Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

Introduction
HKCT Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

In recent years, the rapid development of the sharing economy, O2O business models, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud services, big data, and artificial intelligence, coupled with the opportunities brought by financial technology, art technology, social media, metaverse, XR, and Web 3.0 concepts, has created a high demand for programmers. Nowadays, everyone is constantly connected to their devices, leading to a significant need for programming in web applications and digital entertainment, which provides multi-skilled developers with growth opportunities.

This programme focuses on mobile applications and game development, equipping students to become professionals in these fields.

This programme has been included in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) for six consecutive years. HKCT is the only institute offering higher diploma programmes with the SSSDP subsidy in the discipline of “Computer Science”.

Professional Qualification
  • The programme is recognized by The Hong Kong Computer Society. Full-time mode students are qualified to be HKCS Student Member, and upon graduation, they may consider applying for Associate Member. 
  • Students can also apply for Student Membership or Affiliate Membership in the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association.
Contents

Programme Contents
The Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development) puts a dual focus on mobile applications development and mobile game development. It will equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills for developing the full-stack responsive web, native and cross-platform mobile applications and small-scale 2D/3D mobile games using contemporary technologies and development approaches. The programme aims to address the increasing demand for multi-skilled developers to support various kinds of development projects in software firms. It also prepares students for pursuing further studies in related fields.

Programme Features

  • Meeting Keen Demand for Talents: This programme has been included in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) for six consecutive years. HKCT is the first and the only institute offering SSSDP sub-degree programmes in the “Computer Science” discipline.
  • Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: The programme offers comprehensive training in full-stack web and mobile app development, as well as cross-platform mobile game development, to meet the dynamic and growing demands of the applications and entertainment sectors.
  • Diverse Development Techniques: Students acquire the skills to create both hybrid and native applications for Android and iOS platforms, mastering various app development approaches.
  • Professional Game Development Training: The curriculum incorporates modern game engines and modelling software for the creation of 2D and 3D mobile games and assets.
  • Solid Foundations: The programme provides a solid grounding in core computing and specialized areas, setting the stage for further advanced studies and professional advancement.
  • Career Preparation: Through hands-on assignments and projects that mirror real-world scenarios, students can apply their knowledge in practical settings.
  • Diverse Academic Progression: Graduates can enroll in undergraduate programmes related to information technology and digital entertainment, or other programmes across different disciplines.
  • Professional Membership: Students can seek membership in the Hong Kong Computer Society and the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, enjoying access to the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Industry Fresh Graduate Support Scheme job matching platform.

Star Teacher

Vincent Lam

  • Experienced Game Designer
  • Lecturer
  • Winner of Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Excellence Awards
Student Work and Competition
First-year students participated in the ‘Personal Financial Ambassador Programme’, creating electronic games to promote financial education and earned a silver award. Four cohorts of participating students have won the Excellent Financial Education Project Award, including two silver awards, with their gamification concepts.
Students won the Excellent Financial Education Project Sliver Award in "Personal Finance Ambassador Programme"
Students won the Excellent Financial Education Project Bronze Award in "Personal Finance Ambassador Programme"
Student Leung Hon Fung, inspired by Monopoly, designed an application in the ‘Personal Finance Ambassador Programme’ and won the Excellent Financial Education Project Award.
Student Work - Ghost Island
Student Work - Greedy Puppy
Student Work - Greedy Puppy
Student Work - IXTAL
Student Work - IXTAL
Student Work - Dragon Death
Graduation Pathway

Articulation:

  • Graduates can enroll in various undergraduate programmes in related disciplines or across different disciplines. These include UGC-funded programmes, SSSDP/NMTSS programmes, self-financed programmes, and overseas degree programmes (Some programmes offer the possibility of completion within one year)

    Graduates are eligible to enroll in bachelor’s degree programmes which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Information Technology and Computer Engineering

  • BEng in Computer Engineering (HKUST)
  • B.Sc. in Computer Science (CUHK)
  • B.Eng. in Computer Engineering (CUHK)
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Management (HKU)
  • Bachelor of Engineering – Electronic and Electrical Engineering (CityU)
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Security (PolyU)
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Engineering (HKMU)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (HKMU)
  • BSc (Hons) Cyber and Computer Security (HKMU)
  • BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (HKMU)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (HKCHC)

Interactive Media Design and Digital Entertainment

  • Bachelor of Science in Creative Media (CityU)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Interaction Design) (PolyU)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Media Design) (PolyU)
  • Bachelor of Arts with Honours in New Music and Interactive Entertainment (HKMU)

Education

  • Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Information and Communication Technology (EdUHK)
  • Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) - Mathematics (EdUHK)

Overseas Articulation

  • BSc (Hons) Computing (Abertay University)

Articulation Agreement with: 

Abertay University

Employment:

  • Graduates are equipped to launch successful careers in a range of dynamic roles, including:
    Development: Mobile Application Developer, Web Developer, Front-end/Full Stack Developer, E-Commerce Developer, Multimedia Developer, Game Developer
    Design: UX Designer
    Management and Support: Project Management Personnel, System Support Personnel

    After accumulating experience, one can also be promoted to a System Analyst, and even to positions such as Project Manager or System Manager.
Internship

Students have opportunities to join Hong Kong/China/Overseas placement and exchange. 

