Master of Education
Student Handbook
Student Handbook for Master of Education (MEd) for the intake year of 2016-2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE FACULTY ........................................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME ...................................................................................................................................... 3
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................... 4
ADVANCED STANDING ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
SPECIALIST COURSES .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
COURSE ENROLLMENT ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
RESEARCH METHODS COURSE ....................................................................................................................................... 10
PROJECT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
DISSERTATION .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
RESEARCH ETHICS REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 17
PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION FOR ETHICAL APPROVAL ................................................................................... 19
ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
GRADE DESCRIPTORS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ................................................................................................ 25
REASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
DISCONTINUATION ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF DISTINCTION AND INCLUSION ON DEAN’S HONOURS LIST ......................... 28
TRANSCRIPT, TESTIMONIAL, CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION AND CERTIFICATE ........................................... 29
PLAGIARISM ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 31
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY ................................................................................................................................ 33
LEAVE OF ABSENCE........................................................................................................................................................... 33
GUIDELINES ON STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL AND INSTITUTION-RELATED DATA ........................................ 34
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................. 35
TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS ....................................................................................................................................... 38
CONTACT DETAILS ............................................................................................................................................................ 39
USEFUL LINKS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Annex 1 – Specialist courses for MEd specialisms (2016 Intake)
Annex 2 – Campus Map
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MESSAGE FROM THE FACULTY
Welcome to the Master of Education (MEd) Programme at the University of Hong Kong. The MEd
Programme is often seen as a continuation of the professional studies which students commenced during
their training as teachers. It is that, but for many students it is also the first step in an academic study of
education and in educational research.
Many of our MEd students are front-line teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Others are
school administrators, teacher educators, civil servants, or professionals in other categories. Their
enthusiasm and commitment to education have prompted them to seek a broader and deeper understanding
of the domain in which they work. By the end of their studies, our graduates will have not only enriched
knowledge but will also have developed greater insights into what education can and should be. These
insights enhance students' personal careers, and are also important to society as a whole. We must,
together, shape an educational system that is sound, forward looking, and suited to changing circumstances.
We are glad to have you with us in the programme. We wish you every success in your studies and in your
career during the years ahead.
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INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
The Faculty of Education was formed in 1984, replacing the School of Education, but its origins date back to the
Department for the Training of Teachers, created in 1917 in the Faculty of Arts. By 2001, the Faculty had three
departments (Education, Curriculum Studies and Speech & Hearing Sciences) and one unit (Physical Education and
Sports Science) but in September 2002, the departments were consolidated to form one unitary Faculty while the PESS
Unit has become part of the new Institute of Human Performance, although its degree programmes are still under the
auspices of the Faculty.
The Faculty offers opportunities for study in the following programmes:
Ed.D., M.Phil., Ph.D. by Research
M.Ed., M.Sc., M.A. by Coursework
P.G.D.E. by Coursework
BSc, BA&BEd, BEd&BSc, BEd&BSocSc by Coursework
In-Service Courses by Coursework
Prof. Stephen Andrews, the Dean of the Faculty of Education has appointed five Associate Deans and three Assistant
Deans:
Prof David Carless, Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching)
Dr Ida A C Mok, Associate Dean (Local Engagement)
Dr Jan van Aalst, Associate Dean (Research)
Prof Lena Wong, Associate Dean (Research Higher Degrees)
Prof Yang Rui, Associate Dean (Cross-border/International Engagement)
Dr Susan Bridges, Assistant Dean (Curriculum Innovation)
Dr Gary Harfitt, Assistant Dean (Experiential Learning)
Dr Tammy Kwan, Assistant Dean (School-University Partnerships)
The Faculty of Education offices, including the offices of the Dean of the Faculty and the Faculty Secretary, are located
on the ground floor of the Hui Oi Chow Building (HOC G-03). The Programme Office is located on the 2nd floor of
the Runme Shaw Building (RMS 219). The Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences is located on the 7th and 8th floor
of Meng Wah Complex.
The Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong is internationally recognized for its highly qualified and
dedicated staff, its excellent state-of-the-art facilities, its commitment to extending and deepening knowledge and
informed practice through research, and its close ties of service and cooperation with fellow educators in Hong Kong
and the rest of China, as well as internationally.
We believe the opportunities that the university offers for postgraduate study are unparalleled in this part of the world.
The extent to which you benefit from these opportunities is, quite properly, up to you as a mature student capable of
making decisions and setting priorities in your academic, professional, and personal life. The members of staff of the
Faculty of Education look forward to working together with you for the enrichment of Education as a field of study,
and the betterment of our community.
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVES
Master of Education (MEd)
The MEd programme is a taught postgraduate programme with various specialisms to be offered in each academic
year. The major objectives of the MEd programme are to provide you with a general understanding of education as a
field of study; to encourage focused mastery of your chosen area of specialization; and to equip you with the skills to
understand and conduct educational research.
There are two parallel strands within the MEd programme: A Specialist strand and a Generalist Educational Studies
strand. Both strands consist of ten courses (60 credits in total). Classes for taught courses are generally held on
weekdays, from 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for 2.5 hours or 3 hours per session.
Educational Studies strand Other Specialist strands English
Language
Studies
Chinese
Language and
Literature Project
option
Dissertation
option
Project
option
Dissertation
option
Research methods (12 credits) 2 2 2 2 2 2
Specialist course (6 credits each) 1 1 4 4 4 4
Elective course (6 credits each) 6 4 3 1 3 3
Dissertation (18 credits) --- 3 --- 3 --- ---
Project (6 credits) 1 --- 1 --- 1 1
Total no of courses 10 10 10 10 10 10
Students undertaking the specialist strands with a dissertation or project option will have to confirm their choices for
either writing a dissertation (18 credits), or a project plus two elective courses (6 credits each). Normally, the
dissertation or project is scheduled for completion by the end of the studies.
Programme Learning Outcomes
1. Use critical intellectual enquiry methods and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and research skills in a MEd
specialist area
2. Apply professional competencies and inquiry modes to educational practice or theoretical exploration,
demonstrating originality and creativity in the selected area of educational development
3. Identify and respond to novel situations and ill-defined problems with creative applications and transferable skills
gained in the specialism areas of the MEd programme
4. Communicate about disciplinary knowledge with colleagues and scholars in the fields of study, professional
communities, and the general public
5. Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to personal and professional ethics in the educational fields taught within
the MEd programme
6. Enhance their own leadership, and leadership of others, as well as manifest strong advocacy skills for social
justice, fairness and responsible use of public resources in their field of studies and professional development
Curriculum Requirements
To complete the curriculum, candidates shall
(a) follow instruction in the syllabuses prescribed and complete all specified work as required;
(b) satisfy the examiners in all assessment tasks as may be required;
(c) complete and present a satisfactory dissertation or project on an approved topic;
(d) satisfy the examiners in an oral examination, if required.
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To be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Education, candidates shall
(a) comply with the General Regulations of the University;
(b) complete the curriculum and satisfy the examiners in accordance with the regulations and syllabuses set out for
the curriculum.
In the event that students would like to seek special arrangements for the curriculum, or encounter any problems during
their course of study, he/she should consult their respective Course Coordinator or Programme Director for advice.
Length of Curriculum
The MEd Programme can be completed over one but no more than two consecutive academic years of full-time study,
or two but no more than four consecutive academic years of part-time study. Candidates shall not be permitted to
extend their studies beyond the maximum period of registration of two consecutive academic years of full-time study or
four consecutive academic years of part-time study. Unless otherwise permitted by the Board of the Faculty,
candidates shall be recommended for discontinuation of their studies if they have exceeded the maximum period of
registration.
English Writing Workshops
The Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) will provide our MEd first year students with a series of English
writing workshops to facilitate their academic writing skills in their first year studies. The English Writing workshops
are entirely optional for first year MEd students which consist of 5 different topics on academic writing.
- How to avoid plagiarism
- Language awareness in academic essay writing
- Using hedges, writing a conclusion and referring to other people’s work
- Academic argumentation and literature review
- Improving your review of literature & dissertation writing
The English writing workshops will focus on academic writing skills, including citations, attribution and plagiarism,
argumentation, literature review and dissertation writing. Students are strongly recommended to consider such
workshops if they have not written formally in English for a period of years. Registration arrangement will be provided
in due course.
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ADVANCED STANDING
Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer
Advanced standing may be granted to candidates who have successfully completed one or more courses in the
Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies (PCAES) curriculum of this University or another
qualification of equivalent standard accepted for this purpose.
Candidates may be granted advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 courses subject to the following conditions:
(a) The course(s) is appropriate for the strand applied for;
(b) The application for advanced standing is received within 5 years of successful completion of the relevant courses
or graduation from the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies (PCAES) or another
qualification of equivalent standard accepted for this purpose, whichever is later.
The amount of credits to be granted for Advanced Standing shall be determined by the Board of the Faculty, in
accordance with the following principles:
(a) A candidate may be granted a total of not more than 20% of the total credits normally required under a curriculum
for Advanced Standing unless otherwise approved by the Senate; and
(b) Credits granted for Advanced Standing shall not normally be included in the calculation of the GPA unless
permitted by the Board of the Faculty but will be recorded on the transcript of the candidate.
Candidates may, with the approval of the Board of the Faculty, transfer credits for courses completed at other
institutions during their candidature. The number of transferred credits may be recorded in the transcript of the
candidate, but the results of courses completed at other institutions shall not be included in the calculation of the GPA.
Candidates who are awarded Advanced Standing will not be granted any further credit transfer for those studies for
which Advanced Standing has been granted.
Application for advanced standing shall be made prior to the commencement of the curriculum, and should be
accompanied by copies of academic transcripts to support the application. Courses from institutions, other than this
University, granted advanced standing shall not normally be considered in determining the award of a mark of
distinction but will be recorded on the transcript of the candidate.
The combined total credits that may be granted for Advanced Standing and credit transfer should not exceed a
maximum of 50% of the total credits normally required in the curriculum.
Exemption
Candidates may be exempted, with or without special conditions attached, from the requirement prescribed in the
regulations and syllabuses governing the curriculum with the approval of the Board of the Faculty, except in the case of
a capstone experience. Approval for exemption of a capstone experience may be granted only by the Senate with good
reasons. Candidates who are so exempted must replace the number of exempted credits with courses of the same credit
value.
