Diploma in Foundation Studies
Application Code 報名編號 : CC001
- A one-year programme for students who have marginally fallen short of the entrance requirements of AD / HD programmes.
- Upon completion of DFS, students are eligible to apply for the College’s two-year AD / HD programmes.
- A “Diploma in Foundation Studies Scholarship” Scheme (HKD10,000) is set up to award DFS graduates with good academic results who would directly progress to study AD/HD programme in the College.
Programme Aims & Features
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enhance students’ whole-person development, essentially the cultivation of their language proficiency, independent and evaluative thinking, and also analytical and presentation skills;
- adopt a broad-based learning mode by incorporating a wide variety of disciplines such as science and technology, social sciences, culture and media, art and humanities, and philosophy in order to strengthen students’ academic potentials and broaden their horizons;
- prepare students for tertiary education and professional training, such as the Associate Degree programmes or Higher Diploma programmes or equivalent.
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communicate ideas clearly using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in a social context;
- analyse fundamental concepts of a range of subject areas and their relevancy to humanities;
- apply basic theories in a range of subject areas to different scenarios in society and nature.
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Programme Duration: 12 months
- Mode of Study: Blended Learning Mode
- Medium of Instruction: English, except for Chinese Language courses
Opportunities for Further Studies
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Students will be awarded the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) which will satisfy the minimum entry requirements of the Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programme offered by the Community College. Some Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes of the College have specific entrance requirements (such as minimum Cumulative GPA or required grades on particular courses of the DFS), the details are given in the Student Handbook. Students will take generic subjects such as English, Chinese and Mathematics to solidify their learning ability. In addition, the College offers different electives in different fields of studies such as Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Humanities, Sciences etc. to broaden students’ horizons.
Entrance Requirements
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
- Have gained in the HKDSE Examination*% Level 1 or above in English Language and Chinese Language; and
- Have gained in the HKDSE Examination * at least 6 points^ in the best five subjects.
■ “Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above in the HKDSE Examination;
■ “Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3 in the HKDSE Examination; and
■ “Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.
# ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.
OR
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
1. Have completed at least Secondary 5; and
2. Have gained in IGCSE or GCSE Grade C (or Grade 4) or above in a minimum of 5 subjects including English Language and another subject.
OR
Other Qualifications
- Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College
Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but who are aged 21 or above with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.
Golden Opportunities for Further Studies
The following DFS graduates were admitted by one of the UGC-funded Bachelor’s degree programmes upon completing the Association Degree or Higher Diploma programmes in our College.
Progressed to Associate Degree Programmes | |||
Programme of Study at HKU SPACE CC |
Progressed to |
Name of Bachelor’s degree Programme |
|
Associate of Science |
HKU |
BSc Chemistry |
|
Associate of Science |
HKU |
BSc Molecular Biology & Biotechnology |
|
Associate of Science |
HKU |
BSc Risk Management |
|
Associate of Health Science |
HKU |
BNurs |
|
Associate of Arts in Languages and Humanities |
CUHK |
BA Philosophy |
|
Associate of Arts in Languages and Humanities |
CUHK |
BSocSc Gender Studies |
|
Associate of Biomedical Science |
CUHK |
BSc Natural Sciences |
|
Associate of Social Sciences |
CUHK |
BSc Exercise Science & Health Education |
|
Associate of Engineering |
HKUST |
BEng Computer Engineering |
|
Associate of Health Science |
HKUST |
BSc Biological Science |
|
Associate of Arts in Languages and Humanities |
PolyU |
Broad Discipline of Language, Culture & Communication |
|
Associate of Business Administration |
PolyU |
BSc (Hons) Logistics Engineering with Management |
|
Associate of Engineering |
PolyU |
BEng (Hons) Industrial & Systems Engineering |
|
Associate of Arts in Legal Studies |
CityU |
LLB | |
Associate of Arts in Legal Studies |
CityU |
BA English Studies |
|
Associate of Social Sciences |
LU |
BSocSc (Hons) |
|
Associate of Arts in Media, Cultural and Creative Studies |
HKEduU |
BA (Hons) Creative Arts & Culture - Music |
|
Progressed to Higher Diploma Programmes |
|||
Higher Diploma in Business |
HKU |
BSc Information Management |
|
Higher Diploma in Engineering |
HKU |
BEng |
|
Higher Diploma in Information Techology |
HKUST |
BEng Computer Science |
