Diploma of College Foundation Studies
Diploma of College Foundation Studies
大專基礎教育文憑

3411 5428
Programme Features
- 1-year full-time studies
- Students can obtain conditional offers through the Special Admission Scheme of HKBU Higher Diploma Programmes offered by SCE and Associate Degree Programmes offered by CIE
- English is used as the main medium of instruction to enhance students’ language abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing
- A selection of elective courses are offered to provide students with the opportunities to gain knowledge from different disciplines and broaden their horizons
- This programme will develop students’ personal values
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |

School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University
The School of Continuing Education (SCE) of Hong Kong Baptist University was founded in 1975 and is one of the seven schools or faculties of the University. The educational objectives of the SCE are based on the notion "Learning is a lifelong process". The School has been providing people of all ages with ways and options for professional and academic advancement to meet the needs of the rapidly changing society. This programme aims to develop students' English language skills, academic literacy and numeracy skills and prepare them for local sub-degree and overseas undergraduate studies. It is designed to equip students with skills in English language proficiency, communication, personal development, mathematics, analytical skills and other areas that would broaden students' horizons.
This programme consists of seven core courses and two elective courses, totaling 450 hours.
Subject Code | Course Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses (7 courses) | ||
Language and Communication (4 courses) | ||
DFS3101 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to give students the skills they need to communicate ideas effectively in English, taking consideration the complementary and interdependent nature of the four skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
COURSE CONTENT
|
60 |
DFS3102 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to further enhance students’ ability to communicate ideas effectively in English and to actively pursue academic and career aspirations, taking consideration the complementary and interdependent nature of the four skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
COURSE CONTENT
|
60 |
DFS3103 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to improve students’ proficiency in spoken English including proper pronunciation of English speech sounds and words, and the ability to express ideas, intended meanings, views, attitudes and feelings effectively in English.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3104 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to build and consolidate students’ awareness and understanding of the essential aspects of English grammar and usage. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of English structure within a functional approach, focusing primarily on the use of various grammatical items or concepts for practical communicative purposes.
COURSE CONTENT Grammar items to be covered:
Students will exercise the use of these grammar items exclusively in context-based, functional usage and real-world communicative tasks. |
45 |
Meaning of Life (1 course) | ||
DFS3301 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course provides opportunities for students to develop a deeper understanding of their “self” and improve their life skills for self-improvement. Students will utilise their critical thinking skills through a systematic approach to personal development by examining a range of topics which will help them increase their potential for academic success as well as in their future careers.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
Numeracy and Research (2 courses) | ||
DFS3201 |
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course aims at providing students with statistical theories and techniques to collect, analyse and present data that are supported by information technology. Furthermore, students will develop their abilities in statistical reasoning, logical thinking and analytical skills to support future studies.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3202 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Mathematics is around us that people use numbers to communicate information in most aspects of our lives. This course aims to nurture students with quantitative concepts to solve problems in daily-life contexts. It also provides a foundation in mathematics for student to further their studies and future career development.
COURSE CONTENT
|
60 |
Electives courses (Any two courses) | ||
DFS3401 |
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES IELTS, International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the English language ability of those who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. The test is recognised for admission by universities / colleges in many countries. This IELTS preparatory course will provide students with language practice to prepare them for the Academic Module of the IELTS exam. It will introduce students to the IELTS exam format and content, and equip them with effective skills needed to undertake the IELTS test with confidence. Students will work through mock questions in the lessons and get immediate feedback for improvement.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3404 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive coverage of basic economic principles and their applications to the real-world economic issues. Students will learn to appreciate the variety of analytical tools which develop students to think logically. Topics include the basic economic concepts, market mechanism, production and costs, market structure, national income, money and banking, inflation and unemployment and international economics.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3405 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to offer students an exposure to different business disciplines as well as perspective of business firms as integrated organizations composed of a number of specialized functions. It also aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop a wide range of business related knowledge and skills.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3406 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES With the popularity of the participation in sports activities, there is a growing need for sports coaches. This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of the current trends in the field of sports coaching. It gives them an idea of different coaching models, strategies and techniques. This course will also systematically prepare students to exercise the skills.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3407 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course is designed to expose students to different design disciplines in commercial design areas as well as foster an understanding of the relationship between design styles and global trends. It also aims to provide students with basic hands-on skills and design knowledge, develop their creativity and refine their aesthetic sensibilities in commercial design.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3408 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES “Law and Order” has become the most critical element in maintaining the stability and prosperity of a metropolitan city like Hong Kong today. This course aims at providing students with a fundamental but comprehensive understanding of crimes, criminal behaviours and on how law enforcement can be practiced to combat various crimes in the society. At the same time, the course will equip students with basic aspects of criminal law as well as an overview of the legal system in Hong Kong.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3409 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of information technology, computer programming and data handling. It combines topics in computer programming and database management to enable students to apply programming techniques to deal with simple computational problems and examine multi-dimensional data.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3410 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course presents the students with an introduction to networking and web technologies. Students will be taught how computer networks are organized with the concept of layered approach and how to use HTML5, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery to develop an interactive website. Topics such as computer network models, network security, structural JavaScript elements, object-oriented programming and event-driven programming will be introduced.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
DFS3411 |
placeholder
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This course aims to introduce fundamental concepts and knowledge in the area of aviation and air cargo services. Students will learn the guiding principles behind the operations of the aviation industry and airport. Topics include customer services, air cargo service procedures and operations, airline marketing and management, airline branding, revenue management, safety and security, and risk monitoring and management.
COURSE CONTENT
|
45 |
450
|
The School reserves the right to offer any elective courses.
Upon successful completion of the Diploma programme, graduates will be eligible to apply for the HKBU Higher Diploma Programmes offered by SCE and the HKBU Associate Degree Programme offered by CIE.*
Students who have obtained a passing grade and satisfied the attendance requirement in each course will be awarded the Diploma of College Foundation Studies.
Application Fee: | HK$150 |
2025/26 Tuition Fee: |
HK$46,600 (by two instalments, each instalment: HK$23,300) |
Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme
Students can apply for financial assistance through the Government's Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (ENLS). For details, please refer to the website of the Student Finance Office (SFO) .
Continuing Education Fund
The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) subsidises adults with learning aspirations to pursue continuing education and training courses. Please refer to the website of CEF for details.
Course Schedule | September 2025 |
Venue | HKBU Shek Mun Campus |
The admission requirements of the programme are as follows:
- Level 2 in HKDSE English Language and Chinese Language+; or
- Level 1 in HKDSE English Language and Chinese Language AND at least 6 points in the best five subjects* # +; or
- Other equivalent qualifications to be assessed by SCE.
+ “Attained” or above in Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.
* Application will be considered for admission in the following circumstances:
i) An applicant has obtained “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development and at least 4 points in four other subjects; or
ii) An applicant has attempted less than five subjects but obtained 6 points.
# Applicants can use not more than two Applied Learning subjects for admission purposes.
Application Arrangement for DSE Release Day
Application Procedure
Online Application and On-site Application will be available
Online Application
The following document files should be ready for application:
- Academic qualification documents [including HKDSE results notice or certificate/ HKAL/HKCEE certificate and other academic certificates (if applicable)];
- HKID card;
- Application fee of HK$150
Applicants can submit their application through the SCE Online Application System.
Application Period: To be confirmed
On-site Application
Applicants should bring the following documents for application:
- Original and photocopy of academic qualification documents [including HKDSE results notice or certificate/ HKAL/HKCEE certificate and other academic certificates (if applicable)];
- HKID card;
- Application fee of HK$150
Location for On-site Application:
Date: To be confirmed
Venue: To be confirmed
Time: To be confirmed
Applicants should note that:
- The qualification obtained after completing the programme is not recognised for civil service appointment as meeting the academic entry requirement which require Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination;
- The qualification awarded by our School may not be recognised by other institutions for articulation to their sub-degree or other programmes; and
- Students will not be eligible for Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) administered by the Student Finance Office.
Diploma of College Foundation Studies & Diploma of Applied Education Online Information Seminar
Date | To be confirmed |
Time | To be confirmed |
Mode | To be confirmed |
Register | To be confirmed |
Alumni Sharing