Application Procedures
Application for advanced standing shall be made in writing and submitted to the Programme Office at Room 219 of
Runme Shaw Building or emailed to [email protected] prior to the commencement of the curriculum. They should be
accompanied by copies of academic transcripts and detailed course description(s).
An administration fee will be charged for each application for advanced standing which is equivalent to half of the
course fee; that is $6,215 per application for courses in Teaching of Science in an International Context and Teaching
Chinese as a Second Language specialisms; and $5,775 per application for courses in other specialisms (for academic
year 2016-17). The fee will be charged by the Finance and Enterprises Office with an invoice being sent via the HKU
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Portal.
Fees Reduction
Students who are granted full advanced standing with the completed courses in the Postgraduate Certificate in
Advanced Educational Studies (PCAES) shall have fee reductions for the courses concerned. However, course
exemption granted will not be eligible for fee reduction as students need to take other courses in lieu of the exempted
courses; they shall pay the tuition fee in full for the courses concerned.
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SPECIALIST COURSES
Master of Education (MEd)
These courses comprise the specialist knowledge areas for which you applied to the programme. They are listed under
each specialist title later in this Handbook. All specialist courses must be completed successfully for your degree.
The following specialisms listed the Specialist Strand and the Generalist Educational Studies Strand are offered in the
2016-2017 intake:
Specialist Strand:
1. Chinese Language and Literature (CLL)
2. Chinese Language Education (CLE)
3. Comparative and Global Studies in Education and Development (CGSED)
4. Designing Powerful Learning Environments (DPLE)
5. Early Childhood Education (ECE)
6. Education and Society in China (ESC)
7. Educational Administration and Management (EAM)
8. English Language Education (ELE)
9. English Language Studies (ELS)
10. Guidance and Counselling (GC)
11. Higher Education (HE)
12. Language Across the Curriculum (LAC)
13. Science Education (SE)
14. Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL)
15. Teaching Chinese to Non-Chinese Speaking Students (TNCS)
16. Teaching of Science in an International Context (TSIC)
17. Youth Studies (YS)
Generalist Educational Studies Strand:
18. Educational Studies (ES)
Please refer to the specialist courses of each specialism listed in Annex 1. For the details of the course requirements in
respective specialisms, please refer to the MEd Syllabuses at: http://www4.hku.hk/pubunit/drcd/.
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COURSE ENROLLMENT
Elective courses introduce you to the intellectual framework of education presented by philosophers, historians,
sociologists, and psychologists, and to other areas of study that give you a deeper understanding of topics related to
your specialization. Electives also provide you with the opportunity to study things in which you simply might be
interested, without any immediate direct relevance or usefulness, in order to broaden your general appreciation of
education.
General Information
1. Normally, students registered for the part-time mode of study will be required to complete 4 to 5 courses in Year
1 and the remaining courses in Year 2. For the full-time mode of study, students will have to complete the taught
courses and Dissertation/Project requirements (totally 10 courses with 60 credits) within one academic year.
2. Students in the “Specialist Strands” need to complete ONE elective course if they are opting for the dissertation
track; but need to complete THREE elective courses if are opting for the project track. For students in the
“Educational Studies Strand”, students opting for the dissertation track need to complete FOUR elective courses;
while students opting for the project track will need to complete SIX elective courses.
3. Students in the English Language Studies specialism are required to complete three specialist electives in English
subject knowledge based aspects to meet the SCOLAR requirements, as directed by their Course Coordinators.
4. Students in the Chinese Language and Literature specialism are required to complete three specialist electives in
Chinese subject knowledge based aspects to meet the SCOLAR requirements, as directed by their Course
Coordinators.
Important! For students taking the part-time mode of study who prefer to extend their MEd studies beyond two
academic years, please provide your Study Plan to the Programme Office for record, before the beginning of your first
year of study, so that the office can follow up on course enrolments for the students concerned in each academic year.
Course Enrollment
Course enrollment will normally take place in early to mid-August. Students will be provided with the information for
enrolling in all the courses in a particular academic year, including specialist courses, research courses, elective
courses, and a project or dissertation.
Change of Course Enrollment (i.e. Add/Drop)
Generally students are not allowed to change course enrollment after the enrollment period which ends in August.
Such an application will be considered only when there is still available quota for any course, and when the grounds for
your change of enrollment are justified and approved by the teachers concerned on or before the second teaching
session. Application for change of course will NOT be considered after the second teaching session of any course.
To change your course enrollment, you can download a form "Application Form for Change of Course Enrollment"
from Moodle or the web page: http://www.fe.hku.hk/programme/med/2016/index.html. This form requires you to
obtain the written approval from the teacher in charge of the course which you want to take and that of the teacher of
the course you intend to leave, before the second teaching session of the course. Note that your new choice may
already be fully subscribed, so do not assume your transfer will be approved automatically.
Please return the form after obtaining the approval from both courses teachers with their signatures (or endorsement
signatures via email) to the Programme Office. If your transfer is approved, the Programme Office will notify students,
and update their course enrollment accordingly.
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RESEARCH METHODS COURSE
MEDD6014 Methods of Research and Enquiry (12 credits)
(Compulsory course for all MEd students at first year study)
The Methods of Research and Enquiry is compulsory for the Master of Education programme. They comprise two
interlinked components RM1 and RM2
Learning Outcomes
The courses aim to introduce students to key concepts and practices in educational research methods. On completion of
the two integrated courses, students should have developed the following learning outcomes:
Explain key theories, practices and dilemmas in major research approaches including qualitative and quantitative
research;
Identify a research problem and develop well-focused research questions;
Synthesize relevant literature, make inferences and use insights;
Demonstrate ability to develop and refine appropriate research instruments and generate a viable research
proposal;
Communicate their research proposal clearly, concisely and convincingly;
Collect and analyze research data appropriately and ethically.
Structure of the courses
The following table indicates the general structure and schedule of the RM1 and RM2 for full-time (FT) and part-time
(PT) students, which may be subject to change upon other arrangement of the teachers concerned.
RM Contents Timeline for FT students Timeline for PT students
RM1 (24 hours) Taught Theories and
practices Year 1 Semester 1 Year 1 Semester 1 or 2
RM2 (24 hours)
Research skills workshops During semester break of
Year 1 (i.e. in Nov/Dec)
At the end of Year 1 studies
(i.e. Apr/May)
Student presentations Year 1 Semester 2 Year 1 or Year 2 upon
teachers’ arrangement
RM1 is delivered by research methodologists in the specialism groups with classes of around 20-30 participants. It
includes a combination of theory and practice relevant to the specific field of study. In general, RM1 intends to provide
a good balance of basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills of research and inquiry in education.
RM2 comprises research skills workshops and students’ presentations. It mainly aims to help students strengthen data
analysis strategies; further develop their research proposal and instruments; and communicate their research proposals.
Throughout the progress from RM1 to RM2, students are required to submit a series of assessment components, which
are the building blocks for developing an e-portfolio upon the completion of the course.
Assessment
RM1 and RM2 are assessed as single integrated two-course component rather than as separate individual elements.
Assessment will be through an e-portfolio developed during both of the courses. The aim of the e-portfolio is for
students to document their learning and progress in attaining the learning outcomes for the two courses. The intended
benefits of the e-portfolio are for students to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes; take responsibility for
their related ongoing learning; participate in online discussion facilitated by Moodle, (where appropriate); and to
develop over time a sound research proposal.
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The e-portfolio would normally include the following components (or their equivalent as specified by specialism
coordinators):
RM1
(i) The research proposal (2,000-3,000 words), including review of relevant literature;
RM2
(ii) A concise in-class oral presentation or audio/videoed presentation of their research proposal with accompanying
reflections; [equivalent 1500-2000 words of effort]
(iii) A revised and enhanced research proposal on the same topic (similar length to (i) as above);
(iv) A discussion/reflection (1,000-1,500 words) which includes the following components: (1) what has been
learned in RM2 sessions in relation to the refinement of the research proposal; (2) development of research skills
and data analysis; and (3) a summary reflection which indicates how the learning outcomes for the module have
been achieved.
The e-portfolio should be submitted via Moodle unless subject specialisms advise to the contrary.
It is essential that the e-portfolio involves the collection, documentation and reflection of evidence over time. Students
will submit a draft of their ongoing e-portfolio after the conclusion of RM1 and receive formative feedback from their
RM1 teacher. No mark will be awarded at this point because the focus is ongoing development over the two courses.
Assessment Criteria for the e-portfolio
The assessment criteria for the e-portfolio include the following:
(i) Fully convincing evidence that learning outcomes have been achieved
Well-balanced complete coverage and depth of analysis
Appropriate literature used skillfully and insightfully
Very well-structured, well-presented and well-written portfolio
(ii) Generally convincing evidence that learning outcomes have been achieved
Coverage and analysis shows some perceptiveness
Literature used quite well to develop insight
Quite well-structured, well-presented and well-written portfolio
(iii) Shows evidence that learning outcomes have been generally achieved
Coverage and analysis is satisfactory but with some lack of balance
Literature used to produce some insight
Adequately structured and presented portfolio, satisfactorily written
(iv) Shows evidence that learning outcomes are partially achieved
Coverage and analysis shows some capacities but some limitations
Some relevant use of literature with limitations
Adequate presentation and structure with limitations; adequate writing with limitations
(v) Learning outcomes do not appear to be achieved satisfactorily
Significant limitations in coverage, use of literature, presentation or writing
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Students in different specialisms will attend lectures of their respective classes listed below.
Class Specialism
1B Chinese Language and Literature
1A Chinese Language Education
1K Comparative and Global Studies in Education and Development
1M Designing Powerful Learning Environments
1N Early Childhood Education
1U Education and Society in China
1P Educational Administration and Management
1E English Language Education
1F English Language Studies
1H Generalist Educational Studies
1W Guidance and Counselling
1Q Higher Education
1G Language Across the Curriculum
1X Science Education
1C Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (full-time group)
1D Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (part-time group)
1J Teaching Chinese to Non-Chinese Students
1X Teaching of Science in an International Context
1Y Youth Studies
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PROJECT
MEDD8998 Project (6 credits)
(Word length: 4,000 – 5,000 words)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to build on or extend interests developed in other
areas of education by undertaking an individual project.
