HKU BA HKU Bachelor of Arts Complete Guide

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one of the oldest degree programmes in Hong Kong, offering a flexible and diversified liberal arts education. This guide provides comprehensive information on the programme structure, entry requirements, major choices and career prospects for prospective applicants to HKU's Faculty of Arts, helping you to plan your path to university.

JS6054 JUPAS Programme Code
16+ Major Options
217 Annual enrolment quota
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Exterior of the Main Building of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Hong Kong, showing the location of the HKU BA programmes

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HKU BA Programme Overview

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), The University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1912, the Faculty of Arts is one of the oldest university colleges in Hong Kong. the HKU BA programme offers a flexible and holistic liberal arts education, allowing students to explore in-depth the humanities, language and literature, history and culture, and to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression and cross-cultural understanding.

Course Highlights

  • Flexible programme design:The first year is the "Discovery Year", in which students are free to choose different subjects.
  • Diverse major options:Offers 16 major programmes covering humanities, languages, history, etc.
  • Dual Major Opportunity:The credit arrangement allows students to take a double major or multiple minors.
  • International Perspectives:Enrichment of exchange programmes and overseas study opportunities
  • Small Class Teaching:Ideal teacher-student ratio and personalised learning experience
  • Research Orientation:Encouraging students to participate in academic research and creative projects
Basic Programme Information Details
JUPAS Programme Code JS6054
study period 4 years full-time
Degree Type Bachelor's degree
Language of instruction Mainly in English, some courses are in Chinese.
Annual enrolment quota 217 people
Tuition fees (2024-25) HK$44,500 (Local Student)
HKU Faculty of Arts students studying in the library, demonstrating the academic atmosphere of HKU BA

Admission Requirements and Admission Statistics

JUPAS Entrance Requirements

Basic Entrance Requirements

  • Chinese Language:Level 3 or above
  • English Language:Level 3 or above
  • Mathematics:Level 2 or above
  • Civic and Social Development Branch:Achievement
  • Elective Subjects:Level 3 or above in two subjects

Scoring method

HKU BA adopts the "Best 5 Subjects" scoring method, which includes:

  • English Language:Compulsory Subjects
  • Best 4 Sections:May include Chinese Language, Mathematics, Liberal Studies and elective subjects.
  • Maths Extension:Best 4 sections can be counted
DSE level JUPAS score
5** 8.5
5* 7
5 5.5
4 4
3 3

Statistics on Points Received over the Years (JS6054)

HKU BA Historical JUPAS Score Collection Trend Chart showing the change in score collection from 2019-2024
years median Number of Applicants Number of Admission
2024 25 2,827 176
2023 25 3,151 221
2022 26 3,540 246
2021 26 3,554 328

Admission Tips

  • Band A Choice:All successful students will be placed in JUPAS Band A for HKU BA.
  • Interview arrangements:Some applicants may be required to attend an interview
  • Non-school candidates:Non-school candidates with English at Level 3 will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Other qualifications:Accepts applications for international qualifications such as IB, A-Level, etc.

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Major and Minor Choices

HKU BA offers 16 major programmes across the four faculties, allowing students to choose a suitable major direction according to their interests and career goals.

School of Chinese (School of Chinese)

Chinese History and Culture (中國歷史及文化)

In-depth study of China's 5,000 years of history and culture, and the development of historical research skills and awareness of cultural heritage.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Chinese Language and Literature (中國語文及文學)

Systematic study of Chinese language and literature to enhance Chinese writing and literary appreciation.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Hong Kong Studies

Interdisciplinary study of the historical, social, cultural and political development of Hong Kong.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Translation

To develop professional translation skills in the areas of literary translation, commercial translation and interpreting.

Major ✓ Associate ✓
HKU Faculty of Arts students discussing literary works in class, showcasing HKU BA's learning environment

School of Humanities

Art History

To study the history of art development in the world and to develop the ability to appreciate and criticise art.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Comparative Literature

Cross-cultural comparison of literary works in different languages and cultures to broaden international perspectives.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Gender Studies

To conduct interdisciplinary research on gender issues and to explore gender roles and relationships in society and culture.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

General Linguistics

The scientific study of the structure, development and patterns of use of human language.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

History

To study the development of world history and to develop historical research methods and critical thinking.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Philosophy

To explore the fundamental issues of life and to develop logical thinking and rational analysis skills.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

School of English and School of Modern Languages and Cultures

English Studies

In-depth study of English literature, linguistics and creative writing to enhance the use of English and the ability to analyse literature.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Global and Area Studies

To conduct interdisciplinary studies on globalisation and regional development and to develop analytical skills in international affairs.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Japanese Studies

A comprehensive study of the Japanese language, culture, history and society.

