows the programmes that our graduates/students^ of recent years have articulated to*:

The University of Hong Kong
BA
BNurs

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
BA Cultural Management
BSocSc Journalism & Communication(Advertising and Public Relations)

Integrated BBA

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
BBA

City University of Hong Kong
BA Digital Television & Broadcasting
BA Media & Communication
BA Translation & Interpretation
BBA
BBA Information Management
BBA Marketing
BSocSc Public Policy & Politics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship
BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles
BA (Hons) Language and Speech Sciences
BBA (Hons) Marketing
BSc (Hons) Enterprise Engineering with Management

Hong Kong Baptist University
BComm (Hons) Public Relations & Advertising Major - Organizational Communication
BComm (Hons) Public Relations & Advertising Major - Public Relations

BComm (Hons) Public Relations & Advertising Major - Advertising and Branding

The Education University of Hong Kong
BEd (Hons) Business, Accounting & Financial Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Policy Science & Management

HKU SPACE International College

Graduates^ are also eligible to apply for admission to the full-time top-up degree programmes offered locally by HKU SPACE International College in collaboration with the following university:

University of the Arts London

Edinburgh Napier University

The University of Hull
 

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme have a wide range of pathways open to them. They can choose to work in public relations, corporate communication, marketing and media‑related fields across commercial, public and non‑profit sectors. Potential career paths include roles such as public relations or marketing assistants, media planners and digital content creators, marketing executives, and positions in event planning and management, advertising, digital media and communication agencies.

           

*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.

GENERIC SKILLS
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • Advanced Chinese Language
  • Elementary Statistics
  • AI and Digital Literacy
  • English for Academic Purposes I
  • English for Academic Purposes II
  • English for Business

Experiential Learning Course:

  • Client-based Project
SPECIALISM

Year 1

  • Principles of Public Relations and Corporate Communications
  • Introduction to Media and Communications
  • Media Publishing and Production

 

Year 2

  • Fundamentals of Journalism
  • Advertising: Principles and Practice
  • Digital PR
  • Crisis Communication and Reputation Management
  • Introduction to Marketing

 

Core Curriculum Courses

Year 1

  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning in Discipline-based Studies
  • Core Curriculum: Culture, Media and Society:

Select ONE course from the following ONLY

CCCU4038          Global and Local Cultures: Perspectives and Lenses to Examine Communities and Self     

CCCU4039          Intercultural Communication    

CCCU4040          Exploring Hong Kong through Film and Popular Music      

CCSS4005          Social Problems in Contemporary Societies    

CCSS4043          Global Issues and Everyday Life

        

Year 2

  • Core Curriculum: Scientific and Technological Literacy

Select ONE course from the following ONLY

CCAH4021   Thinking about Artificial Intelligence      

CCSS4044    Health, Technology and Society        

CCST4009    Environmental Challenges and Sustainability        

CCST4122    Global Technology     

CCST4123    Healthy Living

 

  • Core Curriculum: Perspectives in Arts and Humanities

Select ONE course from the following ONLY

CCAH4012          Arts and Life - a Journey of Appreciation and Creation       

CCAH4014    Histories, Societies and Identities: Connecting the Past to the Present     

CCCU4041    Representation of People in Popular Art Forms      

CCAH4015    Renewal and Regeneration: China Facing the World          

CCAH4016    In Dialogue with Humanity      

    

*Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment and resources available.

Cheung Cheuk Nam Adam
Cheung Cheuk Nam, Adam
  • Offer received: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

In today’s competitive world, everyone is fighting for opportunities. Over the past two years at PRCC (retitled as AAAC), I have realized that the ability to communicate and articulate ideas clearly is what truly sets a person apart.

Before joining PRCC (retitled as AAAC), I often struggled to express my thoughts in a structured and convincing way. However, through assignments, presentations, and discussions, I gradually learned how to formulate arguments, respond to challenges, and articulate with confidence.

PRCC (retitled as AAAC ) has helped me develop a proper way of thinking, speaking, and writing. These skills not only improved my academic performance but also prepared me to communicate, influence, and share my ideas with the world. This transformation is something I truly value, and it is an experience I will carry with me in the future.

Leung Hiu Ching Brenda
Leung Hiu Ching, Brenda
  • Offer received: Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Public Relations and Advertising, Hong Kong Baptist University

修讀此課程令我更深入了解公關行業,掌握實用技巧,如撰寫新聞稿、制定推廣計劃、籌辦活動、分析公司形勢及危機管理。老師樂於分享行業經驗,Project亦非常有趣,讓我們能發揮創意,透過剪片、撰文及設計,將idea具體呈現。與同學共同努力後,獲老師肯定和理想成績,會特別有成功感。