Students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired from the taught courses taken in
the programme. Examples include the development, trialing and evaluation of a curriculum unit over a semester with
an accompanying analysis and reflection, a small-scale research project, an extended literature review of an issue or
topic of significance in education, a relevant professional development activity with an accompanying analysis and
reflection, a case study of learning or teaching, or any other project which meets the requirements of postgraduate level
work, i.e. it must be intellectually demanding and require reading of the research and professional literature. Although
the assessable product(s) arising from the project may be based on the participant’s own practice, straightforward
reports or records of classroom practice with no reference to other work in the field are not acceptable. Collaborative
work is permitted, provided the individual contributions can be clearly assessed.
The project and its outcome(s), including the product(s) to be assessed, must be negotiated with the designated lecturer
normally by the end of the third week of the semester and a contract (see below) completed and signed by both student
and lecturer. In some situations students may be asked to prepare a bibliography or some other background material as
part of the initial development of their assignment topic before it can be formally approved.
Normally students will meet once with the lecturer at the beginning of the semester, they may regularly liaise with each
other as a group, such as a self-study group of four to six students working on common areas of interest. Upon requests
from project lecturers for students to communicate within their group, we may establish an online community for
internal group communications, exchanging information and posting regular progress reports over the semester.
Alternative means of intra-group communication may also be employed, including e-mail, telephone, and/or face to
face meetings. Designated project lecturers may monitor the discussions and provide feedback for individuals as
appropriate.
This is not a dissertation, nor a taught course, so there will not be any regular meetings with the lecturer once you
have had your Contract approved.
Learning Outcomes of Project
On completion of the Project, MEd students should have developed the following learning outcomes:
1. Independently design and conduct a project that is practically feasible and of appropriate scope;
2. Analyze research literature in relation to empirical data and/or a practical educational issue;
3. Apply and reflect on learning from coursework in relation to a practical educational issue, innovation, and/or
intervention;
4. Communicate clearly the project planning and implementation (including components and outcomes), in written
and oral presentations; and
5. Reflect on the significance and practical implications of the project for future practical improvement.
Submission of Project
The Guidelines and Timelines for Project can be downloaded from the Moodle. Regarding submission, please refer to
the section of “Submission of Assignments”.
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DISSERTATION
MEDD8999 Dissertation (18 credits)
(Word length: 12,000 – 20,000 words)
Your dissertation is of particular importance. It shows the culmination of the knowledge and skills you should have
acquired in your course work and assignments.
Students are advised to start planning for the dissertation as early as possible including the general notion of your area
of study, the problem you might wish to pursue, and the kinds of research methods you intend to use. You should also
have completed a draft research proposal as part of your preparation. This allows you to begin collecting materials for
your review of the relevant research literature and collecting other data in a timely manner. The Course Coordinators
and lecturers in your specialization will liaise with you directly about the identification of a dissertation problem, and
the selection of a dissertation supervisor. Please refer to the Timeline and Guidelines for MEd dissertation option
(MEDD8999) for detailed arrangements, which can be downloaded from Moodle.
Students are required to maintain regular contact with supervisors during the course of their dissertation and to submit
drafts and samples of data for discussion and feedback. This is not only to ensure continuing support for the student,
but also to authenticate the students’ work, i.e. to ensure the material produced by students is all their own.
Regular contact is defined as face to face or other forms of contact (e.g. e-mail) at least twice a month, or more
frequently. Any student who fails to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and/or fails to make satisfactory
progress on their dissertation may be asked to appear at a progress review meeting, comprising the Chief Examiner, the
Supervisor and the Course Coordinator.
In addition, students are required to keep all drafts, original data and other evidence of the authenticity of the work for
at least one year after examination. MEd regulations also allow for examiners to prescribe an oral examination on the
subject of the dissertation, which will be implemented if there is any doubt as to the ownership of the work.
Learning Outcomes of Dissertation
On completion of the Dissertation, MEd students should have developed the following learning outcomes:
1. Identify an appropriately significant research topic and design viable research questions;
2. Independently find, synthesize and apply relevant theoretical and empirical literature;
3. Demonstrate ability to develop and refine suitable research instruments;
4. Collect and analyze research data in light of best methodological and ethical practices;
5. Effectively communicate research findings in written and oral presentations ;
6. Reflect on the significance and educational implications of the research project for future theoretical
development and practical improvement.
Format for Dissertation
There is no designated format for an MEd Dissertation; however, you may take reference from the format set out by the
Guidelines and Timeline for MEd Dissertation, which are available for downloaded from Moodle.
Submission of Dissertation
Please refer to the section of “Submission of Assignments”.
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Guidelines for Dissertation Supervision
Responsibilities of MEd Students
1. To read these Guidelines so that they are aware of what they can expect of the University and what the University
and their supervisors expect of them.
2. The relationship between you and your supervisor is a very personal one, which only you can fully understand and
make successful.
3. To attend relevant courses, seminars and workshops that are arranged for MEd students. These are intended to
enable you to commence and conduct your research more efficiently and effectively.
4. To conform with the University and the Faculty of Education regulations.
5. To execute the research, associated writing and thesis production with sufficient diligence to ensure that their
studies can be completed within the period of study specified. The MEd dissertation is a test of your ability to
initiate, develop, conduct and report research.
6. To establish an agreed manner of working with supervisors and to follow an agreed timetable.
7. Different people interact in different ways that cannot be prescribed by regulations. Agree a way of operating
supervision. You will often be the one to initiate meetings and you should go to them well prepared and with a
clear idea of what needs to be discussed and what needs to be decided.
8. To maintain contact and meet with your supervisor at sufficiently regular intervals to permit work to progress in a
satisfactory and timely manner by, for example, presenting draft chapters at agreed specified times. The frequency
of contact will depend on the nature of the study and the particular situations of the student and the supervisor.
Contact may be more frequent at one point in the research e.g. the beginning and less frequent at other times. They
may be face to face or through e.g. e-mail. However, the normal expectation would be contact with your supervisor
at least twice a month.
9. To give the supervisor sufficient notice and sufficient time to comment on research findings or written work,
including dissertation or chapter drafts. Supervisors have many other responsibilities in addition to you and it is
unreasonable to present them with work without prior notice and then expect them to provide detailed comment
and criticism ahead of all other demands on their time.
10. To observe the standard of ethical requirements and comply with the ethical guidelines.
The Responsibilities of Dissertation Supervisor
1. To read these Guidelines so that he or she is aware of what is expected of the MEd student and what the MEd
student expects of them.
2. The relationship between you and the MEd student is a very personal one and will only profitable when both
parties work at making it successful.
3. To help the student in managing his or her time effectively so that the research is completed on time.
4. To establish an agreed manner of working with you and to follow an agreed timetable.
5. To maintain contact and meet with you at sufficiently regular intervals to permit work to progress in a satisfactory
and timely manner by, for example, commenting on draft chapters at agreed specified times.
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6. It is not the role of the supervisor to act as a proofreader or editor but the supervisor will point out areas for
attention.
7. To discuss your suggestions as to the direction the study might take and provide some general advice on initial
literature sources and methods.
8. It is important to recognize that the dissertation is the student’s and that the student must learn to make and stand
by his or her own decisions. Nonetheless the supervisor has an important role in pointing out areas for attention.
9. To advise on problems raised by the student.
17
RESEARCH ETHICS REQUIREMENTS
Ethical Requirements
All members of the University, including dissertation Master’s students, are under an obligation to observe the highest
standards of professional conduct. Failure to do so, not only defeats the object of scholarly enquiry, but brings both the
researcher and the University into disrepute. The need for researchers to comply with strict ethical guidelines is
especially important where the pressure to complete dissertations promptly may generate a temptation to
neglect or relax normal practices.
The Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) is responsible for safeguarding research participants, students
conducting research projects and researchers in or affiliated with the Faculty of Education, by formally applying
accepted principles and procedures for the conduct of research involving human and animal subjects. These principles
are enclosed for your information. Dissertation Master’s students are required to submit an application for ethical
clearance to undertake any pilot or dissertation study involving human or animal subjects. Details of the procedures,
application guidelines and application forms can be obtained from http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics. An
information session on ethics procedures for each dissertation Master’s course will be held in the first semester. Details
will be circulated to students by e-mail.
The FERC is in the process of authorizing Programme Directors (or Cohort Coordinators in the case of the MEd) to
approve ethics applications for dissertation Master’s students enrolled in the Faculty, however the same application
processes must be followed for all students, the supervisors’ approval must be sought, and a soft copy of the completed
approved application sent to the FREC for endorsement. In turn, the FREC reports to the University Human Research
Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties (HRECNCF).
Principles Guiding the Ethical Integrity of Research
General Principles
The following principles guide the Faculty Research Committee and all researchers in the Faculty of Education with
respect to the ethical integrity of research:
1. Integrity
The ethical integrity of research implies that the conduct of all researchers is characterized by a respect for self and
others, a willingness to accept responsibility for the consequences of one’s decisions, and by the principles of
goodness, rightness, fairness and honesty.
A respect for others implies that researchers accord appropriate respect to the rights, dignity, and worth of all
researchers and subjects involved in the research.
2. Competence
Researchers should undertake only such research as they and their fellow researchers and research students are
competent to do, so that the safety of all research participants and the ethical integrity of the research might not be
compromised for reasons of incompetence.
3. Professional and Scientific Responsibility
Researchers should conduct their research in a professionally and scientifically responsible manner. Such
responsibility is commensurate with the ethical integrity of the research. Researchers should accordingly design,
conduct, and report research in accordance with recognized principles and standards of scientific competence and
ethical research.
18
4. Social Responsibility
Researchers should be aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the community and the society
in which they work and live, and to the human community in general. Researchers should in their research seek to
advance not only the science of their discipline, but also, ultimately, human welfare.
5. Concern for Others’ Welfare
Researchers should, at all times and above all other research priorities, be concerned with the welfare and interests
of those participating in the research. Researchers should thus take reasonable steps to implement appropriate
protection for the rights and welfare of research participants and other persons affected by the research.
6. Proportionality of Risk
Research involving human subjects should not be carried out unless the importance of the objectives is in
proportion to any inherent risk to the subject. Potential hazards should be predictable, and should never outweigh
the benefits of the research.
Research-Specific Issues
1. Informal Consent
Researchers should obtain the appropriate informed consent of research participants, in language that is reasonably
understandable to research participants, and that is appropriately documented.
