In view of the continued advancement of technology, PolyU believes that it is essential to equip our students with the most up-to-date knowledge, so that they can understand the bigger picture of how the world is developing and are well-prepared to make a positive impact to society.

To ensure our younger generation is ready for the opportunities and challenges to come, PolyU will implement department scheme-based admissions from the 2022/23 academic year onwards, thus providing students with more flexible study options and helping them to enhance their competitiveness. Under this new arrangement, when students apply to PolyU, they will first select a scheme from a department. They will undertake the common courses of the department in their first academic year, and proceed to select their Major in the second academic year, allowing sufficient time for them to make the most suitable choice.

Furthermore, two new elements, namely “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis” (AIDA) and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” (IE), will be incorporated into the General University Requirement (GUR) from the next academic year. Students can opt for a secondary Major (minimum 36 credits required) or a Minor (minimum 18 credits required) in either AIDA or IE, to complement the studies in their primary Major.

PolyU’s Vice President (Education), Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, said, “We hope PolyU graduates will not only gain solid academic knowledge, but also have the diverse strengths that are essential for the future development of society. I believe these curriculum enhancement measures will help students acquire vital interdisciplinary knowledge, and equip them with creative thinking to cope with the rapid changes in our world.”

The debut “Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme” (URIS) was also launched in the summer of 2021, aimed at nurturing the next generation of researchers. More than 110 student-led projects have been granted financial support to kick-start their research. This group of young researchers are also given additional support such as guidance on research, auto admission to the newly formed College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI), priority in getting a hostel place at a new Residential College in the Homantin Student Halls of Residence and access to various seminars hosted by resident researchers.

Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) of PolyU, remarked: “The first cohort of the scheme was launched in the summer of 2021, and drew a positive response with close to 250 applications. We are pleased to see students demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in scientific research, and we hope they can learn from the experience and acquire knowledge to lay a solid foundation for their future career in research.”

To learn more about the new department scheme-based admissions arrangement, please join PolyU’s “Undergraduate Education Info Day 2021”.

Visit the website of URIS to learn more about the programme details and the schedule for the academic year 2022/23.