Partnership with the University of Sunderland in Hong Kong (UOSHK)

ULi has partnered with the University of Sunderland in Hong Kong (UOSHK) (https://www.sunderland.edu.hk/about-us/) to conduct the teaching and learning of the HNC programme. UOSHK is an official campus of the University of Sunderland in the UK (UOSUK) (https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about), which has been ranked 27^th among the UK universities in The Guardian University Guide 2026. This affiliation ensures that students benefit from high-quality teaching and learning facilitated by experienced faculty members. UOSHK is committed to quality assurance, providing students with a robust educational and supportive experience that prepares them for further academic pursuits.

The HNC in Business is a registered non-local higher education course with the Education Bureau of Hong Kong (NCR# 252947) (https://www.sunderland.edu.hk/product/pearson-btec-higher-national-diploma-in-business-rqf-full-time/). This registration confirms the programme's compliance with local educational standards and assures students and their families of its legitimacy and recognition within the Hong Kong educational landscape.

Target Audience and Course Structure

This programme is specifically designed for Mainland Chinese students who have completed their high school education and the Gaokao examination but are seeking alternative pathways into higher education. The HNC offers a 9-month course commencing in September, enabling these students to build their academic skills and knowledge, thereby facilitating their applications for the first year of the Bachelor’s Degree programmes in Business at various prestigious Hong Kong HEIs.

Programme Modules

The HNC in Business encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential business topics, including:

• Induction Course
• The Contemporary Business Environment
• Marketing Processes and Planning
• Accounting Principles
• Operational Planning and Management
• Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Leadership and Management
• Management of Human Resources
• Managing a Successful Business Project

Students engage in both theoretical and practical learning, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, which is crucial for their future careers.

Key Features and Advantages of the HNC in Business Programme

(1) Flexible Admission Requirements and Assessment:

The HNC programme lasts for 9 months and is delivered through the UOSHK 'Flying Faculty', featuring face-to-face teaching and tutorials. Admission requirements include completing secondary education and achieving an IELTS score of around 4.5 or its equivalent. Notably, assessment for the programme is based on coursework and self-study, with no traditional examinations, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through practical assignments.

(2) Intensive IELTS Preparatory Course:

An essential component of the HNC programme is the intensive IELTS preparatory course, designed to help students achieve the required English language proficiency for international higher education. This course aims to help students attain a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, which is often a prerequisite for admission to universities. By focusing on language skills, the programme enhances students' readiness for the linguistic demands of higher education. The IELTS preparatory is conducted by experienced and qualified repatriate IELTS instructors via online teaching and learning, and supported by Hong Kong English teachers with face-to-face tutorials.

(3) Recognised Progression Pathways to HEIs in Hong Kong:

Completing the HNC in Business provides a viable pathway for Mainland high school students to pursue international higher education. Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for the first year of Bachelor’s Degree in Business related programmes at various HEIs in Hong Kong, including:

• Lingnan University
• The Education University of Hong Kong
• Baptist University of Hong Kong
• Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
• Tung Wah College
• Metropolitan University of Hong Kong
• St Francis University
• Technological Higher Education Institute (THEi)
• HKU SPACE Community College
• HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College
• School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), The
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Hong Kong Zhu Hai College
• Hong Kong College of Technology

These institutions recognise the HNC in Business as a valid entry qualification, providing students with numerous options for further education.

(4) Benefits for Students:

The HNC programme offers significant benefits to students, including:

Various Pathways to Higher Education:

• Successful completion allows progression to the first year of a Bachelor’s
• Degree in Business in Hong Kong, or the second year in UK and overseas universities.

Knowledge and Skills Development:

• Students will acquire enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, andcommunication skills.

Practical Approach:

• The HNC is a vocational programme that emphasises the application of knowledge and skills and not relying on rote memorisation.

Benefits for the Partnered Mainland HEI

The establishment of the designated UOSHK BTEC HNC Centre with the Mainland’s HEIs presents several benefits for the partnership:

UOSHK BTEC Approved Teaching Centre:

• The creation of a UOSHK Remote BTEC Approved HNC Teaching Centre at the Mainland’s HEI enhances the partnership's presence and provides comprehensive support for Mainland students.

Advisory Services:

The UOSHK BTEC Approved Teaching Centre can create valuable tuition fees for the partnered Mainland HEI, including the following:

• Student Recruitment Fee
• Food and Accommodation Fee
• Student Management Fee
• Sharing of University Application and Admission Consultancy Fee

The Pearson BTEC HNC in Business programme represents a valuable opportunity for Mainland Chinese students seeking to pursue international higher education. With its globally recognised qualifications, partnership with UOSHK, quality teaching and learning, interactive IELTS preparatory course, and comprehensive student support systems, this programme is poised to facilitate academic and professional success for its graduates.