2. Inducements
Inducements to participate that are offered to potential research participants should be appropriate and
commensurate with standard practice.
3. Deception
Researchers should not conduct a study involving deception unless they have determined that the use of deceptive
techniques is justified by the study’s prospective scientific value, and that equally effective alternative procedures
that do not use deception are not feasible.
Researchers should never deceive research participants about significant aspects that would affect their willingness
to participate, such as physical risks, discomfort, or unpleasant emotional experiences. If deception is used,
researchers are obliged to debrief subjects on the nature of the deception as soon as is practically possible.
4. Invasiveness
Researchers should ensure that any invasive procedures are kept to a minimum, and involve minimal discomfort
and no physical or other risk to research participants.
5. Commitments
Researchers should take reasonable measures to honour all commitments they have made to research participants.
6. Sharing of Information
Researchers should provide a prompt opportunity for participants to obtain appropriate information about the
nature, results, and conclusions of the research.
7. Privacy and Confidentiality
Researchers should at all times seek to respect the privacy of research participants, and to maintain confidentiality
in all matters related to individual research participants.
19
PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION FOR ETHICAL APPROVAL
Statement about the Importance of Obtaining Ethical Approval
All members of the University, including staff members, research postgraduate, taught postgraduate and undergraduate
students are under an obligation to comply with the highest standards of professional conduct. All research conducted
by members of the University involving human participants and the use of vertebrate animal subjects must be
referred to the appropriate ethics committee for review. For undergraduate and taught postgraduate students of the
Faculty of Education, such review is done by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee.
If the research study for your dissertation or final-year project involves human participants or the use of personal data,
you are required to obtain ethical approval for the study prior to data collection. You are required to initiate
discussion with your supervisor/project adviser as early as possible on how to prepare your application. The application
must be submitted to the Office of Research in good time, normally 4 weeks before the planned data collection. Details
about application procedures, the application forms and letter templates are downloadable at the Faculty's website:
http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics.
Any research data collected prior to formal ethical approval granted by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee must
not be used in any part of your dissertation/project. If you have collected research data before obtaining ethical
approval, you may be given a Fail grade for the dissertation/project.
Application Procedures for Ethical Clearance
Application for ethical clearance must be made on the form Application Form for Ethical Approval, which is obtainable
from the Human Research Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties via http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics.
The application should be concise, but contain sufficient information for the Supervisor, the authorized FREC delegate
and the FREC to be able to appraise the research from an ethical perspective.
If instruments for the project are in Chinese, an English translation or a description of the nature of the instrument in
English must be included. Copies of consent or assent forms should also be appended along with any additional
information on the interaction with subjects, such as payment, gifts, recruiting advertisements, etc.
The completed form with relevant attachments should be submitted to the authorized FREC delegate before data
collection begins, for authorization and onward transmission to the Faculty Research Ethics Committee for
endorsement and record. Please refer to the procedures as described in the flow chart on the following page.
Students undertaking the Dissertation (MEDD8999) have to fill in the form FE2/1015 “Application Form for
Ethical Approval (For TPG Students in Faculty of Education)” to apply for ethical clearance and approval from the
Office of Research (Ms Carol Wong, [email protected]) prior to your data collection. Normally, the clearance procedure
will be completed in about four weeks after your submission of the application form for ethical approval. The form can
be downloaded from the website:
http://web.edu.hku.hk/f/page/734/11b_TPG_Application_Form_amended_20160115.docx
Students undertaking a Project (MEDD8998) have to fill in the form FE1/816 “Application Form for Ethics Review
of Taught Postgraduate Independent Project” to seek endorsement from the Project Adviser and approval from the
FREC delegates prior to your data collection, and finally to submit the approved application form to the Office of
Research (Ms Carol Wong, [email protected]) for record. The form can be downloaded from the website:
http://web.edu.hku.hk/f/page/734/TPG%20Projects%20Ethics%20App%20Form_20160803.doc
20
FREC delegates return decision and comments to Ms Alice Pang / Ms Carol Wong of the Office of Research
Applications forwarded to FREC delegates for vetting and approval
Office of Research to issue a formal notification on behalf
of the FREC to students via email.
Undergraduate Students Taught Postgraduate Students
Independent
projects
Other research projects,
theses and dissertation
FREC delegates to raise any issues /
concerns with Chair, FREC
The endorsed application form
(TPG) in soft copy should then
be sent to Ms Carol Wong
([email protected]) of the Office
of Research
The endorsed application form
(UG) in soft copy should then
be sent to Ms Alice Pang
([email protected]) of the Office
of Research
Any concerns?
Procedures for Application for Ethical Approval
Please read carefully the Operational Guidelines and other relevant documents via the website of
http://web.edu.hku.hk/research/faculty-research-ethics-committee before completing the application form.
*The Office of Research will prepare and submit an annual statistical report on the number of approved applications/re-submissions
to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). FREC delegates are asked to refer any acute incidents/cases to the FREC
whenever necessary.
(FREC – Faculty Research Ethics Committee)
(As at August 2, 2016)
Discuss ethics applications with supervisors and obtain endorsement Discuss ethics applications with
supervisors and obtain
endorsement
Students forward the
approved applications with
supporting documents to
Ms Carol Wong
([email protected]) of the
Office of Research for record
Submit ethics applications to
FREC delegates for vetting
and approval
FE48/714 re-amended
21
ASSESSMENT
Purpose of Assessments
The primary purpose of assessment is to support student learning, hence there is a clear and explicit relationship
between stated assessment tasks and expectations, course objectives and course content in the MEd programme.
Assessment tasks are carefully designed to recognize, motivate and encourage deep learning, and to incorporate a clear
developmental perspective which recognizes and supports students’ growing competence over the course of the
programme. Variation in assessment tasks within and across the programme is encouraged in order to maintain student
interest, to cater for and encourage different ways of student thinking and learning, to reflect the different academic and
professional demands of different courses as well as to foster student development and progression over the length of a
programme.
Most courses are assessed by the satisfactory completion of written assignment of between 3,000-4,000 words or its
equivalent. Regular attendance and participation in class activities are also critical for success, and informal oral
presentations and collaborative activities are also encouraged. Details of assignments will be provided by the teacher(s)
of the course concerned.
Submission Deadlines for 2016-17 (Subject to changes upon teachers’ arrangement)
Semester 1 courses: December 30, 2016
Semester 2 courses: May 10, 2017
Summer semester courses: August 31, 2017
MEd Dissertation Title:
2016 Intake full-time & 2015 Intake part-time students:
2016 Intake part-time students:
On or before:
May 31, 2017
May 31, 2018
MEd Project:
2016 Intake full-time & 2015 Intake part-time students:
2016 Intake part-time students:
July 31, 2017
July 31, 2018
MEd Dissertation:
2016 Intake full-time & 2015 Intake part-time students:
2016 Intake part-time students:
August 31, 2017
August 31, 2018
Important Notes
Lecturers may vary the deadlines for their course assignments but any variations are recommended to be no later than
the final assignment deadlines. In the event that the grade of an assignment could not be sent to the Board of
Examiners as scheduled due to postponement of an assignment deadline, the grade would be sent for approval in the
next Board of Examiners’ meeting and the result of the assignment concerned will be announced with the courses in the
next semester.
22
Assignment Cover Sheet
An assignment cover sheet serves to provide basic information about the assignment such as the course code, the names
of the student and the teacher; to provide a location for the student declaration that it is his or her own work; and to
provide to the student a convenient way of acknowledging receipt of the assignment. All MEd assignments should be
submitted with a standard assignment cover sheet that is available for download from the Moodle, unless they are
instructed by the course teacher to submit assignments via Turnitin on Moodle.
Students are required to sign on the assignment cover sheet to declare that they have read the booklet “What is
Plagiarism” (available at http://www.hku.hk/plagiarism/page2s.htm) and have observed all the requirements set out in
the booklet. Also, students are required to declare via the assignment cover sheet that they have submitted the
assignment to Turnitin, have reviewed the Originality Report and revised the assignment as necessary to ensure that
their works are free of plagiarism.
Submission of Assignments
Please follow the instructions on submission of the assignment provided by the teachers concerned as some teachers
require submission of hard copy; some require submission via email or MOODLE to teacher. For the submission of
hard copy, assignments should be placed in the appropriate assignment box outside the Programme Office on the 2/F of
the Runme Shaw Building on or before the deadline.
For recording the submission date and time, please note that
1. Assignment boxes are normally emptied at 9:00 am on the working day following the deadline, assignments
deposited in the evening prior to emptying will be considered as submitted on time.
2. For assignments submitted by post, the post-marked date will be considered as the date of submission.
3. For assignments submitted by electronic means, the e-mail time and date (HK) will be considered as the time and
date of submission.
Important Notes
1. If a student is submitting the assignments by other means out of the teacher’s instruction, he/she should notify the
teachers concerned and the Programme Office before the submission deadline.
2. It is the responsibility of each student to make a backup copy of each assignment. In case a student claims that
he/she had placed the assignment in the box but it was lost, the student will need to produce another copy to the
Programme Office within the following day.
3. If for some very serious reasons, a student believes he/she will not be able to submit an assignment on time, he/she
must apply for a deferment to the Programme Office (email: [email protected]). This request should be made before
the assignment deadline.
23
Deferment of Assignment Submission
You are required to submit your assignments on or before the set deadline. In the event that you are unable to meet the
deadline and wish to defer submission of your assignment, you must make an application prior to the deadline with
your reasons and supporting documents, if any, to the Programme Office at [email protected]. (e.g. deferment for medical
reasons should be supported by a practitioner’s certificate; deferment for work commitment should be supported by
employer’s letter). Unless there are strong reasons substantiated by appropriate evidence, deferral for submission of
assignments is normally not permitted.
The application form for deferring an assignment deadline is available for download from the Moodle. Upon receiving
your application, the Programme Office will proceed according to the guideline below, and will inform the student of
the application result accordingly.
1. For a single assignment – approval from the course teacher(s) concerned is required
2. For more than one assignment – approval from Programme Director is required
Important Notes
In the event that the grade of an assignment could not be sent to the Board of Examiners for that semester due to
deferral of assignment submission, the grade would be sent for approval in the next Board of Examiners’ meeting and
the result of the assignment concerned will be released with the courses in the next semester.
