36-credit Program Curriculum
The 36-credit Program is for students admitted in 2021-22 or before
In your journey through university, the Common Core Program is a key component that complements your specialized studies and opens doors to various learning opportunities.
No matter what your major discipline is, the Common Core requirements are common to all undergraduate programs. This means that all of you, regardless of your field of study, will complete the same set of requirements.
These requirements consist of a total of 36 credits, which is a portion of the overall 120-126 credits needed for graduation. The 36 credits are divided into 8 broad core areas, and you are required to take 9 credits from School-Sponsored Courses (SSCs). It is recommended that the majority of the Common Core credits be completed in the first two years of study. Additionally, the 6 credits of English Communication should be taken in the first year.
The Common Core Program gives you the opportunity to explore a diverse range of subjects and broaden your knowledge base. It ensures that you receive a well-rounded education that goes beyond your major, fostering a deeper understanding of various disciplines.
| Common Core Area | Required Credits | Elective Credits | Note |
| Humanities (H) | 6* | 6 | * 3 credits must be from H SSCs |
| Social Analysis (SA) | 6* | * 3 credits must be from SA SSCs | |
| Science and Technology (S&T) | 6* | * 3 credits must be from S&T SSCs | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 3 | ||
| Arts | 0 | ||
| English Communication (E-Comm) | 6** | Nil | ** Must be taken in the 1st year of study |
| Chinese Communication (C-Comm) | 3 | Nil | |
| Healthy Lifestyle (HLTH) | Non-credit | Nil | |
| Total Credits Required | 36 | [Note:"SSCs"denotes "School-Sponsored Courses"] | |
Introducing SSCs into the Common Core Program as one of its requirements is a unique feature for the undergraduate curriculum. The carefully designed content and pedagogy will not only impart knowledge to you, but more importantly also spark your interest and passion to explore and create knowledge.
School-Sponsored Course (SSC)
School-Sponsored Course (SSC) is a compulsory requirement of the Common Core Program. You are required to take 9 credits of SSCs, with 3 credits each in the Humanities, Social Analysis and Science and Technology common core areas. The objectives of SSCs are to:
- Exemplify the attainment of the Common Core goals in their course design, content, pedagogy and delivery;
- Support the attainment of the desired attributes for HKUST graduates, ABC LIVE; and
- Transcend disciplinary areas.