Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
The Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a two-year full-time program designed for students who aspire to work in the field of early childhood education. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education and training in early childhood education, enabling them to become high-quality early childhood educators.
Program Overview
The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to work in a diverse range of early childhood education settings. The curriculum covers various aspects of early childhood education, including child development, health and safety, observation and assessment, and curriculum planning and implementation. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in field practice, which will provide them with hands-on experience in early childhood education settings. The program requires students to complete 72 credits, including 15 credits of professional studies, 21 credits of curriculum and teaching, 6 credits of field practice, 18 credits of elective courses, and 12 credits of general education courses. The program is taught in English, with some courses taught in Cantonese to cater to the needs of local students. The program is offered at the Hong Kong Baptist University's School of Continuing Education, with classes held at the Kowloon Tong and Sha Tin campuses.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have completed the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education with a minimum of five subjects, including Chinese and English, with a level of 2 or above in each subject.
- Have relevant work experience and/or qualifications, and demonstrate the ability to pursue higher education.
- Have completed a relevant diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Have other equivalent qualifications as assessed by the School of Continuing Education.
- Be at least 21 years old and have relevant entry qualifications.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for the program is HK$37,550 per installment for local students and HK$45,060 per installment for non-local students, payable in four installments over two years. A non-refundable application fee of HK$150 is also required for local applicants and HK$300 for non-local applicants.
Financial Assistance
Students may be eligible for financial assistance, including the Student Financial Assistance Scheme and the Non-Means-Tested Loan Scheme. The School of Continuing Education also offers various scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence or outstanding performance in other areas.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as early childhood educators in a variety of settings, including kindergartens, childcare centers, and primary schools. They will also be eligible to pursue further studies in early childhood education or related fields.
Program Structure
The program consists of the following components:
- Professional Studies (15 credits)
- Child Development: An Overview
- Health, Nutrition & Safety for Young Children
- Observation & Assessment of Young Children
- Administration & Management for Early Childhood Services
- Parent Education
- Curriculum and Teaching (21 credits)
- Mathematics for Young Children
- Music & Physical Fitness for Young Children
- Creative Drama & Visual Arts for Young Children
- Language & Literacy Development in Early Childhood
- Learning & Teaching in Early Childhood Education: Play
- Science & Technology for Young Children
- Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education: Design, Evaluation & Innovation
- Field Practice (6 credits)
- Field Practice I
- Field Practice II
- Elective Courses (18 credits)
- Developing Leadership & Management Skills
- Understanding Civic & National Education
- Appreciation of Music
- Appreciation & Writing of Children's Literature
- Child Development: Self & Society
- Early Childhood Education Practices: A Sociological Perspective
- Introduction to Art Therapy
- Introduction to Play Therapy
- Issues in Early Childhood Education
- Learning & Teaching in Early Childhood Education: Learning & Motivation
- Young Children's Literature & Literacy Development
- Elementary Putonghua
- Advanced Putonghua for Early Childhood Educators
- Early Intervention for Children with Diverse Needs I
- English Linguistics for Early Childhood Educators
- Expressive Arts: Music & Movement
- Introduction to Counselling Theory & Skills
- General Education Courses (12 credits)
- Chinese for University Studies
- English for University Studies I
- Ethics & Professional Development
- English for University Studies II
Teaching Mode
The program will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and field practice. The teaching mode will be face-to-face, with classes held at the Kowloon Tong and Sha Tin campuses.
Student Services and Facilities
The School of Continuing Education provides a range of student services and facilities, including a library, sports center, Moodle online learning system, medical and dental services, and student counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to complete the program? The program takes two years to complete.
- What is the teaching mode of the program? The program is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and field practice, with classes held at the Kowloon Tong and Sha Tin campuses.
- When does the program start? The program starts in September.
- How do I apply for the program? Applications can be made through the School of Continuing Education's website or in person at the Kowloon Tong campus.
- Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my application? Yes, you will receive a confirmation email after submitting your application.
- How do I pay the application fee? The application fee can be paid online or in person at the Kowloon Tong campus.
- Will I be required to attend an interview as part of the application process? Yes, you will be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
- How will I be notified of the interview arrangement? You will be notified of the interview arrangement by phone or email.
- When will I be notified of the admission result? You will be notified of the admission result in July.