(1) Course Teacher or Programme Director considers the application in individual circumstances.
(2) Course Teacher or Programme Director informs the Programme Office of the application results.
(3) Programme Office will inform the student and all parties concerned.
Application to defer assignment deadline
Students are required to (i) make written application as soon as possible once the situation occurs and prior to
deadline, (ii) submit with supporting document, if any (e.g. deferment for medical reasons should be supported by
a practitioner’s certificate; deferment for work commitment should be supported by employer’s letter).
Course Teacher or Programme Director considers whether the reasons given fall within one of the following
circumstances:
(i) medical reasons (ii) childbirth
(iii) marriage (iv) death in family
(v) unexpected personal or work related crisis (supplemented with employer’s letter)
(vi) other reasons considered acceptable by the Lecturer / Programme Director concerned
For 1 assignment only: The Programme Office
will consult the teacher concerned
More than 1 assignment: The Programme Office
will consult the Programme Director
24
Late Submission of Assignments without Prior Approval
In order to be fair to students who have submitted their assignments on time, and to encourage effective time-
management skills, late submission of assignment, project or dissertation without prior approval will receive the
following penalties:
(i) Up to 3 days late: a full grade will be deducted from the grade the assignment would otherwise have received;
(ii) More than 3 days late: the assignment will normally fail.
Feedback on Assignments
Assessed work would normally be returned to students either through the Programme Office or by the teacher directly
depending on the teacher's arrangement. Students may contact the teacher(s) concerned if they would like to acquire
more details. Assessed work and any feedback sheet distributed via the Programme Office will be kept for one semester
and then be destroyed.
Late submission of assignment without prior approval
1 to 3 calendar days late
Programme Office informs student a full grade is
normally deducted and advises students to refer to the
Handbook on penalties and appeal procedures.
More than 3 calendar days late
Programme Office informs student the assignment is
normally failed and advises students to refer to the
Handbook on penalties and appeal procedures.
1) Student may submit a written appeal to the Programme Director not later than 10
calendar days before the Board of Examiners meeting (student may check with
Programme Office to find out the date of meetings);
2) Programme Director will consider whether there are valid reasons for not
submitting the assignment on time, and whether there are valid reasons for not
making a prior application to defer the assignment deadline.
1) If there are valid reasons for not
submitting the assignment on time,
but there is no valid reason for not
seeking prior approval, then a full
grade will be deducted. 2) Programme Director recommends
grade to Programme Office for
Board of Examiner’s approval and
Programme Office will inform all
parties concerned.
1) Penalty stands. 2) Programme Director
recommends grade to
Programme Office for
Board of Examiner’s
approval and
Programme Office will
inform all parties
concerned.
1) No penalty if there are valid
reasons for not submitting
the assignment on time and
not seeking prior approval.
2) Programme Director
recommends grade to
Programme Office for Board
of Examiner’s approval and
Prof Office will inform all
parties concerned.
No Appeal Appeal
Yes No N
O
25
GRADE DESCRIPTORS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Grading System
Individual course shall be graded according to the following grading systems:
Standard Grade Point
A+
Excellent
4.3
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+
Good
3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+
Satisfactory
2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ Pass
1.3
D 1.0
F Fail 0
The “Grade Point Average” is the sum of these numerical values divided by the total number of credits attempted:
GPA = Ʃi Course Grade Point x Course Credit Value
Ʃi Course Credit Value
(where “i” stands for all relevant passed and failed courses taken by the student over a specified period)
Common grade descriptors and assessment criteria have been established for all courses in the MEd to enhance
comparability and transparency in assessment across the programme. The following five general criteria apply to the
majority of assessment tasks:
understanding of the task and key concepts/issues involved;
depth of analysis and/or critique in response to the task,
use of appropriate professional and/or research literature to support response;
structure and organization of response;
presentation of response according to appropriate academic and linguistic conventions.
In order to help students understand their own strengths and weaknesses as exhibited through the assignment submitted,
feedback to students will normally make specific reference to these assessment criteria, although they may be adapted
and contextualized to suit the specific assessment task. A feedback sheet will normally be distributed by your lecturer
with the guidelines for each course assignment. You should then attach this feedback sheet immediately after your
cover sheet when you submit your assignment for marking.
Students may be required to submit more than one component/assignment for a course and you may receive more than
one “Provisional” grade for such course. The grades received for each of the assignments of a course may be combined
by the teacher(s) concerned to achieve an “Overall” grade.
Grade Descriptors
Please note that the grade descriptors are designed to be used holistically, that is, it is not envisaged that separate scores
would be given for each criteria. To achieve the designated grade the majority of criteria should be met. Depending on
26
the format of the assignment, one or two criteria may not be so relevant in which case this should be clearly indicated in
the course guidelines and specific assessment criteria. Lecturers are also free to add criteria or contextualize the above
criteria to suit the particular demands of their assessment task.
Standard Grade Grade
Point Description
Excellent A+
A
A-
4.3
4.0
3.7
Overall, a very impressive and excellent piece of work, equivalent to a distinction.
Includes the majority of the following features:
Demonstrates an understanding of the task which may be beyond what is expected, but
which is always relevant.
Original perspective on the problems in question. Contextualization of sources and
viewpoints and comprehensive evaluation of contributions. Application of relevant
theories in answering the question.
Use of wide range of relevant sources, well understood and critically evaluated.
Well structured and organized with a clear line of reasoning. Appropriate length.
Clear, articulate style with accurate spelling, word choice and grammar. Referencing
follows consistent academic conventions with all references fully and accurately cited.
Good B+
B
B-
3.3
3.0
2.7
Overall, a good and commendable piece of work. Includes the majority of the following
features:
Demonstrates sound understanding of the task. Presentation of points and arguments
generally relevant to the question.
Sustained commentary on evidence and materials used. Inclusion of appropriate critical
perspective. Use of theoretical models in a relevant way to answer the question.
Sound understanding of main sources of literature, well summarized and used in a critical
and relevant way.
Clear structure and presentation. Control of length
Generally accurate spelling, word choice and grammar. Generally consistent and accurate
referencing.
Satisfactory C+
C
C-
2.3
2.0
1.7
Overall, a satisfactory piece of work. Includes the majority of the following features:
Understands main point of the task. Most points and arguments presented are relevant to
the question.
Adequate commentary on evidence and materials used. Some evidence of critical
awareness. Use and understanding of theoretical models, but in a fairly pedestrian way.
Adequate range of source material consulted. Clear understanding of the literature used.
Good structure and presentation, minor problems in organization do not impede
communication. Control of length
Comprehensible spelling, word choice and grammar, inaccuracies do not impede
meaning. Generally consistent referencing.
Pass D+
D
1.3
1.0
Overall, a bare pass. Includes the majority of the following features:
Understanding of basic concepts and effort made to relate them to the question.
Argument mainly descriptive points and/or points which require greater substantiation.
More development of ideas needed to sustain an argument. Identification of main issues,
but little critical awareness.
Some evidence of reading and understanding of the literature, but range and /or relevance
very limited.
Attempt made at coherent presentation, but ideas not well integrated.
Comprehensible spelling, word choice and grammar, although inaccuracies may
sometimes impede meaning. Some attempt at consistent referencing and control of
length
Failure F 0 Overall, a very poor piece of work. Includes the majority of the following features:
Inadequate or misunderstanding of task. Purely descriptive account with little or no
analysis.
Irrelevant comments and/or assertions which are not supported by meaningful evidence.
Little evidence of integration of various sources to sustain an argument. Lack of any
critical or appreciative framework.
Few relevant sources used and/or little use of literature.
Unstructured presentation and/or lack of coherence which impedes understanding.
Little or no attempt at consistent referencing. Major inaccuracies in grammar, word
choice and spelling. Length problematic.
27
Please note that candidates shall not be permitted to repeat a course for which they have received a D grade or above
for the purpose of upgrading.
Double Marking
All potential failures, suspected plagiarism cases and dissertations are double-marked by another examiner.
Assignments may also be double-marked for moderation purposes. Students failing in course(s) or the dissertation
should immediately make arrangements to discuss the matter with the examiner concerned after release of results.
Announcement of Grades
Final grades will be released to students through the Student Information System (SIS), under the HKU Portal at
https://hkuportal.hku.hk at My Page -> Enrollment -> View My Grades, shortly after the results have been approved
by the Board of Examiners by the end of February, end of June and late September. Students will be notified of the
timeline and arrangement via MOODLE and email in due course. As students can view their results online, no
hardcopy result slips will be sent to students individually.
Checking of Assessment Results of Taught Courses
Examination results are determined by the Board of Examiners. According to the University’s General Regulation,
there shall be no appeal against the results of examinations and all other forms of assessment. Students may however
apply for checking of assessment results on grounds of procedural irregularities.
Please refer to the document of “Procedures for Checking of Assessment Results of Taught Courses” for details about
the application procedure and payment method, which is available on the MOODLE.
An application should be submitted in writing to the Programme Office at Room 219 of Runme Shaw Building or e-
mail to [email protected] as soon as possible and in any case no later than 2 weeks after the publication of the course final
assessment result as determined by the Board of Examiners. A receipt of payment of an application fee for each
assessment result (HK$200) should be submitted together with the written application which is dated and comprises
student’s name, university number, curriculum, course code, name and result and grounds for making the request to
check.
Students concerned will be informed of the outcome of the checking normally within 3 weeks after receipt of the
application. Should any procedural or technical error in the determination of the assessment result be found, the
application fee for checking that particular result will be refunded.
28
REASSESSMENT
Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in any part of the assessment at the first attempt may be permitted
to present themselves for re-assessment in the failed course(s) as determined by the Board of Examiners; while
candidates who have presented a dissertation which has failed to satisfy the examiners at the first attempt may be
permitted to represent the dissertation within a period of not more than 12 months after it is deemed unsatisfactory.
Students will receive an official letter of re-examination arrangement shortly after the announcement of grades.
Students who are permitted to be re-examined are required to pay a re-examination fee. A student invoice for the re-
examination fee will be issued via HKU email address and the Student Information System. You may approach the
Registry via email at [email protected] should there be query on re-examination fee.
