Why HKU SPACE

Your Lifelong learning partner. Discover what makes us different!

Long-standing History

The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Extra Mural Studies (DEMS) was established in 1956/57, the first continuing education unit in a university in the region. DEMS played a significant role in the provision of lifelong learning opportunities for the wider community. As the Vice Chancellor of HKU at the time, Sir Lindsay Ride, said in his congratulatory message to the department, “Planned aright and if given full scope, your work will touch every section of the community and every strata of society.” 

In 1992, the Department became a School of the University and adopted its current name, the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE). In 1999, following a government decision that continuing education could not receive public funding, the School was incorporated as a University Company Limited by guarantee to ensure its operations were ring fenced from those of the University.  

After 67 years of development and efforts, starting from the first cohort of only 330 students, the accumulative course enrolments have surpassed 3.3 million this year, which is a testament to the strong support the school has received from the public. 

Pioneer in Continuing Education

From the outset, HKU SPACE has been a pioneer in Hong Kong education. First, by opening the door to continuing education for Hong Kong people in 1957. Since then, it has led the way in new courses to meet the city’s growing professional needs. These included library courses, and new courses in Housing Management, Legal Studies, Nursing, Chinese Medicine and Management. 

Strong international network

The School was the first to offer transnational education in Hong Kong by working with renowned overseas partners to provide international courses in Hong Kong. By 1964, the School was working with the University of London and offering the first full-time LLB programme.  

More recently, we have forged a series of strategic partnerships with our overseas partners, such as the 60 years of seamless partnership with the University of London and a newly established strategic partnership with King’s College London. Through these collaborations, we are developing joint programmes, hosting joint conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as facilitating student exchange and study abroad opportunities.  

In addition to undergraduate programmes, we offer overseas master and doctorate programmes in Hong Kong. There are some 20 academic partners providing 80 programmes, serving around 4,000 students in total. 

Academic Excellence

• ​HKU SPACE's commitment to teaching and learning excellence was acknowledged in the Report on the third institutional Quality Audit of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC) in 2024. (newly added) 
• An International Quality Review in 2021 concluded that HKU SPACE met all ten European standards for quality. This was formally recognised by the German Quality Agency, ASIIN, in 2022.
• The University reviewed HKU SPACE in 2019 and commended its supplementary and complementary role in delivering the University Mission in providing lifelong learning opportunities to the wider community.
• HKU SPACE was highly commended by the UGC Quality Audit Report on the University’s Sub-degree Operations for outstanding academic excellence in 2019

Diverse Programmes

The School has the largest and broadest selection of courses in Hong Kong, including those in the reimbursable Continuing Education Fund (CEF) scheme. With more than 1,700 programmes categorised into 15 interest areas, you will find one that suits your needs and interests. The School offers award-bearing programmes as well as non-award-bearing programmes (including Executive Certificates and Diplomas), from part-time to full-time, to cater for different study needs in the community. In April 2023, Microcredentials were launched to allow students to progress more flexibly by setting their own learning pace and course content and “stacking” credits to earn a certificate or diploma.

Convenient Locations

HKU SPACE has a long history of locating its teaching and learning facilities at convenient downtown centres to better serve the community. It has 9 learning centres across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. A new campus in Kowloon West (888 Lai Chi Kok Road) has been in operation since early 2023 with advanced classrooms and learning facilities, which can enhance the student learning experience.