|
Higher Diploma in Engineering |
PolyU |
BEng (Hons) Electronic & Information Engineering |
|
Higher Diploma in Engineering |
PolyU |
BSc (Hons) Engineering Physics (Optoelectronics) |
|
Higher Diploma in Engineering |
PolyU |
BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering |
|
Higher Diploma in Engineering |
CityU |
BEng |
|
Higher Diploma in Marketing |
CityU |
BBA Information Management |
Tuition Fee (HKD)
Tuition fee for the academic year 2025-26: HK$47,000*
*Subject to adjustment
Applicants who wish to apply for the Diploma in Foundation Studies programme should note that:
- The qualification obtained after completing the programme is not recognised for civil service appointment. To meet the academic entry requirements, applicants should obtain Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination; and
- The qualification awarded by our College may not be recognised by other institutions for articulation to their sub-degree or other programmes; and
- Students will not be eligible for applying for Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) administered by the Student Finance Office, however they can apply for the Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme; and
- The DFS programme is below post-secondary level. Under the existing immigration policy, an application for a visa or entry permit to enter the HKSAR for study may not be considered if the applicant is not applying for a post-secondary programme.
Programme Structure
Languages and Mathematics Courses (Choose 4 – 7 courses) |
|
Core Courses |
|
Electives Courses (Choose 3 – 6 courses, depending on the number of courses selected for Language and Mathematics Courses) |
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Elective Courses |
|
Total: 10 courses (30-31.5 CC credits) |
- College Speaking is not offered to students with Level 4 or above in HKDSE English Language (Speaking paper) (or equivalent qualification).
- Students are assigned to “College Writing” or “Grammar for College Studies” by English Teachers based on their results in HKDSE English Language (or equivalent qualification).
- Chinese Language Enhancement (4.5 CC credits) is for students with HKDSE Chinese Language Level 1 only.
- Non-Chinese speaking students can apply for exemption from Foundations of Chinese Language and Chinese Language Enhancement courses.
- The programme structure is subject to change and the College reserves the right to make amendment(s) whenever necessary.
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obtain 120 QF credits (30 CC credits) of courses as prescribed in the Diploma in Foundation Studies curriculum;
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achieve a Cumulative GPA of 1.7 or above;
- obtain grade C- or above in all core English courses (i.e. CCEN3002 General English I and CCEN3003 General English II); and
- be required to attend some non-credit bearing Seminar Series organised by the College and complete the assessment satisfactorily.
- 2018-19 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2021 Advancement to BEng Materials Science and Engineering (City U)
Studying Diploma in Foundation Studies programme (DFS) gave me a chance to gain different professional knowledge through a multidisciplinary curriculum, such as science, culture, history, etc. It was a fantastic learning experience because I could understand the world more from different perspectives. The college granted me a lot of chances to learn with captivating activities. These experiences further ignited my interest in studying. During my DFS study, I was always given chances for group discussions which are a platform that I could communicate with others in English and get immediate feedback and advice from my teachers. The learning process was amazing and I could boost my English speaking. Last but not least, the warm and positive learning atmosphere in DFS was the catalyst and motivation supporting me to study further and continuously explore my curiosity of the world. I am so honoured to have the opportunity to study this foundation programme. All the friendships and memories that I experienced in CC will last forever.
- 2015-16 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2016-18 Associate of Health Science (Biomedical Sciences)
- 2018 CUHK BSc in Natural Sciences
- Other offer received: BSc in Natural Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Other offer received: BSc Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong
- Other offer received: BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Looking back at my DSE results, it was a hard time for me. Then I made one of the most satisfying and paramount choices in my life - choosing the DFS programme at HKU SPACE Community College - which changed my life. I remember that at the beginning of the first semester, I tried very hard to adapt to the environment. As time went by, I became familiar with the environment and built up my confidence. I would like to thank many nice and kind lecturers for helping and teaching me a lot. Whenever I came across questions related to my study or career, they were willing to help. After studying the DFS programme, the most important achievements were realising my real interest, rebuilding my confidence and identifying new goals for myself. The time I spent here was so enjoyable and it was also the turning point in my life.
