The Education University of Hong Kong
School’s campus.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), situated in Ting Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, is a government-funded institution.
Initially founded as The Hong Kong Institute of Education in 1994, EdUHK is unique among the eight universities supported by the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong, specializing solely in the preparation of educators.
Historical Background and Progress
The roots of EdUHK stretch back to 1853, starting with St. Paul’s College’s first organized in-service teacher training program, as detailed in their 1994–1995 Annual Report. The Hong Kong Institute of Education was established on April 25, 1994, following the recommendations of Education Commission Report No 5. This formation resulted from merging several institutions:
- Northcote College of Education, founded in 1939 and named after Sir Geoffry Northcote, the then Governor of Hong Kong.
- Grantham College of Education, established in 1951, named after Sir Alexander Grantham, another Governor of Hong Kong.
- Sir Robert Black College of Education, started in 1960, named after Sir Robert Brown Black, also a former Governor.
- Hong Kong Technical Teachers’ College, which began in 1974.
- Institute of Language in Education, initiated in 1982 and managed by the then Education Department.
Since its inception, EdUHK has offered a wide array of academic programs including doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees, as well as postgraduate diplomas and certificates. Approximately 7,000 pre-service students and active teachers are enrolled in these programs.
Significant milestones include moving to a new campus in Tai Po in October 1997, the establishment of the HKIEd HSBC Early Childhood Learning Centre in 2001, and the HKIEd Jockey Club Primary School in 2002. In 2004, the institute was granted the ability to accredit its own degree-level education programs.
In 2009, EdUHK received additional government funding of HK$22 million annually, enabling the creation of 120 new undergraduate degree spots and 30 research postgraduate positions for the 2009-2012 period. The University Grants Committee approved the institute’s research postgraduate and undergraduate programs in three disciplines in January 2010.
By 2015, the University Grants Committee approved the change of the institution’s name to The Education University of Hong Kong, which officially took effect in January 2016.
Current Developments As of late, EdUHK continues to expand its academic offerings and research capabilities. In September 2020, in collaboration with the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Kneron, it launched Hong Kong’s inaugural AI education system. Additionally, in November 2023, it introduced compulsory national security education for all students.
Academic Structure The university comprises three faculties and several non-faculty academic units that deliver various study programs and courses:
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Education and Human Development
- Faculty of Humanities
- The Graduate School, established in April 2010, assists in managing and assuring the quality of higher degree programs.
Research Centers
- Academy of Hong Kong Studies
- Assessment Research Centre
- Centre for Governance and Citizenship
- The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change
Facilities The campus includes a 5.3-hectare Sports Centre at Tai Po Kau, featuring extensive sports facilities such as a grandstand, an all-weather track, and multiple sports pitches.
Reputation and Rankings As per the 2018 QS World University Rankings, EdUHK is highly regarded, particularly in the field of Education, where it ranks ninth globally and second in Asia. It also holds respectable positions in linguistics, psychology, and social science and management.