Higher Diploma in Application Systems Development

Application Systems Development Programme

The Higher Diploma in Application Systems Development (HDASD) focuses on the latest developments in information and communication technology, allowing students to gain a solid foundation in mathematics and computer science concepts. The programme's emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience allows students to learn the skills necessary to become successful computer scientists and software engineers.

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Programme information

Faculty Science and Technology
Programme Higher Diploma in Application Systems Development
Programme code HDASD
Campus Tai Wai
QF level 4
Duration 2 years
Credit units 63CUs
Award type Higher Diploma
QR Ref/
Validity period
20/000678/L4
01/09/2020-31/08/2024

This programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.

Leaflet

Programme Leaflet of the HDASD programme in 2024-25

Enquiry

For enquiries, please contact Faculty of Science and Technology (Telephone No: 2707 3232 or Email: uowchk-fst@uow.edu.au).

Applications can be submitted by the following methods:

Online Application - UOWCHK Admission Application Portal

(for all applicants with DSE/ NON-DSE / other qualifications, or mature applicants)

Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP)
(for HKDSE 2024/25 only)

By Post / In Person (Application Form)

 Click here for more information on admissions procedures.

For admission to Associate Degree (AD)/Higher Diploma (HD) programmes, applicants must satisfy ONE of the following:

1) Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

  2 Core Subjects + 3 Elective Subject(s)
HKDSE Subjects Chinese Language(Note1) English Language(Note2) Any 1 Elective Any 1 Elective Any 1 Elective
Level Requirement 2 2 2 2 2
  • Obtain Level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language(Note1) and English Language(Note2);
  • If a subject under “other languages” is used for meeting the requirement in (a), a minimum of grade E is required;
  • A maximum of two Applied Learning subjects graded “Attained” or above can be included for meeting the requirement in the first point of this section;
  • Satisfy programme-specific entrance requirements (Only applicable to Associate of Business in Administration in Accountancy)
  • * Applicants with previous HKDSE subject result of A040 ‘Liberal Studies’ will be used as the alternative of the core subject requirement of A045 ‘Citizenship and Social Development’.
  • If a five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development subject, the minimum entrance requirement would become "Attained" for Citizenship and Social Development subject. “Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.

2) Other Qualifications

Most school-leaving qualifications deemed equivalent to those stipulated below are recognised. These may include any ONE of the following:

  • Completion of the UOWCHK Diploma in General Studies / Diploma of Applied Education programme (Note 3) or completion of the other institutions a one-year full-time Pre-Associate Degree programme / Diploma of Foundation Studies;
  • Completion of Diploma Yi Jin (Note 4);
  • Grade E or above in one General Certificate of Education A-level (or A2)/International A-Level subject (Note 1) . Two Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level subjects will be considered equivalent to one GCE A-Level. The same subject may not be counted at both the A Level and AS Level;
  • A National University Education Entrance Examination (普通高等學校招生全國統一考試) score above the cut-off lines set for entry into non-government universities (本科二批分數綫)(Note 4) and a minimum English score of 100. Please refer to Chinese version for details;
  • Other equivalent qualifications, including International Baccalaureate Diploma, are also accepted as satisfying the entrance requirements.

3) Mature Applicants

Mature applicants must be over the age of 23 by 1 September of the year of admission and be able to demonstrate aptitude and suitability for the programme applied for.

 

Notes

  1. For applicants who have either learned Chinese Language for less than 6 years while receiving primary and secondary education or learned Chinese Language for 6 years or more in schools, but have been taught an adapted and simpler Chinese Language curriculum not normally applicable to the majority of students in local schools, alternative Chinese Language qualifications (GCEAL/AS Chinese grade E or GCSE/IGCSE Chinese grade C) or grade E in HKDSE “other languages” can replace Chinese Language level 2;

  2. GCE/GCSE/IGCSE subjects, TOEFL or IELTS cannot be used to replace English Language Level 2;
  3. Successful completion of the Diploma in General Studies or Diploma of Applied Education will fulfil the entrance requirement to UOWCHK associate degree or high diploma programmes (except Associate of Social Science in Social Work);
  4. For students who have successfully completed the Maths Plus elective course, the qualification acquired under the Programme is comparable to the attainment of Level 2 standard in five subjects including Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics in the HKDSE Examination.
  5. The College may admit those applicants whose scores are below the cut-off lines but who can demonstrate good aptitude for the programme at admission interview.

