Programmes

Applied Learning

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English)– English for Service Professionals (QF Level 3)

3416 6338 ccadmissions@hkuspace.hku.hk

(QF Level 3; QR registration number: 21/000099/L3; Validity Period: from 2/2/2021 to 31/12/2025)

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Provide opportunities for senior secondary students to enhance their English communication skills in authentic/near-authentic vocational and professional settings so they can cope with the demands of communication in English in general work contexts as well as specific industries (such as tourism and hospitality, airline and airport services, design and technology, and leisure and recreation) in the service sector with considerable level of confidence and clarity; and

2. Enhance students’ flexibility in articulation pathways by increasing their academic literacy, functional workplace literacy as well as critical literacy necessary for a smooth transition from a vocational training route to higher education in colleges and universities.

Programme Information

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the Programme

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

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the essential terminology, skills and appropriate linguistic etiquette for a range of communicative events in the service industry;

2. Apply the basic terminology, skills and appropriate linguistic etiquette in a range of communicative events in the service industry;

3. Improve their level of academic literacy, functional workplace literacy as well as critical literacy, and become better prepared for school-to-college/university or school-to-work transition;

4. Develop basic collaboration skills, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and learning skills essential for general education and vocational education; and

5. Develop self-understanding for further studies and career development in related fields.

Modules

Selected Topics

Assessment Method

Module 1:

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking]

(QF Level 2)

Part I: Pleasure and Leisure

Giving self-introduction
Making suggestions and plans
Asking for information (locations, goods and services)
Describing/discussing gadgets and games
Interacting on social media

Listening, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

Speaking Assessment:

Individual Response

Part II: Local Knowledge

Giving general information about living and studying in Hong Kong
Talking about famous/popular places in Hong Kong
Recommending places and activities
Discussing options
Expressing preferences and making choices
Conducting small talks

Part III: Enquiry and Reply

Talking about tools, equipment and supplies
Greeting and attending to clients/customers
Accepting payments and thanking the clients/customers
Giving directions and instructions on the premises
Offering assistance and responding to enquiries
Answering calls and taking phone messages

Module 2:

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing]

(QF Level 2)

Part I: Process and Procedure

Understanding information on products and services
Understanding basic documents/routine work messages
Understanding rules and regulations
Understanding information on store events and promotions
Writing routine work messages/simple replies to answer customers’ enquiries

Reading, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

Writing Assessment:

Completing an Online Complaint Form for a Customer

Part II: Problems and Solutions

Understanding cross-cultural communication
Describing an event or a scene
Replying to complaints and suggesting solutions
Completing a complaint form/report for customers
Delivering negative news and offering apologies in routine messages

Part III: Internship and Apprenticeship

Reading about options in academic education and vocational training
Reading success stories of young entrepreneurs
Understanding specific and transferable job skills
Identifying strengths and weaknesses
Describing skills and abilities
Describing personal hopes and expectations

Module 3:

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking]

(QF Level 3)

Part I: Industry-specific English 1: Tourism and Hospitality; Airline and Airport Services)

Describing facilities
Talking about food and beverages
Making and taking hotel, restaurant and flight reservations
Providing check-in and check-out services
Participating in a problem-solving discussion/negotiation
Describing/explaining highlights and features in tours and itineraries
Describing/explaining menus to customers
Handling enquiries/requests/complaints from hotel guests, restaurant patrons, tourists and passengers
Reporting information from different sources

Listening, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

Speaking Assessment:

Negotiation

Part II: Industry-specific English 2: Design and Technology; Leisure and Recreation

Describing designs and designed objects
Describing features of a good design
Discussing issues related to Information Technology (e.g. security and safety)
Explaining the functions and benefits of leisure facilities/services
Explaining the functions and benefits of designs and designed objects
Participating in a problem-solving discussion
Expressing preferences for various options and reaching an agreement in negotiation
Answering general enquiries from guests and visitors
Answering fault diagnosis questions from customers and offering solutions

Module 4:

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing]

(QF Level 3)

Part I: Communicating for Employment

Understanding the appropriate communication skills and etiquette for seeking employment
Evaluating job advertisements
Investigating/reading about prospective employers
Writing a comprehensive curriculum vitae and cover letter
Making requests for references/interviews
Fighting fear by drafting and polishing responses for frequently-asked questions in job interviews
Describing problem-solving experiences/success stories
Describing personal hopes and expectations
Describing experiences and achievements in education and training

Reading, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

Writing Assessment:

Writing a Cover Letter

Part II: Socialising at/after Work

Understanding the importance of social networking at the workplace
Understanding the importance of building trust, developing empathy and creating a positive work culture/environment
Understanding how culture affects communication
Understanding the importance of capitalising on a diverse workforce
Expressing preferences in entertainment options and arrangements
Writing tactfully at different social situations
Posting and networking on social media

Medium of Instruction
English

Entry Requirements
Students shall be current Secondary 4 and 5 students who are following the senior secondary curriculum recommended by the Curriculum Development Council (CDC).

Programme Duration
18 months

Awards
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals (QF Level 3) within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 1 Everyday Communication and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking] (QF Level 2).
(QF Level 2; QR registration number: 21/000100/L2; Validity Period: from 2/2/2021 to 31/12/2025)
Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 2 Workplace Communication and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing] (QF Level 2).
(QF Level 2; QR registration number: 21/000101/L2; Validity Period: from 2/2/2021 to 31/12/2025)
Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 3 Business Communication I and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking] (QF Level 3).
(QF Level 3; QR registration number: 21/000102/L3; Validity Period: from 2/2/2021 to 31/12/2025)
Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 4 Business Communication II and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing] (QF Level 3).
(QF Level 3; QR registration number: 21/000103/L3; Validity Period: from 2/2/2021 to 31/12/2025)

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