Job Discussion Forums

dezza · Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 27

Hi folks, have any of you completed or are in the process of completing your PGDE at Hong Kong University?

If so, what are your thoughts about the school, the program and the method of teaching?

Also, is the PGDE recognized around the world as a legitimate teaching degree?

Please give me your thoughts as I am considering enrolling for the program.

Your help is much appreciated!

Ger · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 334

I know that HKU is running a couple of PGCE programmes deadline 14 Jan 2004, but was not aware that HKU is running a PGDE. Could you provide the website link please for the HKU pgde to which you refer?

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

HKU changed the name of its PGCE to a PGDE for the 2004 intake. Most reports that I have heard is that it is ok.

dezza · Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 27

C=Certificate
D=Diploma

What's the difference anyway?

Thanks.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

It seems it is all in the name. HKU found itself the only awarding institute in HK that was calling itself "certificate", which apparently led to problems when at conferences etc. It seems the academic world is a stickler for its terms. In the UK it is still a cert. It seems to make little difference what it is called as long as the body accepting it is aware of its facts.

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

The difference between c and d may be considerable if you have paid your money to HKU, completed the course, and apply for HK NET secondary only to be told by the EMB that your pgce is insufficient, we require you to have a pgde (see point (ii) below)!

http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=1254

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

There are many many secondary NETs working in HK with the PGCE. It is the title of the award in the UK. If you take the public teaching postgraduate qualification in the UK then you will get a cert. The EMB appears to be well aware of the facts of the different names on the qualifications. It states in the page linked above:
" Candidates with a PGDE or equivalent "

ContemporaryDog · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 1477 Location: Wuhan, China

How much does the PGCE cost in Hong Kong, and how does it compare to doing the PGCE in the UK?

Mark-O · Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2004 9:26 am Post subject:

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

HKU PGDE English major: do all applicants have to sit the subject test or only applicants whose 1st degree wasn't in the English language medium of instruction?

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

Well I am applying for HKU.

If I don't get on the course I guess I will go to the UK too.

ContemporaryDog · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 1477 Location: Wuhan, China

Yeah Mark O I've been checking up on the requirements, it seems that when you apply for the funding for the PGCE course it all depends on your local authority whether they'll give it. If I'm living in China at that time (a few months before I begin the course) I doubt I will get it! So I think I will return to the UK a bit earlier than I had anticipated, get any old job for six months or so and apply from the Uk for the funding...

Mark-O · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 4:39 pm Post subject:

ContemporaryDog · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 1477 Location: Wuhan, China

I take it you have taught in HK before, which is why you are keen to go back?

What did you do while you were applying for the PGCE (if you don't mind asking) workwise?

Ger · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 334

Contemporary Dog,

How do you know that you only have to have worked (paid taxes) in England for a few months prior to applying? Is it not the case that you have to have paid taxes to the British authorities for three years prior to applying for funding?