The Academic Regulation states that “All courses are graded with regular letter grades (A+ to F) EXCEPT for a few courses approved to be graded DI/PA/F, DN/CR/PS/F, P/F, HP/P/LP/U/Y or PP and published in the Course Catalog.” All common core courses should primarily use regular letter grades.

When designing the course content and teaching and learning (T&L) activities for your common core course, integrate the following principles to ensure alignment with the Common Core goals and objectives and the University’s guidelines:

To promote cross-disciplinary education, common core courses in the Broadening group can be listed in either one or two common core areas. For courses cross-listed under two areas, please ensure the course contains a substantial portion of content related to both areas, generally falling within a range of 40% to 60%. You are required to briefly elaborate how the course intended learning outcomes (ILOs) could achieve the ILOs of each of the two areas.

(Check out common core courses for the 36-credit Common Core curriculum if you are admitted before 2022-23)

Welcome to the Common Core Course Library!

The Common Core Program serves as an essential cornerstone of your educational experience at HKUST, offering you a robust, competency-based framework that equips you for real-world applications.

Each of the 8 common core areas has clearly defined intended learning outcomes (ILOs) aligned with the Common Core goals and objectives. While the description illustrates the underlying objectives of each area, the ILOs outline what you should be able to demonstrate upon completing the relevant common core courses.

Explore the Common Core Areas!

If you have attained certain public exam qualifications or completed a course elsewhere at an appropriate level recognized by the University, you may consider transferring credits into the Common Core to fulfill your graduation requirements. Please note that transferred credits granted will not be included in the calculation of grade averages.

Types of credit transfer

Each of the 10 common core areas has clearly defined intended learning outcomes (ILOs) aligned with the Common Core goals and objectives. While the description illustrates the underlying objectives of each area, the ILOs outline what you should be able to demonstrate upon completing the relevant common core courses.

Explore the Common Core Areas!