The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies [BA(Lang Studies)] programme offers two major tracks: Chinese Major and English Major. Each major track is treated as an independent choice for admission purposes.

Programme Aims

The BA(Lang Studies) programme aims to graduate students who have the following attributes:

1. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language of their major;
2. Are able to identify communication issues and resolve relevant problems in context;
3. are critical thinkers with high moral and ethical standards, plus a readiness to question established truths, and the confidence and courage to challenge received wisdoms; and
4. Are equipped with analytical ability to learn from varied social and global contexts whilst having a propensity to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for intellectual development and personal growth.

The programme also aims to cultivate in the students a heightened cross-cultural awareness. It prepares students for such dynamic careers as media and publications, culture and entertainment, advertising and public relations, business, education, and the civil service.

Programme Features

The BA(Lang Studies) programme has a number of special features:

• Through a carefully integrated curriculum, students majoring in Chinese or English will acquire a solid foundation in their major discipline within the context of the three broad subject domains: Language, Literature, and Culture & Communication.
• All students can choose from a range of elective courses offered by different departments;
• Chinese Majors and English Majors may make use of the 30-cp available in the Elective domain to take elective courses, Second Major and Minor offered by the University;
• A Final Year Project allows students to design and implement a piece of academic research of their own choice in areas of language, literature, and culture and communication;
• A 22-cp General Education requirement incorporates four parts: Foundation, Experiential Learning, Breadth and University ePortfolio;
• Students can take a series of Language Enhancement courses in the areas of English, Chinese and Putonghua;
• A compulsory, 3- to 4-week Intensive Language Summer Camp (non-credit-bearing) introduces students to professional communication skills in English and Putonghua through practical workshops, outdoor activities, and on-site visits of various kinds of local organisations and corporate bodies;
• Each student is entitled to an EdUHK subsidy of HK$10,000 for the pursuit of overseas experiential learning;
• Language Exit Requirements in English (IELTS or equivalent) and Putonghua (PSC) are implemented with an aim to produce graduates of high language proficiency and to enhance their employability;
• Individual Academic Advisors provide advice on academic studies and career planning.

Career Prospects/Professional Qualifications

BA(Lang Studies) graduates are prepared to pursue postgraduate studies in their areas of specialisation or in a field of expertise related to their major sub-disciplines. The generic skills acquired, on the other hand, equip them with career opportunities in such diverse fields as media and publications, education, business, communications, culture and entertainment, community and social services, leisure and tourism, and civil service.