Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Special Education

The BA (Hons) in Special Education [BA(SE)] Programme aims to nurture committed and skilled practitioners for the well-being of individuals with special needs; particularly in areas related to education and community empowerment. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate understanding of special needs and the roles of different stakeholders;
2. evaluate ethical issues and advocate equal opportunities and rights relevant to special education needs;
3. formulate and implement intervention plans for supporting individuals with special needs in school and community settings;
4. demonstrate the ability to interact with families, schools, and communities effectively to facilitate inclusion and enhance the quality of life of people with special needs;
5. analyse and solve problems relating to the education and development of people with special needs by integrating theories, empirical literature, ethical considerations, and practical experience.

• A strong line-up of teaching staff - specialists in the areas of developmental and learning disabilities, special needs, support services, counselling, and social work - to offer students an immersive learning experience in special education.
• A firm academic grounding in the holistic study of special education - a multitude of courses that weave together the educational, physical, and social aspects of special education.
• An interdisciplinary approach to curriculum design, which is responsive to both developmental and learning needs in personal, school, and community contexts.
• Professional preparation through practicum in real work settings and final year project on self-selected topics.
• Designated clinical laboratories with cutting-edge facilities and resources for hands-on training.

The BA(SE) is designed for students interested in studies or careers that focus on supporting people with special education needs. Applicants who meet the University’s general entrance requirements for full-time undergraduate programmes are eligible to apply to the programme.

The total credit point requirement for the BA(SE) degree is 121 and this normally requires four years of full-time study. The programme structure is summarized below.

All major courses will be taught in English. For other courses in the domain of General Education, Electives, and Co-curricular and Service Learning, Cantonese/Putonghua may be adopted. 

Application on the Strength of HKDSE Results

• Level 3 or above in English Language and Chinese Language in the HKDSE; AND
• Level 2 or above in Mathematics, Liberal Studies, and one elective subject in the HKDSE

Application on the Strength of non-HKDSE Results

Please visit http://www.eduhk.hk/degree/app_non_jupas.htm for details.

The skills and perspectives students developed through the BA(SE) will be of particular value in careers related to social services, community development, and education-related business in government and non-governmental organisations. Possible positions may include:

• Special Education Coordinator/Facilitator in NGOs, rehabilitation centres, sheltered workshops and training units, etc. to provide assessment and case management services, family support, and home care coordination to people with disabilities;
• Project Officer, Liaison Officer, or Community Support Officer in government and non-government agencies, charities, private enterprises, community groups etc., to work with community services and other professionals;
• Executive Officer or Equal Opportunities Officer in government, non-government and private organizations to facilitate self-advocacy and/or negotiate on behalf of people with disabilities; and
• Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, or Project Coordinator in mainstream and special learning environments such as schools, NGOs, rehabilitation centres and learning support units.

Graduates may also continue their professional development through postgraduate studies and extend their career horizon to academic/teaching professionals, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, job placement specialists or consultants in the field of inclusive and special education.

*The BA(SE) programme facilitates students to pursue careers in relation to education and human services. Completion of the programme will not lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Hong Kong. Upon graduation, students who are interested in pursuing professional teacher training may apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or programmes granting a QTS qualification.

The tuition fee for the programme is HK$42,100 per annum for local students and HK$140,000 per annum for non-local students. This fee is provisional and subject to adjustment.