EDUCATION
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The polytechnic campus is located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, on a site adjacent to the cross-harbour tunnel. It includes all the buildings taken over from the former Hong Kong Technical College and the new Tang Ping Yuan Building and the library completed in 1976. A sports centre, a community building and the Michael Clinton Memorial Swimming Pool now being built should be completed in the 1977-8 academic year.
In the 1977-8 academic year, 5,931 full-time, 2,589 part-time day-release and sand- wich, and 16,004 evening students were enrolled, compared with 5,651, 2,577 and 15,371 respectively in 1976-7.
The polytechnic has 15 teaching departments grouped under three divisions. They are: Applied Science Division (applied science, building and surveying, mathematical studies and nautical studies); Commerce and Design Division (accountancy, business and management studies, computing science, design and languages); and Engineering Division (civil and structural engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, industrial centre, mechanical and marine engineering, and production and industrial engineering).
The Textile Industries Department will be reorganised in the 1977-8 academic year to become the Institute of Textiles and Clothing - the polytechnic's first institute. The Government Institute for Social Work Training was incorporated into the polytechnic in August, 1977, to form the School of Social Work.
The polytechnic offers two-year full-time courses leading to a diploma, three-year full-time courses leading to a higher diploma, and one-year full-time post-higher diploma courses leading to an Associateship of the Hong Kong Polytechnic - AP(HK). Part-time day release and sandwich courses of varying durations and many part- time evening courses leading to higher, ordinary or technician certificates and other qualifications also are offered in a wide range of technical and commercial subjects at professional and technician levels.
The minimum entrance requirement for a full-time course is Grade E or above in at least five subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education or an equivalent qualification. Candidates also must satisfy any additional requirements for admission into the courses for which they apply. Applicants for evening courses must hold the Hong Kong Certificate of Education with Grade E or above in at least four subjects or its equivalent. Mature students aged 25 or above, and those aged 21 or above recommended and sponsored by an employer, can seek exemption from the minimum entry requirements.
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A number of British professional institutions exempt holders of polytechnic higher diplomas from certain parts of their examinations. Seven associateship courses applied statistics, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineer- ing, production and industrial engineering, structural engineering and surveying – were offered in the 1977-8 academic year.
Short full-time and part-time courses preparing candidates for professional exam- inations are organised throughout the year. Some of these lead to qualifications approved by the British Department of Trade and Industry for marine engineers, mates and masters. When there is a need for instruction in specific subjects of interest to commerce and industry, or to a sufficient number of individuals, the polytechnic tries to offer short courses to meet the demand. Those in the fields of accountancy,