HKU SPACE Launches a New Programme to Expand Pathways for Articulation

HKU SPACE and the School of Continuing Education of Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) have established a partnership for the Diploma in Foundation Studies (E-learning mode) programme. The Inauguration Ceremony for the programme was held on 11 September 2025, at the Zhihui Port in Taicang, near Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in educational collaboration.

On the day of the event, the Acting Director Dr John Cribbin (Deputy Director (Academic Services) of HKU SPACE), led a delegation to participate in several important activities: observing students' military training to witness their discipline and team spirit; visiting the teaching facilities and student dormitories at Taicang Zhihui Port; holding face-to-face exchanges with students in smart classrooms; and attending a collaboration meeting with the School of Continuing Education of NPU.

In his speech at the Inauguration Ceremony, Dr Cribbin said, "This collaboration fully leverages the strengths of both institutions. The School offers high-quality course content to help students build a solid foundation, complemented by NPU’s comprehensive campus support, creating an ideal learning environment for students. This collaboration not only broadens students' horizons but also provides new pathways for them to achieve their academic and professional goals." He particularly praised the students' perseverance demonstrated during miliary training, believing it to be a vital quality for academic success.

Mr Li Chunlin, Dean of the School of Continuing Education at NPU, stated, "Through jointly optimising the curriculum system, focusing on students' developmental needs, and leveraging collaborative teaching and resource sharing, the two institutions have effectively enhanced the programme's international competitiveness. He looks forward to further expanding the scope of cooperation with HKU SPACE."

After the ceremony, representatives from both parties held in-depth discussions on deepening future collaboration and took group photos to conclude the event on a high note.

On 4 March of this year, the School and NPU’s School of Continuing Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Zhihui Port in Taicang, Suzhou. Both parties will fully leverage their advantages to build an integrated cultivation model of "cloud classrooms + practical bases," providing seamless academic pathways for Chinese Mainland students by combining theoretical learning with industry practice and facilitating articulation to HKU SPACE sub-degree programmes.