- 2016-17 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2017-18 Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies (Year 1)
Studying this DFS programme made me understand the importance of team spirit since a lot of assignments are done in groups. I made friends with many people when doing different group projects and presentations. I think that working in a team is much more enjoyable than working alone. Besides, the interactive teaching method used by the teachers in the college made me very impressed, especially the course of College Speaking. I was shy and didn’t dare to express myself. However, through a variety of trainings in performances and personal speeches, I became more out-spoken and out-going. I am now more willing to come into contact with people and able to adapt to unfamiliar environment.
- 2016-17 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2017-19 Associate of Arts in Legal Studies
- 2019 Bachelor of Laws, The City University of Hong Kong
Failing the DSE has turned out to be the best thing that happened to me in my life. If I hadn’t experienced this failure, I would have never known the importance of hard work and dedication. Studying DFS was amazing. It’s simply one of the best years in my life both academically and personally. It gave me not only a shelter from the rain and protection from my insecure future, but also boosted my confidence to take challenges again and again. It also made me realize that failure is not the worst thing. On the contrary, not willing to try again is the worst. After studying DFS programme, I began to believe in myself that I was much more capable than I thought. Lastly, I would like to thank my DFS teachers for their warm love and kind support. It would not have been possible for any of us to move forward if they were not there with us.
- 2015-16 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2016-17 Higher Diploma in Transport and Logistics Management (Year 1)
Studying for the Diploma in Foundation Studies has given me with a valuable and unforgettable experience. I remember the time playing exciting games on welcoming day and the lively learning atmosphere in the interactive classes. I've come to realize that serious learning can also be done with fun. The most important change for me was my transformation to becoming a more confident and dedicated student. With a stronger belief that I can do it, I find myself more motivated towards my goal of studying at university.
- 2015-16 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2016-17 Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Year 1)
Studying the Diploma in Foundation Studies was the most unforgettable year to me, as I could find my way to tertiary education though studying different subjects. Besides of knowledge from textbook, I also had a chance to widen my horizons by participating in seminars and activities provided by the College. Moreover, I made a lot of new friends during my study. It is a joyful learning experience in this programme.
- 2015-16 Diploma in Foundation Studies
- 2016-17 Associate of Science (Year 1)
In 2015, I was in the watershed of my life, followed by my failure in the HKDSE. I was lucky enough to earn a chance to study for the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS). It turns out that my experience studying for the DFS is very different from my old days in secondary school. The emphasis on continuous assessment means that our performance is assessed in an all-round manner, and this eases off my exam stress. The multi-disciplinary nature of the curriculum also opened my eyes to new academic disciplines which I did not encounter at the high school level. This 1-year programme let me re-built my confidence in Science, and put me back on track to pursue further studies in this area when I promoted to the Associate of Science programme. I’m convinced I made the right choice studying for the DFS.
- 2013-14 Certificate in General Studies
- 2014-16 Associate of Arts (English Studies)
- 2016 BA English for the Professions, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Foundation programme, or as some misinformed people may refer to it, the so-called a stepping stone for those HKDSE losers, is actually much more than that! I still remember a lecturer teaching on the summer bridging course who said "HKDSE is just a fragment in your life, it is not the be all and end all” Indeed, throughout my three years at HKU SPACE Community College, the foundation year was the most beneficial to my studies. As a student in AA English Studies, it is vital for me to be able to express my thoughts in a systematic and cohesive way. The foundation year cultivated my essay writing skills and enhanced my English proficiency which has proven to be essential for further studies at the tertiary level. Speaking of survival skills, being able to manage deadline is a must in college life. Undoubtedly, this is also an opportunity to learn how to prioritize tasks and deal with pressure. The programme enhanced my self-motivation and my ability to become a better student equipped with impressive time management skills. Now, I am currently studying at PolyU and would like to express my deepest gratitude to those lecturers at HKU SPACE CC who helped me along the path tertiary education. Without their belief in me and their dedication to me, I would not have enjoyed such success.