The re-examination fees for 2016-17 Intake are as follows:
Taught courses: $2,310 per course ($2,486 per course of TSIC and TCSL specialisms)
Project: $11,550 ($12,430 for TSIC and TCSL specialisms)
Dissertation: $34,650 ($37,290 for TSIC and TCSL specialisms)
Unless otherwise permitted by the Board of the Faculty, candidates shall be recommended for discontinuation of their
studies if they have failed to satisfy the examiners upon re-assessment of a course, a project or a dissertation. In this
event, candidates may be requested to present themselves before the Faculty Review Committee to ask to submit the re-
assessment again if there exist circumstances which may have affected their performance. This opportunity will be
final. If a candidate fails to be present at the Faculty Review Committee or submit the re-assessment upon the final
opportunity, he/she will be regarded as having given up the final opportunity and the recommendation for
discontinuation will be enforced. Students will also have the option of voluntary withdrawal at any point in the
process.
Courses in which candidates are given an F grade shall be recorded on the transcript of the candidate, together with the
new grade if the candidate is re-assessed or repeats the failed course.
DISCONTINUATION
Unless otherwise permitted by the Board of the Faculty, students shall be recommended for discontinuation of their
studies, if they have (i) failed to satisfy the examiners upon reassessment of a course, a project or a dissertation; or (ii)
exceeded the maximum period of registration specified in the section on “Length of Curriculum”.
CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF DISTINCTION AND INCLUSION ON
DEAN’S HONOURS LIST Candidates who have shown exceptional merit may be awarded a mark of distinction, and this mark shall be recorded
on the transcript of candidates.
Criteria for Conferring Distinction
(i) CGPA of 3.6 or above; and
(ii) Grade A- or above in the capstone requirement, i.e. Project or Dissertation; and
(iii) The Board of Examiners has discretion to award “Distinction” to a student whose CGPA falls below the
suggested range by not more than 0.1 Grade Point.
Criteria for Inclusion on the Dean’s Honours List
(i) CGPA of 3.5 or above
29
TRANSCRIPT, TESTIMONIAL, CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION AND
CERTIFICATE
Transcript
A transcript is a student’s full academic record in this University. If a student has attended more than one study
programme, all courses of study and examination results, if appropriate, will be printed on the same document. Request
for transcript by a third party must bear the student’s authorization, i.e. an authorization letter signed by the student and
a photocopy of the student’s HKID Card/Passport. The University reserves the right to withhold issuance of transcript
to a student owing fees or any other debt to the University, or who has failed to discharge all obligations towards the
University.
Application should be submitted to the Academic Support and Examinations Section (ASE) of the Registry (Tel: 2859-
2433; Email: [email protected]; Address: G04, Run Run Shaw Building). Application form can be downloaded at:
http://www.ase.hku.hk.
Testimonial
A testimonial is an official document which certifies the qualification(s) awarded to you or the programme you are
studying. Unlike transcript, it does not give details of the individual courses studied and/or completed and is usually
used to attest the student status for such purposes as job hunting and sitting public examinations.
For overseas students applying for certification for extension of the student visa, please contact the Centre of
Development and Resources for Students at 3/F, Meng Wah Complex for assistance in the first instance. For Mainland
students, please contact the China Affairs Office at Room 249C, Main Building in the first instance.
Application should be submitted to the Academic Support and Examinations Section (ASE) of the Registry (Tel: 2859-
2433; Email: [email protected]; Address: G04, Run Run Shaw Building). Application form can be downloaded at:
http://www.ase.hku.hk.
Certificate of Graduation
A Certificate of Graduation is an official document which certifies that a student has successfully completed the
requirements for the conferment of a degree and does not replace the degree diploma, transcript or testimonial. The
Certificate does not give details of honours classification, grades or distinction, if any, and will state the date of the
Congregation at which the degree will be formally conferred. Application and payment should be made online at
http://www.ase.hku.hk/asoffice/.
Certification
Faculty Graduation Ceremony would normally be held in December each year. An invitation letter will be posted to
you in due course. Certification can be collected from the Academic Services Office after the Congregation.
30
PLAGIARISM
Please note this warning! Plagiarism is perhaps the most common and the most avoidable reason for an assignment or
a dissertation to be failed.
According to the University’s Regulations, “A candidate shall not engage in plagiarism nor employ nor seek to employ
any other unfair means at an examination or in any other form of assessment. Plagiarism is defined as the
unacknowledged use, as one’s own, of work of another person, whether or not such work has been published”. This
includes published books, journals, articles, materials on websites, unpublished lecture notes, teaching materials of
other teachers, and any work of other students.
Hence, all sources and reference materials used for assignments, including main texts, appendices and diagrams, must
be fully acknowledged in the assignments themselves. Extracts from published sources should be properly referenced
and set in quotation marks if included in original writing. If they form part of the teaching materials submissions, their
source must be clearly stated. It is not sufficient to include a list of all sources only at the end of a piece of work.
Please refer to the following University’s documents that provide additional information on plagiarism:
“What is Plagiarism?” by Professor Johannes Chan of the Faculty of Law at: http://www.hku.hk/plagiarism/, and
“Plagiarism and How to Avoid it” by Dr David Gardner of the Centre for Applied English Studies at:
http://ec.hku.hk/plagiarism/.
Students should examine the Turnitin report of the assignment concerned and declare on their assignment cover sheet
that they have already read the mentioned information, duly acknowledged other sources in their assignments, reviewed
the Turnitin report and revised the assignment as necessary to ensure that it is free from plagiarism.
Academically, it is almost certain that the plagiarized work will receive a fail grade and the students concerned may, as
determined by the Board of Examiners, be reported to the University Disciplinary Committee, and may be required to
present themselves for an oral examination. The University does not allow plagiarism. Any act of plagiarism is a
disciplinary matter that can result in serious consequences, including reprimand, fine, withdrawal from academic or
other University privilege, suspension, or expulsion from the university (See Regulations Governing Conduct at
Examinations in the University’s Calendar).
Plagiarism is a serious matter. If you are unsure of any aspects of the preparation, presentation or submission of
assignments, you should consult your teachers for guidance as soon as possible.
Warning: Submission of the Same Work More Than Once
Submitting an exact copy or significant portions of another assignment in more than one course without explicit
acknowledgement is not acceptable and may result in a Fail grade. However, quoting from your previous or current
work and including this in a new piece of work is acceptable provided that this is explicitly acknowledged in the new
body of work.
31
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Students are required to observe the Copyright policy stipulated in the University’s Student Handbook, which could be
obtained from the website: http://www.handbook.hku.hk/tpg/2015/policies/policies.html.
Lectures
Students are warned that notes taken in lectures and course materials supplied to them by departments are to be used by
them only for the purposes of research or private study. Similarly, lectures may not be recorded without the permission
of the lecturer; if the lecturer permits recording, it must be subject to any conditions which are stipulated at the time of
granting permission. The copyright of each lecture delivered in the University is vested in the lecturer delivering it.
Failure to heed this warning may result in an infringement of the copyright laws.
Photocopies
Any copying of copyright materials by students on self-service copiers within the University must be kept within the
scope of fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study under the copyright legislation currently in force in
Hong Kong.
Although there is no statement in the legislation as to the maximum amount of copying allowed under the fair dealing
provision, the following principles should be observed:
1. Copying must be made for the purposes of the student’s own research or private study;
2. The extent of copying must be kept to the minimum necessary for the above purposes; AND
3. Copying must result in no more than one copy of the same work.
In the absence of any quantitative guideline, students are advised against doing, among other things, any of the
following:
1. Copying more than one article from a periodical or newspaper;
2. Copying more than one chapter from a book; OR
3. Multiple copying of any kind.
If these guidelines are not followed, users of the self-service copying machines may render themselves liable to legal
action from copyright holders for breach of copyright.
The making of copies of copyright materials by Library staff for library users without the express permission of the
copyright holder is strictly limited under the copyright law. Generally, subject to certain prescribed conditions, only one
copy of one article from a single periodical issue, or one copy of a reasonable proportion of a published literary,
dramatic or musical work (other than an article in a periodical) may be supplied by Library staff to a library user solely
for the purposes of the user’s research or private study.
Internet Materials
Materials on the Internet are protected by copyright. The mere fact that they are made available to the public via the
Internet does not mean that they can be copied without permission. Without the copyright holder’s permission or a
licence, any copying of such material by a student (e.g. including the material in the student’s work or printing it out on
paper) must not exceed the scope of fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study. Similarly, uploading of
copyright material on to the Internet is an act of copyright infringement if it is done without the consent of the
copyright holder.
32
Copyright Ordinance
The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007 which came into force on 6 July 2007 has brought about the changes to
the Copyright Ordinance that affects teachers and students. These changes include a new “fair dealing” exemption to
allow teachers and students to use or deal with reasonable portions of copyright works, in printed form and for those
made available on the Internet, in a fair manner for teaching and learning in a specified course of study. For more
information, visit the Intellectual Property Department at:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/copyright/copyright_ordinance.htm,
or view “Hong Kong’s Amended Copyright Law: a Guide for Teachers and Students” at:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/copyright/edu_guide.pdf.
On 30 September 2002, the Government issued a set of guidelines for photocopying of printed works by not-for-profit
educational establishments with a view to clarifying the extent of permissible photocopying by teachers for classroom
use. These guidelines have come into effect since 2nd October 2002, and can be viewed at:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/copyright/workshop/clarifying/Eng_guidelines_040604.pdf.
Students are advised to read the information provided at: http://lib.hku.hk/tl/cp.html, which draws together pertinent
information about copyright, related legislation and guidelines. It also includes useful resources on plagiarism
33
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Attendance and Absence
You are required to attend all classes which may or may not be conducted face-to-face, and be punctual to all classes.
You will be assessed by diverse forms of assessment, including certain class activities, throughout your studies for
continuous assessment. Candidates who fail to participate in any in-class assessment will fail that particular assessment
and may fail that particular course where the assessment contributes to a high percentage of the overall result of the
course.
You should observe the Regulation G8 ‘Attendance and absence’ governing the application for leave of absence in the
General Regulations available in the University’s website:
http://www4.hku.hk/pubunit/calendar/2015-2016/a/c/21-2015-2016/343-general-regulations
Application for leave of absence should be sent to the Teacher concerned and the Programme Director in writing,
together with any supporting document, at the earliest opportunity. The application form can be downloaded from the
Online Teaching and Learning system (MOODLE).