Programme Details
Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2024

Duration

2 Years

Location
Entry Requirements
  1. Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects#, including Chinese and English [each applicant is allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning subjects at “Attained” level as equivalent to Level 2 in the application]^; or
  2. Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or 
  3. Holder of Diploma Yi Jin/ Diploma of Applied Education; or
  4. Holder of Diploma for Tertiary Studies; or 
  5. Holder of Pre-Associate Degree; or 
  6. Holder of Diploma and 
    - the qualification should be awarded by one of the local or overseas recognised tertiary institutions / post-secondary colleges; and 
    - the length of study is at least 450 teaching hours; or 
  7. Aged 21 or above with 1 year working experience; or 
  8. Equivalent qualifications; 
    AND 
  9. Pass the admission interview. 

#If one of the five HKDSE subjects considered is “Citizenship and Social Development”, the general admission requirement shall be “Attained” instead of “Level 2”. 
^Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is in general accepted as Chinese Language qualification, but it is not considered as an elective subject. 

Scholarship
Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Outstanding Academic Performance Award, Outstanding Performance Scholarship of Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme from Education Bureau, Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Committee Scholarship 

Internship
HKSTP NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme  

Conditional acceptance from the following UGC-funded programmes
- BEng in Computer Engineering (HKUST) 
- BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering (CityU) 
- BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK) 

”This programme covers a wide range of content and keeps up with the latest technological developments, allowing us to grasp the latest industry techniques. HKCT has excellent instructors and also provides professional guidance during their free time. They are happy to communicate with us and encourage us to innovate constantly. This inspires me to create mobile games and mobile applications and share my creative achievements with everyone.” 




Scholarship

Outstanding Performance Scholarship of Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme from Education Bureau 

Internship
HKSTP NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme  

Conditional acceptance from the following UGC-funded programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Security (PolyU)  
- BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK) 

"In addition to acquiring a wealth of knowledge during my time at school, these two years of learning have also yielded valuable experiences and strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, laying a solid foundation for my further studies."




Articulation
BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK) 

"This program gave me a good understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of computing. I was able to design and build various projects, from app development to game development, which enabled me to grow even better and more proficient in this field. The hands-on experience of bringing my ideas to life was invaluable, as it allowed me to apply theoretical concepts and develop practical skills. As a result, I have decided to continue my studies to take my abilities to the next level." 




Scholarship
Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Outstanding Academic Performance Award, Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Committee Scholarship 

Internship
China Unicom (Hong Kong) Operations Ltd, Assistant R&D Engineer (Intern), Department of Digitalization (Smart Network & Innovation Center) 

Articulation
Bachelor of Science in Creative Media (CityU) 

"The tutors teach us with dedication. They are enthusiastic in helping students and are willing to answer all our questions. They have greatly reduced obstacles on my learning journey and have increased my enthusiasm for learning. I am also grateful to HKCT for recommending me for the internship and to China Unicom for providing this valuable and practical experience." 


Choi Chun Kit
Graduate of Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development) 

"Learning in HKCT was a pleasant experience for me. I have learnt different development approaches for different kinds of apps and games in this programme. I developed a web with my classmates to promote smart spending in The Chin Family Personal Finance Ambassador Programme and won the Excellent Financial Education Project Bronze Award. I enjoyed the internship opportunity to work as a mobile app developer in the science park. I had the honour to receive the EBD SPSS Outstanding Performance Scholarship. After graduation, I chose to further study and major in computing and interactive entertainment at university to pursue my dream of being a game developer. "


Lo Ho Dan
Graduate of Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development) 

"HKCT offered nice teaching environment and facilities which improved my academic knowledge and working ability. HKCT also supplied us with different career-related information through company visits and seminars which enhanced my understanding about the industry and market needs. Social workers in HKCT were also willing to give valuable advice and guidance about my career development. "

Year 1: $56,808 Year 2: $62,454

The tuition fee above is under 2024/25 Cohort.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2024/25 academic year, a subsidy of up to $22,910 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $33,898. HKCT is the only institute to offer the higher diploma programme with the SSSDP subsidy in the discipline of “Computer Science”. Please note that only local students* are eligible for the relevant subsidy. 
*Including the applicants holding the "dependent visa" or other special visas. For more information, please visit the web page.

QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:4
QR Registration No.:18/000256/L4
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2018 to 31/8/2025

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this higher diploma programme.

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2024/2025 academic year, a subsidy of up to $22,910 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $33,898. Only local students are eligible for the subsidy under SSSDP.