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Common Learning Experiences

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Experiential learning is a distinctive element of HKU’s undergraduate curriculum. It takes learning outside the traditional boundary of the classroom. Students have to identify problems, communicate and negotiate with others to find solutions and to make decisions in real-life settings. In this process, they make sense of the theoretical knowledge that they are studying and see things in a different light. In some Faculties, experiential learning is a graduation requirement. Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre was set up in March 2012 to facilitate and promote experiential learning at HKU. 

Learn more: ghelc.hku.hk

Faculty of Law: Clinical Legal Education Programme

The clinic allows students the opportunity to learn both the theory and practice of domestic and international refugee law under the direct supervision of staff from Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre.

“Individuals must be free from persecution and given at least minimal assistance when needed. It made me realize that as a society, it is our responsibility to ensure that refugee applicants are empowered. Charity is not only about giving. It is also about learning, about gaining lifechanging and invaluable insights. I truly respect the people who are helped because despite less fortunate circumstances, they try their utmost to live life to the fullest.” Jennie Ng, Year 2 LLB.

Faculty of Architecture: Design and Build in Chinese Village

Year 1 students travelled to Changliu Village in Guangdong Province for a 1-week construction project. The project involved the design and construction of a public plaza in front of the village ancestral hall. Limited to only bricks and mortar, the students working in groups of four designed 18 individual structures.

“The project is instrumental in combining experiential learning projects with creditbearing courses, especially at the undergraduate level. Students were able to experience first-hand the ‘social contract’ of the architect in their first year. This will hopefully influence their approach to design in the remainder of their academic and professional career.” John Lin, Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture.

Faculty of Social Sciences: Creating Social Values through Multimedia - Nonprofit Management Practice

The 6-credit course, Nonprofit Management, is a Political Science undergraduate course offered to advance students’ understanding of the management and operation of organizations in the non-profit sector. Students worked directly with community partners to identify the social values created by their community partners and then produced multimedia film to promote them. The course aims to equip students with the essential skills and analytical techniques in coping with various management challenges faced by nonprofit organizations.