Under certain circumstances, you will be regarded as having withdrawn from your studies in accordance with the
Regulation G8(c)(i) and (iii) which stipulate respectively:
G8(c)(i): … A student registered in a Faculty who has been absent, whether leave has been granted under this
regulation or not, for a period of such length as to make it impossible, in the opinion of the Dean of the
Faculty concerned, for him to complete his year’s work, shall not resume attendance in the same academic
year, except with the permission of the Board of his Faculty.
G8(c)(iii): … A student who is not permitted to resume attendance in the same academic year under the
provisions of clause (c)(i) of this regulation shall be regarded as having withdrawn from his studies with effect
from the first day of his absence but shall be re-admitted at the commencement of the next academic year to
the same curriculum and year of his previous registration. He may be required, before being re-admitted, to
submit a certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner to the effect that his state of health will permit
him to resume and to complete his studies.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
You are expected to attend all classes. If students must be absent due to unavoidable circumstances, you should submit
an application form for Leave of Absence to the Programme Office, explaining your situation and asking permission
for the leave at the earliest opportunity. The application form, together with a certificate signed by a registered medical
practitioner should be attached if the leave of absence is sought on medical grounds, to the Programme Office at
[email protected] or to the office counter at Room 219 of Runme Shaw Building.
The application form can be downloaded from the MOODLE or the website:
http://www.fe.hku.hk/programme/med/2016/index.html.
Since class attendance is an important component of fulfilling course requirements, particularly for those courses
assessed by assignments and participation in class activities, you must also make all necessary arrangements with the
course lecturer(s) to complete the course reading and assignments. Failure to observe these requirements may result in a
“Fail”.
34
GUIDELINES ON STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL AND INSTITUTION-
RELATED DATA
Students are subject to general obligations of confidentiality in regard to the personal and institution-related1 data,
information and materials which they have accessed or obtained during their studies, practicum, research and other
activities in respect of or in connection with the curricula offered by the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong
Kong.
In dealing with personal data, students are also required to comply with the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy)
Ordinance (Ordinance) (including the data protection principles) which cover, among others, the collection, retention,
use, handling, disclosure, storage, security and access in respect of personal data. Details of the Ordinance can be found
at: http://www.pcpd.org.hk/english/ordinance/ordfull.html. The Privacy Policy Statement of the University can also be
accessed at: http://www.hku.hk/privacy_policy/.
Without prejudice to the general obligations, a student must seek prior written approval from the relevant Course
Coordinators and/or Programme Directors if he/she intends to disclose any personal and institution-related information,
data or materials to the public or in any context that is not related to the curriculum to which he/she has been admitted.
Should any student be found not observing the above guidelines, he/she may be considered to be infringing obligatory
conduct by inappropriate disclosure of such information, data or materials. Such an infringement will be subject to
disciplinary action.
1 Institution refers to the Faculty, the University and any other units or organisations (both internal and external).
35
GENERAL INFORMATION
Communication
1. University’s Online Teaching and Learning System (MOODLE):
Our announcements will be made mainly through the HKU Online Teaching and Learning system (MOODLE) -->
MEd-PCAES Programme Information. Students can access MOODLE via your HKU Portal account at
https://hkuportal.hku.hk/login.html --> My eLearning --> MOODLE. The online Teaching & Learning System is
currently used as a platform for an interactive teaching, learning and discussion environment. A web-enhanced
learning and teaching environment will be set up for the courses before the commencement of a semester, and they
are available to students with authorized access or to the students who have enrolled for the courses. Once access is
obtained, students are able to read course notes, view presentations, and join discussions on the internet from
anywhere and at any time. Notes and presentation files can also be downloaded from MOODLE. It is a convenient
means of carrying out and sharing collaborative work, of participating in course-related discussions from the
convenience of their homes or schools, and of submitting their assignments electronically.
2. HKU Email Account
The announcements and important notices from the Faculty and the University will be e-mailed to your HKU e-
mail account ([email protected]). You should check your e-mails regularly, including your junk Box. If you are
using another personal e-mail account, you are strongly advised to forward HKU e-mails to your personal e-mail
account. Please refer to the following web page for the procedure:
http://www.its.hku.hk/faq/email/connect/email-forwarding.
3. MEd Notice Board
The MEd Notice Board is located on the 2/F of the Runme Shaw Building, next to the Programme Office counter.
You should check it up regularly, as it may contain urgent messages, room assignments, information on feedback,
and so on.
4. Faculty of Education Homepage
The Faculty of Education’s homepage on the World Wide Web for students at http://web.edu.hku.hk/ has further
information on the Master of Education Programme.
5. HKU Portal “Student Information System” (SIS)
Also under the “Self Service” of the HKU Portal “Student Information System” (SIS), you can check your
information on registration, personal particulars, course enrolment and examination results, and make changes to
your personal information, such as address and telephone number. For details, please refer to the Student’s Guide
to the SIS at http://www.fe.hku.hk/programme/med/2016/index.html.
6. Consultation with Teachers
Students are encouraged to consult their respective Course Coordinators whenever they need assistance,
counselling or guidance on any issues regarding their study matters. Alternatively, students may also approach
Programme Director, Deputy Programme Director, or the Programme Office whichever is deemed appropriate.
Computer Facilities
Computer facilities are available in Room 324 in the Runme Shaw Building. Additional PC facilities are in the
Computer Centre located in Run Run Shaw Building. A wide variety of the latest PC software packages are available
on the PCs. Details of the locations and opening hours can be found from the IT Services website at:
http://www.its.hku.hk/about/service-hours/opening-hour. You may also make use of the PCs, Macintosh computers,
and laser printers in the Main Library.
36
Language Assistance
Many MEd students, sometimes returning to their studies after many years, have difficulties in writing their
assignments in standard, effective, academic English. To help you, the Faculty has arranged for a series of writing
workshops for first year MEd students. In addition, the University has provided a number of language facilities,
including short courses, pamphlets on how to write a dissertation, and walk-in computer-based English practice
programmes. Contact the Centre for Applied English Studies at Room B0660, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial
Campus.
University Libraries
The University libraries provide access to a collection of materials in print and in electronic formats. They offer one-
stop convenience for information search and knowledge production. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, students
can efficiently search the wealth of resources and prepare reports and presentations.
Main Library
The Main Library Building is located near Sun Yat Sen Steps. Most materials relating to education can be found in the
Main Library. Detailed information and catalogue searching facilities are available at http://lib.hku.hk.
The Library offers frequent orientations, short courses and workshops to inform graduate students of the extensive
resources available. You are encouraged and expected to use the full resources of the University in the preparation of
your assignments and dissertation.
Registration for the Library Workshops is available online at http://lib.hku.hk/general/instruction.
Education Library
The specialist Education Library located on the 8/F of Meng Wah Complex provides a wide range of materials in
support of teaching including books, school textbooks, teacher manuals, audio-visual teaching aids, dissertations,
government publications, and Hong Kong examination papers and syllabuses. However, due to space restriction in the
Education Library, most of the books on theories in education and the journals relating to education are located in the
Main Library.
University Health Service
All students who pay a composition fee are eligible to use the services of the University Health Service. These include
outpatient care, preventive care, physiotherapy, mental health care, and health education. Dental care is also available at
reasonable fees. The University Health Service is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Meng Wah Complex.
Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)
The Centre of Development and Resources for Students provides a very wide range of support services, information
and resources to help students integrate into campus life and to facilitate your study, such as student support in the
aspects of accommodation, student visa application, international students/exchange students, student finance, careers
and placement, counseling and person enrichment, student development etc. Details can be obtained from the CEDARS
website http://www.cedars.hku.hk, or from their office located on the 3/F and 4/F of Meng Wah Complex.
University Bookstore
Textbooks and books for general reading are available from the University Bookstore located at 1/F of Chi Wah
Learning Commons. The University has negotiated a special rate of exchange that makes the prices offered by the
Bookstore relatively attractive. The Faculty strongly discourages the photocopying of textbooks.
37
Car parking
Parking in the main campus is restricted. However, you can go to the Wilson Parking Shroff office at the East Gate on
the Main Campus or at Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine to purchase a parking label and a ticket, which is issued on a
monthly basis. Guidelines for application for evening parking labels can be obtained from:
https://www.estates.hku.hk/our-services/facility-management/parking/parking-label-application.
Staff-Student Consultative Committee
This committee comprises the MEd Programme Director, the Course Coordinators, and student representatives elected
from each MEd specialist group. The Committee is an interactive channel for criticisms and suggestions to improve the
programme. You will be asked early in the academic year to elect a representative from your group. Each meeting will
commence with informal group discussion between student representatives, followed by a summary of key issues and
recommendations in an interactive forum with all Course Coordinators and the MEd Programme Director. Normally,
MEd Staff/Student Consultative Committee will meet once or twice during an academic year.
38
TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS
When the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal or Tropical Storm Warning Signal No. 3 is in force, it should be assumed
that all classes and examinations will be held as scheduled unless an announcement to the contrary has been made by
the University.
Classes and examinations may be cancelled when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or Tropical Storm Warning
Signal No. 8 (or higher number) is hoisted, the following arrangements will apply:
(A) For classes and examinations not yet started
If either of the warnings is hoisted or
in force at or after 6:00 am
All morning classes and examinations commencing before 2:00 pm will be
cancelled automatically.
If either of the warnings is hoisted or
in force at or after 11:00 am
All afternoon classes and examinations commencing at any time from 2:00
pm and before 6:00 pm will be cancelled automatically.
If either of the warnings is hoisted or
in force at or after 3:00 pm
All evening classes and examinations commencing from 6:00 pm onward
will be cancelled automatically.
(B) For classes and examinations already started
When Typhoon Storm Warning
Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted
All classes will be suspended immediately. All examinations will continue
until the end of that examination session.
When a Black Rainstorm Warning
Signal is hoisted
All classes and examinations, except those held outdoors, will continue.
For outdoor classes and examinations, the responsible staff members on
the spot should suspend the activities immediately, ensure that all students
are taken to a safe place, and remain there until it is safe for them to return
home.
