Main content start

Programmes

Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme

Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme

Apply Now
Student Sharing

Programme Code

  • HP001 Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) Programme

Download

Icon target HKDSE candidates / HKCEE holders Icon calendar 1 Year Icon info Students can progress to a 2-year Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programme of their choice on admission after completion of the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme.

The Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme is the one-year full-time programme providing students with the foundation needed to progress to the 2-year Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programme offered by the College. Designed for the HKDSE candidates, HKCEE holders or students with equivalent qualifications, the programme aims to equip students with a solid academic foundation.

Students will study a variety of broad-based courses, covering a wide range of disciplines. In addition, a number of generic courses are offered, which are designed to train students in language as well as numerical skills. Moreover, students are required to take 10 subjects during the year and progress to their selected Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes in the subsequent 2 years of study.

 

Applicants who wish to apply for admission to the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme should note that:

  1. The qualification obtained after completing the programme is not recognised for civil service appointment. To meet the academic entry requirements of civil service appointment, applicants should obtain Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination; and
  2. The qualification awarded by our College may not be recognised by other institutions for articulation to their sub-degree or other programmes; and
  3. Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) is not applicable to the Diploma in Foundation Studies programme. Students of the Diploma in Foundation Studies programme can apply for financial assistance via the Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (ENLS) administered by the Student Finance Office (SFO); and
  4. The DFS programme is below post-secondary level. Under the existing immigration policy, an application for a visa or entry permit to enter the HKSAR for study may not be considered if the applicant is not applying for a post-secondary programme; and
  5. Progression to a 2-year AD/HD programme is subject to student's academic performance and place availability of the desired programme.

 

Programme Aims and Features 

  • Generic Skills courses are designed to help students improve their language proficiency, strengthen analytical capabilities and enhance numerical competencies;
  • General Education courses aim to offer students a broad-based training as well as an understanding of the different subject matters;
  • The comprehensive curriculum and strong focus on language training provide students with solid foundations required for future academic development;
  • Students will be able to explore and understand their selected area of study through field visits, workshops and out-of-class activities.

 

Opportunities for Further Studies 

Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Foundation Studies programme (DFS) can progress to the following 2-year Associate Degree / Higher Diploma Programme of their choice on admission:

  • Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism  
  • Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement 
  • Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Psychology  
  • Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Youth and Social Services  
  • Higher Diploma in Accounting – Accounting and Banking  
  • Higher Diploma in Accounting – Accounting and Financial Planning  
  • Higher Diploma in Accounting – Accounting Studies 
  • Higher Diploma in Business Management – Human Resource Management 
  • Higher Diploma in Business Management – Management and e-Commerce
  • Higher Diploma in Business Management – Management and Psychology
  • Higher Diploma in Business Management – Management Studies
  • Higher Diploma in Business Management – Management with Business Law
  • Higher Diploma in Surveying and Property Management
  • Higher Diploma in Food Health and Business Management
  • Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management - Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management - Food Science and Safety
  • Higher Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • Higher Diploma in Medical and Health Products Management
  • Higher Diploma in Hotel Management
  • Higher Diploma in Tourism and Events Management
  • Higher Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Higher Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management
  • Higher Diploma in Sport Coaching and Sport Performance


 

 

  • Obtain Level 1 or above in English Language and Chinese Language# in the HKDSE Examination, AND at least 6 points+ in the best 5 subjects*^; OR
  • Have completed at least Secondary 5 and have gained in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Grade C (or Grade 4) or above in a minimum of 5 subjects including English Language and another language subject; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.


Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications, but are aged 21 or above and with relevant working experience will be considered by the College.

 

Specific entry requirements for individual programmes:

Diploma in Foundation Studies programme of the Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Communication, Public Relations and Journalism

  • Applicants are also required to demonstrate competency in Cantonese conversation and Chinese writing.
     

Diploma in Foundation Studies programme of the Higher Diploma in Medical and Health Products Management

  • Applicants are also required to have taken HKDSE Biology or Chemistry, or equivalent.

Diploma in Foundation Studies programme of the Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management

  • Applicants are also required to have taken one of the following HKDSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Integrated Science or Technology and Living (Food Science and Technology); or equivalent.

 

* Applicants are allowed to use not more than 2 Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows: 

“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above;
“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and 
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.

# ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

^ If the candidate has attempted less than 5 subjects but obtained 6 points or above, the application will still be considered.

+ Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.

 

For programmes below:

  • Communication, Public Relations and Journalism
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
  • Psychology
  • Youth and Social Services
  • Accounting – Accounting Studies
  • Accounting – Accounting and Banking
  • Accounting – Accounting and Financial Planning
  • Business Management – Human Resource Management
  • Business Management – Management and e-Commerce
  • Business Management – Management and Psychology
  • Business Management – Management with Business Law
  • Business Management – Management Studies
  • Food Health and Business Management
  • Health and Social Care
  • Hotel Management
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Tourism and Events Management
  • Sport and Recreation Management
  • Sport Coaching and Sport Performance
  • Surveying and Property Management​

 

Assigned courses are:

  • General English I & II 
  • College Speaking / Youth and Culture
  • College Writing / Foundation English
  • Foundations of Chinese Language* / How Things in Everyday Life Work
  • Chinese Language Enhancement* / Western Images of China
  • Basic Mathematics
  • Elements of Business 
  • Multiple Intelligences and Competencies
  • Understanding Hong Kong Popular Culture

 

 


For programmes below:

  • Medical and Health Products Management
  • Nutrition and Food Management - Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Nutrition and Food Management - Food Science and Safety

 

Assigned courses are:

  • General English I & II 
  • College Speaking / Youth and Culture
  • College Writing / Foundation English
  • Foundations of Chinese Language* / Understanding Hong Kong Popular Culture / Multiple Intelligences and Competencies
  • Chinese Language Enhancement* / Western Images of China
  • Basic Mathematics
  • Foundations of Biology 
  • Foundations of Chemistry 
  • Elements of Business

 


* Non-Chinese speaking students or students who have not received sufficient training in the Chinese language may apply for exemption from the Chinese course(s), and alternative courses may be assigned.

Back