Major ✓ Associate ✗

Korean Studies

Gain an in-depth understanding of the Korean language, culture and modern developments.

Major ✓ Associate ✓

Dual Major and Minor Arrangement

Double Major

Students can choose to take two major programmes including:

  • Majors of the two liberal arts colleges
  • One Arts Major + One Non-Arts Major

Associate (Minor)

Students may take a maximum of two minor programmes:

  • Associate of Arts Programme
  • Other Faculty Minor Programmes
  • Interdisciplinary Minor Programme

Programme Structure and Features

Four-year programme structure

Year of Exploration

The first year is a "Year of Discovery", in which students are free to choose different subjects to explore their interests and expertise:

  • Take at least 3 introductory courses in the College of Arts and Letters.
  • Explore different subject areas
  • Completion of University General Studies Programme Requirements
  • Preparing for Major Choices

Second to fourth years: professional deepening

Starting from the second year, students are required to decide on their major and pursue in-depth professional studies:

  • Determine major field of study
  • In-depth study of professional programmes
  • Choice of double major or minor
  • Participation in research projects and internships
Course category Credit Requirements illustrate
University Liberal Studies Programme 36 credits Includes English, Chinese and core programmes
Arts Faculty Major 72-96 credits Depends on the major
Free Elective 108-132 credits Can be used for double major, minor or other programmes
Total Credits 240 credits Total Credits of Four-year Programme

course features

HKU Faculty of Arts students demonstrate HKU BA's global perspective through participation in international exchange programmes

🌍 International Exchange

Exchange programmes have been established with over 200 leading universities around the world, allowing students to study overseas for a semester or a year.

🔬 Research Opportunities

Encourage undergraduate students to participate in professors' research projects and develop academic research skills.

💼 Internship Programme

Provide a wealth of internship opportunities for students to gain practical working experience during their studies.

🎓 Elite Programme

The HKU Arts Elite Scheme provides additional academic support and development opportunities for outstanding students.

🏆 Scholarships

Provide admission scholarships and academic excellence scholarships to support students' academic development.

👥 Small class teaching

The teacher-student ratio is ideal, providing personalised guidance and close teacher-student interaction.

Employment Prospects and Career Opportunities

HKU BA graduates excel in a wide range of industries and professions with solid humanistic qualities, critical thinking and communication skills.

95% Employment rate within 6 months after graduation
HK$25,000 Average starting salary
30% Proportion of students choosing to pursue further studies
Scenes of HKU BA graduates working in the workplace environment to demonstrate the career prospects of BA students

Major Employment Areas

educationalists

  • Primary and Secondary School Teachers
  • University Lecturer/Researcher
  • Education Administrators
  • Programme Designer
  • Education Consultant

Media & Publications

  • Reporter/Editor
  • Publisher's Editor
  • Creative Advertising
  • Content Planning
  • Social Media Management

Government and Public Services

  • Government Administrative Officer
  • diplomats
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social workers
  • Staff of non-profit-making organisations

Business & Finance

  • Management Trainee
  • marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Corporate Communications
  • investment banking

Culture and Arts

  • Museum Curator
  • Cultural Programme
  • Arts Administration
  • Cultural Review
  • creative industry

Legal & Counselling

  • Solicitor (further legal studies required)
  • Legal Assistant
  • Management Consultant
  • Policy Adviser
  • Research Analyst

Majoring in Professional Outlets

Graduate of the Chinese Department

Hot way out:Chinese Language Teacher, Editor, Translator, Cultural Worker, Government Chinese Language Officer

Development Prospects:Demand for Chinese language professionals increases as China's economy grows

Graduate of the English Department

Hot way out:English teachers, editors, translators, international organisations, foreign companies

Development Prospects:English is an international language with a wide range of employment opportunities

Graduate of the Department of History

Hot way out:History teacher, museum work, cultural conservation, researcher, government work

Development Prospects:Increasing Emphasis on Cultural Conservation and Historical Research

Graduate of Philosophy

Hot way out:Academic Research, Legal Profession, Management Consultancy, Policy Analysis, Ethics Consultancy

Development Prospects:Logical thinking skills are sought after in all industries.