Fees

Application Fee

$150

Application fee is payable when applicants are invited for interviews.  Application fee can be paid by the following methods:
  1. By direct deposit at any branch of the Hang Seng Bank or ATM transfer (Bank Code: 024) (A/C number: 359-300001-004)
  2. OR
  3. By Octopus Card at the College Office

Tuition Fee

HK$1,900 per credit x 63 Credits unit required for Programme Completion
HK$119,700 (Total tuition fee for two years)

Other Fee

A Graduation Fee of HK$400 will be charged upon enrolment in a programme.

Financial Assistance

Students enrolled in self-financing Bachelor/ Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programmes are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the following sources:

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-Secondary Students (FASP)

Provides means-tested financial assistance to needy full-time students pursuing locally-accredited, self-financing post-secondary education programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to needy students so that no eligible students will be denied access to post-secondary education because of lack of means.

Enquiries:       2152 9000
Website:         Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-Secondary Students

Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-Secondary Students (NLSPS)

The NLSPS is used to complement the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) to provide loan(s) to eligible students to settle tuition fees of locally-accredited, self-financing full-time post-secondary education programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree

Enquiries:        2150 6222
Website:          Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-Secondary Students

Programme structure and outcomes

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs) are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this programme will be able to:

PILODescription
1. Apply information technology and integrate concepts, principles and practices of system development to develop information systems.
2. Use a range of tools, programming languages, methodologies, technical knowledge and quantitative skills to undertake information systems development work individually or as a team.
3. Perform skilled tasks requiring some discretion and judgement in the areas of information systems development activities.
4. Identify and apply best practice in application development with emphasis on ethical and professional dimensions.
5. Communicate effectively in English with relevant stakeholders, both orally and in writing, in a culturally diversified workplace.
6. Evaluate computer systems development solutions along socio-economic, and environmental dimensions.

Main subject areas

  • Application development
  • System development
  • Information systems
  • Computer programming
  • Database systems
  • System design methodology
  • Language and general education

Programme study flow

Programme structure

To qualify for this award, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 63 credit units by satisfactory completion of the following core courses.

Course Code Course Name  
Programme Core (45CUs)
Sem A, Year 1  
AST10106 Programming Fundamentals
AST10201 Computer Organization
AST10303 Understanding the Network-Centric World
Sem B, Year 1  
AST11110 Introduction to Web Development
AST20201 Web Programming
AST21105 Object-Oriented Programming and Design
Summer Sem, Year 1  
AST20715  Internship
Sem A, Year 2  
AST10111 Basic Calculus and  Linear Algebra
AST20105 Data Structures & Algorithms
AST20208 Mobile Apps Development
AST20401 Database Systems and Design
AST21402 Software Design
Sem B, Year 2  
AST20404 Information Systems in Business
AST21111 Discrete Mathematics
Programme Electives (3CUs)
Sem B, Year 2  
Select any one:
AST20203 or
AST21403

Internet Security
Software Development Project
Language Skills (9CUs)
CGE1000* / 1500 English for Academic Studies A / B
CGE2003 English Professional Communication Skills for Technology
CGE1200** Practical Chinese
General Education (6CUs)
CGE13213 Information Technology : Applications and Impacts
CGE24411 Ethics and Society

*   Students whose DSE score of English Language is below 3 are required to complete this course

** Students who are non-Chinese literate can take a course among the core General Education courses in lieu of CGE1200 Practical Chinese at the recommendation of Programme Leaders and approval by the Chairman of Academic Board

 

 

Further Studies Pathways

The table below is not exhaustive and only aims to show some examples of the bachelor's degree programmes offered by UGC-funded institutions and University of Wollongong, Australia which have admitted our past graduates. Our graduates also articulate to various overseas degree programmes offered in Hong Kong.

UOW College Hong Kong

University of Wollongong, Australia

City University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Data Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Information Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Creative Media

Hong Kong Baptist University

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Information Engineering

The Education University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Information and Communication Technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Computing and AI (Computer Science / Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence / Enterprise Information Systems)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Management

 

Career prospects

With the graduates’ comprehensive knowledge and skills in programming, web and mobile application development, system administration, and database management, they can land jobs such as software developers, web developers, mobile app developers, system administrators, database administrators, and IT project managers. Additionally, their proficiency in ethical considerations and internet security opens doors to successful careers in cybersecurity and data protection.