Program Overview

Introduction to the Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education

The Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a two-year full-time program designed for secondary leavers to develop their careers in early childhood education. The program aims to provide students with high-quality learning and teaching in professional knowledge, skills, strategies, and ethics that enable them to excel in diverse early childhood education settings in Hong Kong.

Program Features

• The program paves the way for students to become reflective and committed early childhood professionals of high caliber.
• It provides students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel in early childhood education settings.
• The program is recognized by the Education Bureau (EDB) for the Certificate in Early Childhood Education [C(ECE)] qualification.
• Graduates are also recognized by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) for registration as Child Care Workers (CCW) and Child Care Supervisors (CCS).

Study Pathways

• Apart from professional career paths, graduates may opt to further their studies.
• Graduates could apply for admission to the senior year of bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education or related disciplines offered by local tertiary institutions.

Division Description

• The School of Continuing Education (SCE) has a vision for the development of professional training courses for local practitioners in basic education.
• The Early Childhood and Elementary Education Division (ECEED) is the academic arm of the School to foster the continuing professional development of quality teacher education programs.

Program Structure

The program consists of 72 units, including:

• Major Required Courses: 42 units
  • Professional Studies: 15 units
  • Curriculum in Early Childhood Education: 21 units
  • Practicum: 6 units
• Electives Courses: 18 units
• Generic Skills Courses: 12 units

Course List

Professional Studies Courses

• HECE 1010: Child Development: An Overview (3 units)
• HECE 1020: Health, Nutrition & Safety for Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 2030: Observation & Assessment of Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 3015: Administration & Management for Early Childhood Services (3 units)
• HECE 3025: Parent Education (3 units)

Curriculum in Early Childhood Education Courses

• HECE 2110: Mathematics for Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 2120: Music & Physical Fitness for Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 2130: Creative Drama & Visual Arts for Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 2140: Language & Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3 units)
• HECE 2150: Learning & Teaching in Early Childhood Education: Play (3 units)
• HECE 2160: Science & Technology for Young Children (3 units)
• HECE 3110: Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education: Design, Evaluation & Innovation (3 units)

Generic Skills Courses

• HECE 1610: Chinese for University Studies (3 units)
• HECE 1630: English for University Studies I (3 units)
• EECE 1760: Ethics & Professional Development (3 units)
• HECE 2630: English for University Studies II (3 units)

Elective Courses

• EECE 2820: Developing Leadership & Management Skills (3 units)
• EECE 2880: Understanding Civic & National Education (3 units)
• EECE 2890: Appreciation of Music (3 units)
• BECE 3510: Appreciation & Writing of Children's Literature (3 units)
• EECE 3520: Child Development: Self & Society (3 units)
• BECE 3530: Early Childhood Education Practices: A Sociological Perspective (3 units)
• BECE 3540: Introduction to Art Therapy (3 units)
• BECE 3550: Introduction to Play Therapy (3 units)
• BECE 3560: Issues in Early Childhood Education (3 units)
• BECE 3570: Learning & Teaching in Early Childhood Education: Learning & Motivation (3 units)
• EECE 3590: Young Children's Literature & Literacy Development (3 units)
• EECE 3600: Elementary Putonghua (3 units)
• EECE 4510: Advanced Putonghua for Early Childhood Educators (3 units)
• EECE 4525: Early Intervention for Children with Diverse Needs I (3 units)
• EECE 4530: English Linguistics for Early Childhood Educators (3 units)
• EECE 4540: Expressive Arts: Music & Movement (3 units)
• EECE 4550: Introduction to Counselling Theory & Skills (3 units)

Practicum Courses

• HECE 1513: Field Practice I (HD) (3 units)
• HECE 2513: Field Practice II (HD) (3 units)

Mode of Study

• Face-to-face mode will mainly be adopted to cater for the needs of the students and to encourage interaction between lecturers and students.
• Practical sessions will be provided for students to apply the theoretical concepts acquired.

Medium of Instruction

• The medium of instruction for formal classroom teaching is English, except for those courses that are granted exemption.
• All practicum courses will be conducted in Cantonese to prepare students to work in local early childhood education settings.

Programme Venue

• The Programme is expected to be conducted at the Shek Mun (Shatin) Campus from the Academic Year 2026/27 onwards.

Campus Facilities and Learning Support for Students

• Libraries
• Recreation facilities
• Online course management system (Moodle)
• Medical and dental services
• Counselling support

Fees

• Application Fee: HK$150 for local applicants and HK$300 for non-local applicants
• Tuition Fee: HK$37,550 per semester for local students, HK$45,060 per semester for non-local students (total four semesters)

Scholarships

• Scholarships to recognize students' outstanding achievements are bestowed on the selected recipients on the basis of academic merits or other criteria as set out by the School or donors.
• Entrance Scholarships
• Other Scholarships

Financial Assistance

• Students can apply for Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS) from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency.

Admission Requirements

1. Level 2 in five HKDSE subjects + (including Chinese Language* and English Language)
2. Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education
3. Successful completion of the Diploma of Applied Education or equivalent
4. Other equivalent qualifications to be assessed by the School
5. Aged 21+ with acceptable qualifications to justify admission

Application Procedures

• Method 1: 2026 HKDSE candidates can apply for admission through E-APP.
• Method 2: Online Application (Will be opened in December 2025)
• Method 3: In-person application with on-site interviews (To be confirmed)

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview between March and July 2026.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Early August 2026
• Student Orientation: Late August 2026
• Course Commencement: 1 September 2026 (Tue)

Frequently-asked Questions

1. How long will I need to complete the programme?
   • It will take 2 years to complete the Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme.
2. What is the study mode?
   • Full-time face-to-face mode is adopted for the programme.
3. When will classes start?
   • Classes start in early September.
4. How can I apply for the programme?
   • Students can apply through E-APP or online application.
5. Will the University acknowledge receipt of my application?
   • For online application through E-APP, applicants will receive an e-mail acknowledgement from E-APP and the School.
6. How can I send application fee to the University if I apply through E-APP?
   • The applicants will receive an email inviting them to pay the application fee by means of online payment.
7. Do I need to attend any interviews?
   • Yes, interviews will be arranged between March and July.
8. How will I be notified if I am selected for interview?
   • Applicants will be invited to attend an interview through e-mail/phone.
9. When will the University make the admission offer?
   • Admission offers are normally made in July.