EDUCATION
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Degrees up to doctorate level awarded locally are recognised by institutions of higher learning around the world. Academic standards are guaranteed by the appointment of external examiners from prominent overseas universities and colleges. The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation validates degree courses offered by Lingnan College and institutions not funded through the UGC.
In May, the government agreed in principle to a change to university title for the two polytechnics and Hong Kong Baptist College. Legislation to change the names of the institutions to the City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University was enacted in November.
The Tertiary Institutions
The oldest tertiary institution is the University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911 but continuing the work of a college of medicine dating from 1887. Its 10 503 full-time and 2 462 part-time students are enrolled in nine faculties: arts, architecture, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine, science and social sciences.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong was established in 1963 by bringing together New Asia College (founded in 1949), Chung Chi College (1951) and United College (1956). A fourth college, Shaw College, was founded in 1986. The university has 8 547 full-time and 1 288 part-time undergraduate students, and 777 full-time and 1 459 part-time postgraduate students in seven faculties: arts, business administration, education, engineering, medicine, science and social sciences.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, established in 1972 as the Hong Kong Polytechnic, offers postgraduate, degree and sub-degree courses in six faculties: applied science and textiles, business and information systems, communications, construction and land use, engineering, and health and social studies. The polytechnic has close links with industry, commerce and the community; and concurrent work and study are encouraged through part-time and sandwich courses. Enrolment in December was 10 721 on full-time and sandwich courses, and 10 369 on part-time courses.
Hong Kong Baptist University was founded in 1956 as the Hong Kong Baptist College by the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong. In 1983, it was incorporated under its own ordinance and became fully funded by the government. Since 1986, it has been empowered to award degrees, and all courses are now at first degree level or above. It has 4 000 full-time and 538 part-time students in five faculties and schools: arts, business, communications, science and social sciences.
The City University of Hong Kong, founded in 1984 as the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, has 8911 full-time, 5 918 part-time and 415 sandwich course students. The four faculties of business, humanities and social sciences, law, and science and technology offer first degree courses, postgraduate diplomas, and taught master's degree courses, as well as Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy programmes by research. Diploma and higher diploma courses are offered by the College of Higher Vocational Studies through its divisions of commerce, humanities and social sciences, and technology.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was incorporated in 1988 and opened in 1991, offering first and higher degrees in three schools: science, engineering, and business and management. A fourth school, humanities and social science, offers only graduate degrees but provides general education for all undergraduates. The university has