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
- Associate of Arts (English Studies)
- City University of Hong Kong, BA Linguistics
Studying in the foundation programme was one of the most fruitful years in my life as I had a chance to learn new fields of subjects, such as Film and Philosophy, in order to understand the concepts by watching related movies that were quite new and interesting. In fact, we had to do a film-making project based on one of the concepts learnt at class, which allowed us to further apply the terms and concepts learnt to deepen our understanding. Even though I started my Associate of Arts in English Studies afterwards, we students still kept in touch with the lecturers and often missed the lessons. Having now the opportunity to choose between English and literature at the Baptist University and Linguistics at City University, I will never forget the time chasing deadlines, having fun company of classmates and consultation hours with patient lecturers. ”
- Student of the Higher Diploma in Engineering Programme
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
當我中五完成毅進課程後,便投身社會,工作了接近七年,直到2014年得朋友介紹入讀學院的基礎專上教育文憑,亦多謝學院 給我這個讀書的機會。 還記得第一天來到九龍灣的校舍,都有擔心自己會否跟不上進度,讀書壓力會否很大,令人透不過氣?結果,這一年來,我肯定 了自己讀書的能力,而且,更一再找到自己真正路向。此外,對比起工作時每天面對爾虞我詐的人事關係,在學院裡我有幸還結 識了一班志同道合又能交心的好朋友,所以我十分慶幸選擇了基礎專上教育文憑這條升學路。
- Student of the Associate of Arts in Languages and Humanities Programme
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
Facing the failure of HKDSE, I did not meet the entrance requirements of Associate Degree programmes. Losing the clear direction towards studying, I was undoubtedly confused. Fortunately, the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) offers me a chance to pave my way to tertiary education. By taking the 1-year course, I’m given a taste of studying various subjects so as to develop my interests in a variety of academic disciplines. The programme also helps me by offering training in critical thinking so that we’re all well-equipped with the skills required to get into an AD / HD programme. In short, I enjoyed taking the course as a starting point of my study journey as it indeed provides me with a variety of learning opportunities.
- Student of the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies Programme
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
Two years ago, I finished my HKDSE examination. Although the result displeased me, I hoped I could get into university one day. Therefore, I chose this programme because I knew would have a chance to study in higher education after this. I think this programme has helped me a lot in giving me a clear vision of where I am heading. Besides, I also improved my learning skills through studying different subjects. In addition, I made a lot of friends in this programme. I am enjoying this programme very much.
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
The College is indeed much more than a place to fight for a high GPA. Over the years, I’ve benefited a lot in interest mining and personal development. Specializing in Science, I have also explored my interest in various subject areas including psychology, culture and even philosophy, thanks to the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme. The focus on continuous assessment and group work has also polished my communication and problem solving skills, which would be useful for a lifetime. I particularly treasure the preparatory workshops that the College offered before the start of our study. Workshops on English writing, presentation skills, as well as student sharing sessions gave me a head start by familiarizing myself to the learning environment at a tertiary level.
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
我在文憑試的失誤並非我學習歷程中的終結,而是開展我學習的新一頁。在課程中,學習的內容是可以讓我在往後的課程中打好基礎,迎接更多的挑戰。 同學間的互相合作,令我建立良好的人際關係。加上同學間的互相支持,令我在遇到問題時,會更有動力解決問題。 同時,我發現自己並非輸在起跑線,只是讓自己做好熱身,令我在往後的學習跑道上更能翱翔。
- Diploma in Foundation Studies
Studying in CGS (renamed as DFS) is the most unforgettable learning experience in my life. I think the content of the programme is just at the right level so that I was able to be familiar with the study mode at a tertiary level in a short period of time. At the same time, studying here also allows me to improve my interpersonal skills. I met a lot of new friends when I was studying in CGS; we helped each other to get projects done. We still have a good friendship now even if we are not studying in the same programme.