Hong Kong / Entry requirements

General requirements for undergraduate courses

We accept the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) for direct entry to our undergraduate degree courses with an emphasis on the grades achieved in elective subjects, as well as the compulsory Mathematics.

  • Extended Mathematics (M1 or M2) will typically be recognised as an elective subject.
  • Chinese Language is recognised for most courses, but preference may be given to grades in other subjects.
  • Applicants are expected to pass/attain in Citizenship and Social Development.
  • DSE English can be accepted for the English language requirements, usually at grade 4 or higher depending on the course.

The below table is a general guide to what DSE grades are considered equivalent to the standard A Level requirements. 

A Level 

Diploma of Secondary Education 

(in three elective subjects, or two elective subjects and compulsory Mathematics) 

A*A*A* 

5* 5* 5*  

 

AAA 

5,5,5  

 

BBB 

 

4,4,4 

A Hong Kong Associate Degree is accepted for entry to most undergraduate courses with a GPA of at least 3.0. Please contact the relevant admissions team for further advice and guidance.  
 
We may also accept a combination of qualifications, such as BTEC subjects that have been studied alongside IB subjects, although preference will usually be given to applicants with a single full qualification. 

General requirements for postgraduate/research courses

Taught master's

A bachelor’s degree from a university in Hong Kong can be accepted for entry to our postgraduate taught (master’s) courses.

UK bachelor’s degree Requirement 

GPA Equivalent (out of 4.0) 

GPA Equivalent (out of 4.3)  

First class 

3.5 

3.6 

Upper second (2.1) 

3.0 

 

Lower second (2.2) 

2.8 

 

Third class 

2.5 

 

It is important to confirm the full requirements on the course webpage. Some courses may require a specific subject background or work experience.  

PhD

We strongly recommend that prospective applicants make initial enquiries with the potential supervisor or academic school before submitting a formal application. You can find detailed guidance on applying for a PhD on our postgraduate research webpages.   
 
Some schools will consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree at around 3.2/4.0 or higher. However, other schools will also require a master’s degree with a similar GPA.  

English language requirements

Students from Hong Kong are required to demonstrate a sufficient English language ability, even if they have previously worked or studied in English. The exact requirement will be specific on the webpage for each course. 
 
DSE English can often be accepted for this purpose, usually at grade 4 or higher. A degree from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore can also be accepted as evidence.  
 
Alternatively, applicants can sit an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. More information is available on the English language requirements webpage. 

Other entry requirements

Please note that this is generic information only. Faculties and Schools have different entry requirements and some qualifications may not be acceptable for certain courses, so it is important to check with the School directly before you apply.

Some courses have additional entry requirements such as previous work experience, submission of written work with the application or previous study of a particular subject.