39
CONTACT DETAILS
Faculty of Education offices:
Main Office
G/F, Hui Oi Chow Science Building
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Programme Office
Room 219, Runme Shaw Building
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Closed on Saturdays in July and August)
(Limited counter services will be available on Saturdays only)
Office of Research
Room 125, Hui Oi Chow Science Building
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
General Enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 2859-1951, 2859-2533, 2241-5712
Important: For all the correspondence, including those by e-mail, please provide your (1) full name; (2) 10-digit
University No.; (3) your specialism; otherwise, we will not be able to address to your enquiries.
Contact Details of Programme Director and Course Coordinators:
Programme Director:
Dr Li Hui
Room 509, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-5283 ;[email protected]
Deputy Programme Director:
Dr Liz Jackson
Room 421, Runme Shaw Building; 2219-4195; [email protected]
MEd Specialist Strand Course Coordinators
Educational Studies Dr Hugo Horta
Room 419, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-2525; [email protected]
Chinese Language and Literature Dr SY Ho
Room 620, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-2421; [email protected]
Chinese Language Education Dr W M Cheung
Room 621 Meng Wah Complex; 3917-8396; [email protected]
Comparative and Global Studies in Education
and Development
Prof Mark Bray
Room 411, Runme Shaw Building; 2219-4194; [email protected]
Designing Powerful Learning Environments Dr Jan van Aalst
Room 115, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-1956; [email protected]
Early Childhood Education Dr Hui Li
Room 509, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-5283 ;[email protected]
Education and Society in China Dr Dan Wang
Room 415, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-1904; [email protected]
Educational Administration and Management Dr H M Ng
40
Room 416, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-2788; [email protected]
English Language Education Dr Mairin Hennebry
Room 658, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-7606; [email protected]
English Language Studies Dr Jim Chan
Room 653, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-6107; [email protected]
Guidance and Counselling Dr Mantak Yuen
Room 518, Meng Wah Comples; 3917-8542; [email protected]
Higher Education Dr Anatoly Oleksiyenko
Room 418, Runme Shaw; 2241-5339; [email protected]
Language Across the Curriculum Prof Angel Lin
Room 645, Meng Wah Complex; 2859-2784; [email protected]
Science Education Dr Alice Wong
Room 315, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-1958; [email protected]
Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Dr Chun Lai
Room 623, Meng Wah Complex; 3917-7087; [email protected]
Teaching Chinese to Non-Chinese Speaking
Students
Ms Wendy Lai
To be advised
Teaching of Science in an International Context Dr Alice Wong
Room 315, Runme Shaw Building; 2859-1958; [email protected]
Youth Studies Dr CK Cheung
Room 420, Runme Shaw; 2857-8365; [email protected]
41
USEFUL LINKS
No For the matters of: Units Contact information
1 HKU Portal Information
Technology
Services
https://hkuportal.hku.hk/login.html
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 3917-0123
Office: 1/F, Library Building (Old Wing)
2 Student Information
System (SIS)
Information
Technology
Services
http://www.its.hku.hk/service-desk/sis
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 2819-0777
(no on-site office)
3 Postgraduate Library
workshops
The Library http://lib.hku.hk/general/instruction
[Clink on “Postgraduate Library Workshop”]
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 2859-2203
4 Postgraduate Handbook
(Course Programme)
Academic Support
and Examinations
Section (ASE),
Registry
http://www.handbook.hku.hk/tpg/2016
Hotline: 2859-2433
5 Official Transcripts,
Testimonials, Certificate of
Graduation, Composition
fee payment schedule
Academic Support
and Examinations
Section (ASE),
Registry
http://www.ase.hku.hk/
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 2859-2433
Office: G01, G/F, Run Run Shaw Building
6 Fees related matters ASE, Registry
Finance and
Enterprises Office
Invoice for tuition and other payment:
How to make payment & account enquiries:
7 Visa matters for students
from overseas other than
mainland China
Centre of
Development and
Resources for
Students
(CEDARS)
http://www.cedars.hku.hk/sections/campuslife/VisaMatters/F
AQSTudentVisa.php
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 2859-2305
Office: 3/F, Meng Wah Complex Building
8 Visa matters for students
from mainland China
China Affairs
Office (CAO)
http://www.als.hku.hk/hkucao/svapp_e.php
Email: [email protected]
Office: Room G14, G/F, Main Building
Application for the following types of application associated
with current visa should be submitted online.
(i) Visa renewal while existing visa/entry permit is already
expired
(ii) Extension of stay for study in Hong Kong
(iii) Internship approval in connection with existing
visa/entry permit
(iv) Chang of study programme against existing visa/entry
permit
(v) Replacement of visa/entry permit due to loss or
damage
The Online System link is
https://www.caovisa.hku.hk/application/auth/login
42
9 Counselling and
Psychological Services
Centre of
Development and
Resources for
Students (CEDARS)
http://www.cedars.hku.hk/counselling
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 2857-8388
Room 408-424, 4/F, Meng Wah Complex
10 Campus accommodation Centre of
Development and
Resources for
Students (CEDARS)
http://www.cedars.hku.hk/sections/accommodation.p
hp
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 2859-2305
Office: 3/F, Meng Wah Complex Building
9 MEd forms and information MEd Programme
Office
http://www.fe.hku.hk/programme/med/2016/index.ht
ml.
43
Annex 1 – Specialist courses for MEd specialisms (2016 Intake)
Generalist Strand Specialist courses
Educational Studies
MEDD6751 Educational Studies
Specialist Strand Specialist courses
Chinese Language and
Literature
MEDD6682 Modern Chinese literature
MEDD6684 Chinese culture
MEDD6686 Classical Chinese literature
MEDD6689 Chinese fiction and creative writing
Specialist electives:
MEDD6691 Translation literature
MEDD8101 Modern Chinese language and text appreciation
MEDD8801 Classical Chinese language and the reading of classical texts
Chinese Language
Education
MEDD6081 Chinese linguistics: Discourse analysis and Chinese language education
MEDD6082 The Chinese language curriculum – Development, implementation and
evaluation
MEDD6068 Psycholinguistic aspects of learning and teaching Chinese language
MEDD6083 Chinese language assessment
Comparative and
Global Studies in
Education and
Development
MEDD6095 Addressing the global-local nexus in education
MEDD6097 Themes and approaches in the field of comparative education
MEDD6098 Critical issues in educational reform
MEDD6099 Education for sustainable development
Designing Powerful
Learning Environments
MEDD6201 The sciences of learning
MEDD6202 Learning in the disciplines
MEDD6203 Learning and teaching with technology
MEDD7108 Fostering 21st century skills with knowledge building
Early Childhood
Education
MEDD6141 Promoting child development in early childhood education programmes
MEDD6142 Learning and teaching in early childhood education
MEDD6143 Planning, management, evaluation and leadership in early childhood
education
MEDD6144 Contemporary issues in early childhood education
Education and Society
in China
MEDD8802 Sociology of education: Classic and contemporary theories
MEDD8803 Contemporary Issues in Education in China
MEDD8804 Critical pedagogy: Theories, practices, and challenges
MEDD8805 Multicultural Education: China and the World
Educational
Administration and
Management
MEDD6192 Educational leadership and school management
MEDD6193 Concepts and issues in school based management
MEDD6195 Administrative and organizational theory for educational institutions
MEDD7100 Legal aspects of educational administration
English Language
Education
MEDD6311 English language curriculum and assessment
MEDD6702 Language awareness: Grammar and lexis
MEDD6703 Second language acquisition
MEDD6709 An introduction to sociolinguistics
English Language
Studies
MEDD6701 Phonetics and phonology for English language teaching
MEDD6702 Language awareness: Grammar and lexis
MEDD6703 Second language acquisition
MEDD6709 An introduction to sociolinguistics
Specialist electives:
MEDD6704 Literature and language arts in English
MEDD6705 Written discourse
MEDD6706 Spoken discourse analysis
MEDD6707 Reading in English as a second language
44
Generalist Strand Specialist courses
Guidance and
Counselling
MEDD6248 Theories and practices in counselling and group guidance
MEDD7038 Counselling, career education and talent development in schools
MEDD8601 Comprehensive guidance and positive youth development: A whole-school
approach
MEDD8602 Practicum in counselling and group guidance
Specialist electives:
MEDD8678 Counselling process, ethics and skills
Higher Education MEDD6341 Globalization and higher education
MEDD6346 Organizational theories and strategies in higher education
MEDD6347 Comparative Higher Education Policy Studies
MEDD6348 Higher Education Leadership
Language Across the
Curriculum
MEDD6316 Academic literacy in science and mathematics
MEDD6317 Academic literacy in the social sciences and humanities
MEDD6318 Bridging pedagogy in school-based language across the curriculum
MEDD6319 Principles and practice of language across the curriculum
Science Education MEDD6466 Science curriculum and assessment
MEDD6467 Teaching and Learning in Science
MEDD6469 Trends and issues of science education
MEDD8644 Assessment in science education
Teaching Chinese as a
Second Language
MEDD6051 Teaching Chinese language in international contexts
MEDD6052 Chinese (L2) assessment and reporting
MEDD6054 Chinese (L2) school-based curriculum design
MEDD6055 Research and teaching practice in second language classrooms
Specialist electives:
MEDD7104 Integrating IB Philosophy into Chinese language teaching
Teaching Chinese to
Non-Chinese Speaking
Students
MEDD8191 Second language acquisition and second language learning
MEDD8192 Inter-cultural communication and learning
MEDD8193 Second language Chinese pedagogy in Hong Kong multi-cultural context
MEDD8194 School-based curriculum design for teaching Chinese to non-Chinese
speaking students
Specialist electives:
MEDD8670 Technology and Teaching Chinese as a Second Language for Non-
Chinese Speaking Students in Hong Kong
MEDD8677 Structure of Modern Chinese for Teaching Non-Chinese Speaking
Students in Hong Kong
Teaching of Science in
an International Context
MEDD6467 Teaching and Learning in Science
MEDD6381 Integrating IB philosophy into the teaching of Chinese language,
mathematics and science
MEDD8806 Research and science teaching practice in classrooms
MEDD8807 The philosophical, social and cultural aspects of science education
Specialist electives:
MEDD6466 Science curriculum and assessment
MEDD6469 Trends and issues of science education
Youth Studies
MEDD8661 Youth and media literacy
MEDD8664 Youth and education
MEDD8665 Society, culture, and youth development
MEDD8808 Life education for adolescents and young people
45
Annex 2 - Campus Map