Not sure which major is best for you?

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Application Strategy and Preparation

JUPAS Application Strategy

Suggested Subjects

  • Band A is a must:All successful students will be placed in Band A for HKU BA.
  • Score Target:A JUPAS score of 25 or above is recommended.
  • Subject Selection:Arts-related elective subjects are advantageous
  • Language proficiency:English and Chinese grades are particularly important

Enhancing Competitiveness

  • Academic Achievement:Maintaining a balanced development in all subjects with special emphasis on language subjects
  • Extra-curricular activities:Participate in cultural and academic extracurricular activities.
  • Reading habits:Read widely to cultivate humanistic qualities
  • Language skills:Enhancement of Chinese and English writing and presentation skills
  • Critical Thinking:Develop independent thinking and analytical skills
Scene of students preparing for the DSE examination, demonstrating the preparation process of HKU BA application

Application Timetable

Form 5 Summer Holiday

  • Getting Started with HKU BA Programmes
  • University Information Day
  • Planning Elective Subjects

First Semester of Form 6

  • Preparation of JUPAS application
  • Write a personal statement
  • Attend a mock interview

Second Semester of Form 6

  • Submission of JUPAS applications
  • Preparation for DSE Examination
  • Follow the Interview Arrangement

After the DSE results are released

  • Confirmation of course selection
  • Preparing for Admission
  • Participate in Orientation Programme

DSE Exam Preparation Advice

Chinese language

  • Enhancement of Reading Comprehension of Chinese Language and Literature
  • Practising Writing Skills
  • Recite classic poems
  • Concern about language usage

English language

  • Improve reading comprehension skills
  • Practise writing structure
  • Enhanced Listening and Speaking
  • Expanded vocabulary

Elective subjects

  • History: Mastering Historical Facts and Analytical Methods
  • Geography: understanding human geography concepts
  • Literature: Developing Literary Appreciation Skills
  • Ethics and Religion: Reflections on Moral Philosophy

Campus Life and Experience

Academic Life

Inside HKU Libraries, showcasing the learning environment of HKU BA students

📚 Library Resources

The HKU Library system has a rich collection of books in the humanities, including antiquarian books, periodicals and electronic resources.

🎓 Academic Lectures

Regular lectures and seminars for international scholars are organised to broaden academic horizons.

📝 Research Opportunities

Undergraduate students may participate in professors' research projects and publish academic papers.

🌐 Exchange Programme

Collaborate with top universities around the world to provide a wealth of overseas learning opportunities.

Student Activities

HKU students participate in cultural activities to showcase HKU BA's rich campus life

Academic Organisations

  • Student Science Associations
  • Debating Society
  • literary society
  • Historical Society

Cultural Activities

  • Drama
  • Concerts
  • Cultural Festivals
  • Art Exhibitions

Service Learning

  • Community Services
  • Volunteer Activities
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Cultural Promotion

International Exchange

  • Cultural Exchange Group
  • International Conferences
  • Language Exchange
  • Overseas Internship

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the score requirement for HKU BA?

A: According to the statistics in recent years, the median score of JUPAS for HKU BA is about 25. It is recommended that applicants with a total score of 24 or above should place their programme in JUPAS Band A.

Q: What are the career prospects for Arts students?

A: The employment rate of HKU BA graduates reaches 95%, with an average starting salary of about HK$$25,000. Graduates have outstanding performance in the fields of education, media, government and business, and their critical thinking and communication skills are highly valued by employers.

Q: Can I take a double major?

A: Yes, the flexible curriculum design of HKU BA allows students to pursue double majors, either two Arts majors or one Arts major with one other major.

Q: Do I need to decide my major in my first year?

A: No need. The first year is an "Exploration Year", in which students are free to choose from a variety of disciplines and are not sure of their major until the end of the first year.

Q: Are there any overseas exchange opportunities?

A: Yes. HKU has established exchange programmes with more than 200 top universities around the world and students can apply to study overseas for a semester or a year.

HKU Faculty of Arts Graduation Ceremony Scene Showcasing HKU BA Students' Achievements

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