Hong Kong's New Academic Structure for Senior Secondary and Higher Education

In the 2004-2005 academic year, the most far-reaching change in our educational framework for two generations was decided upon. The implementation timetable for the new academic structure for senior secondary and higher education (the "3+3+4 academic structure") means that from 2012 we will provide a four-year undergraduate programme for students completing the new six-year secondary education curriculum. (In 2012-13 we will concurrently offer a three-year programme – for the last time – to those completing the existing seven-year secondary education curriculum. This is known as the "double cohort".)

The new structure has substantial implications. By 2012, student numbers at the University will increase by 40–50%, including an extra 3,000 students.

Having an additional undergraduate year will provide students with a more flexible learning experience, giving them time and space to build a broader knowledge base and to develop a more solid foundation for their holistic development. This will help nurture capable people to drive the development of a knowledge-based economy and to meet society's rapidly changing needs.

Preparation for increased number of undergraduates taking broader, more flexible courses necessitated a complete review of our facilities and academic provision. This review was the Millennium Master Plan, which looked at how the entire campus might be reformed to meet and serve the University's present and future needs.