EDUCATION
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Because of the importance of university development and the sums of public money involved, the government needs impartial and expert advice both on the assess- ment of the amount of grant required to sustain any level of university activity, and on developments necessary to the community's requirements for graduates. The government also needs advice on the allocation of funds between the universities. To carry out these functions there is a University and Polytechnic Grants Committee appointed by the Governor. It also advises the government on the allocation of funds for the Polytechnic, which came into formal existence in August 1972.
The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong was established in 1911 with a land grant from the government and endowments which have since been increased. Substantial gov- ernment grants are also made towards the university's annual recurrent and non- recurrent expenditure.
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Numbers of undergraduate places in the various faculties in 1975-6 were: arts 786; science 486; medicine 788; engineering and architecture 810; and social sciences and law 708. Of these, a total of 1,130 places were available for first-year students. There were also 634 places for postgraduate students-398 reading for higher degrees and 236 for diplomas and certificates. The Chinese Language School had 29 students, 13 external students and four students reading for the Diplomas in Chinese Language. The number of full-time teaching posts-including demonstratorships at the begin- ning of the academic year was 538. All the degrees and other professional qualifica- tions conferred by the university are equivalent to those of universities in Britain.
The University of Hong Kong conducts its own advanced level examination, the standard of which is similar to that of the GCE advanced level. Entry to the university is generally dependent upon successful results in this examination 3,198 fulfilled minimum requirements for entry in 1975.
The university's department of education offers graduates a one-year full-time curriculum or a two-year part-time curriculum leading to the Certificate in Education. It also offers the Master of Philosophy in Education, either as a six-term part-time period of study spread over two academic years, or as a one-year full-time candida- ture. As in other departments, the Doctor of Philosophy is also available for specially qualified and selected candidates.
In 1974-5 the department of extra-mural studies provided more than 300 evening and day-time courses for adult students, a number of seminars, two public lectures, and one study tour. There were 9,017 students attending regular courses during this period, and 362 attended the public lectures, seminars and study tour. In addition, 870 students enrolled in the course 'Mandarin for Cantonese speakers' which the department offered in conjunction with Radio Hong Kong. Subjects in the depart- ment's regular courses include oriental studies, a wide range of liberal arts subjects, economics, law and commerce, languages, and vocational and professional courses leading to various qualifications. Some of these courses are conducted in Mandarin or Cantonese, but the majority are in English.
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