Looking back on this learning journey, I faced countless challenges and experienced significant growth. My English language skills improved through different group discussions and assignments. These learning experiences have enabled me to express myself more confidently. I am grateful to have a group of caring and dedicated teachers. Their guidance and encouragement helped me to improve and grow. I was fortunate to meet wonderful classmates. We supported and accompanied one another, making our learning experience more vibrant. These invaluable experiences will become important assets on my future path, helping me face more challenges and achieve higher goals.
HAN Jinyu
2023-24 intake

My disappointment with the HKDSE results and my subsequent decision to study the DCFS programme were unexpected. However, this programme has offered me numerous new experiences, enabling me to meet diverse individuals and explore a variety of subjects that have prepared me for my future studies. In the past year, I had the chance to familiarise myself with university life, gaining knowledge in fields I had not encountered during secondary school. I have thoroughly enjoyed this past year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to study DCFS.
TSANG Ka Lok
2023-24 intake

Completing DCFS was an important milestone in my learning journey. While improving my English proficiency, the programme boosted my confidence in using English in daily situations and ensured my seamless adaptation to courses taught in English.
In addition to polishing my language skills, I had chances to study new subjects which I had not taken at secondary school. For example, Introduction to Commercial Design allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the design field. Not only did this new learning experience equip me with professional knowledge but also helped me discover my strengths and interests. The programme played a significant role in my setting career goal to become an excellent designer.
Overall, my DCFS learning journey enriched my knowledge and opened the door to the field of design, allowing me to pursue and fulfill my dreams. This valuable experience has laid the path for my future studies and career.
Chan Lok Yee
2022-23 intake

The DCFS programme has laid a solid foundation for me in terms of knowledge and confidence. I now have a clearer understanding of my interests and potential so that I can set wiser plans for my future.
I would like to show appreciation to my teachers, who patiently guided and inspired me during my DCFS studies. Their support and encouragement filled me with motivation, enabling me to overcome challenges and step forward. I am grateful that the DCFS programme provided me with another study pathway, other than DSE, to start anew and revitalise my learning journey!
Chan Wing Tung
2022-23 intake
![]() |
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. This course / The mother course (Diploma of College Foundation Studies) of this module is recognized under the Qualification Framework (QF Level 3). |
The above information is for reference only. The School reserves the right to make alterations or to cancel any class/programme without prior notice.
Programmes offered by the School of Continuing Education (leading to HKBU awards or SCE awards, or collaborative programmes) are conducted at various teaching venues, including Kowloon Tong and Shek Mun (Shatin) Campuses and Learning Centres in Tsimshatsui, Kowloon East, and Wan Chai. These venues are well-equipped to support students’ studies. While most of the classes are held at either the Kowloon Tong Campus or the Shek Mun Campus, depending on the School’s development, students may be assigned to take classes at other venues during their study period.