PolyU’s quality operation of its sub-degree programmes commended in the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) Audit Report

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the audit findings of the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) under the University Grants Committee (UGC). The report confirms the University's sound governance, management and quality assurance (QA) of its sub-degree programmes, which are internationally benchmarked. The Audit Panel concludes that PolyU's sub-degree provision reflects its strategic priorities and mission, whether within the University proper or its College of Professional and Continuing Education. The University also consistently adheres to its QA policies and procedures in operating its sub-degree programmes. The current practices in all dimensions attest to the excellence in operation of the University.

PolyU Interim President, Professor Philip C. H. CHAN, said, "PolyU is gratified by the many commendations in the report. We thank the QAC Audit Panel for going through a rigorous review process on our sub-degree programmes and offering us valuable recommendations. We are pleased to take on board these recommendations to scale new heights in academic standards and quality as we manage our curriculum and nurture our students."

The Panel found PolyU's personal and career development services for students are "comprehensive" and can "help students to adopt a positive attitude towards their study and careers, broaden their horizons and develop as whole persons." Sub-degree programmes students are well supported by high-quality physical learning and e-learning environments which enrich their academic experience. Students are appreciative of their programmes' vocational relevance, the networking opportunities afforded, and skills development that will help them to progress within their chosen professions.

The report also recognises PolyU's QA framework as a systematic one that enables the standard and quality of its sub-degree programmes to be set and maintained. PolyU also demonstrates its effectiveness in implementing strategic approach to curriculum design, programme development and approval. The University has clear guidelines and regulations for programme planning, validation and management that align its outcome-based approach.

There is also a robust process of evidence-based improvement in learning and teaching through Programme Learning Outcomes Assessment Plans. PolyU is proactive in its support for teaching staff. The University through its Educational Development Centre (EDC), provides professional development opportunities for all academic staff.  EDC courses cover a wide range of e-learning and virtual tutorials as well as a set of workshops on integrative curriculum design.

"As a university committed to whole-person development, we are glad to hear that our students are 'active-on and appreciative of'' the co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities provided to them and found these activities wide-ranging, significant and enriching. We are also pleased to see confirmations from the Panel that our support for teaching staff are 'proactive' and 'fit-for-purpose', while our academic staff 'appreciative of the pedagogical support and development' and found it helpful and valuable," added Professor CHAN.

PolyU is committed to achieving excellence in education provision through advancing and transferring knowledge, conducting impactful researches and offering the best holistic development to its students. PolyU has more than 160 postgraduate, undergraduate and sub-degree programmes and has a student population of over 28,000 students. PolyU currently offers three types of sub-degree programme: Higher Diploma (HD), Associate Degree (AD) and Continuing Education (CE). Established under PolyU in 2001, the Hong Kong Community College (HKCC) is a self-financed institution offering mainly sub-degree programmes, helping over 25,000 graduates to articulate into Bachelor's degree programmes since inception.

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