IC Milestones
2002
Two full-time degree programmes, BSc Business and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Media and Cultural Studies, were introduced for the first batch of Associate Degree graduates from HKU SPACE Community College. 40 students were admitted to the two programmes.
2003
Today’s International College (IC) was formerly known as Centre for (International) Degree Programmes and was first established in 2003. The purchase of the physical premises at 6/F., United Centre, Admiralty not only confirmed HKU SPACE’s commitment to full-time undergraduate education, but also provided a convenient and centralised location for students to study and easily commute to HKU libraries and sport facilities.
2003-2005
Apart from the business programme in collaboration with University of London International Programmes (formerly known as University of London External System) and the media and cultural programme in collaboration with Middlesex University London, a number of full-time undergraduate programmes were introduced between 2003 and 2005. These programmes have covered various areas of studies, including accounting, marketing, publishing, journalism, communication studies, tourism management and information technology.
Collaboration with Curtin University and The University of Western Australia, both located in Perth, started in September 2003 and September 2004, respectively.
The first batch of 300 graduates obtained their international degree awards in 2005.
2006-2009
In 2007, a total of 17 full-time undergraduate programmes were offered and the Centre's student population reached 1,000. The addition of programmes in banking and finance, management, design, advertising and public relations, Asian studies, criminology as well as hospitality management made the Centre a comprehensive academic unit offering a full range of subject areas.
Graduates formed the Centre for International Degree Programmes Alumni Association (CIDPAA) in 2008 to promote fraternity amongst graduates, students and staff.
2011
In June 2011, CIDP launched its first executive course with Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Executive courses have been running in series every year since then.
In September 2011, CIDP introduced the first full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Cultural Critique programme, leading to the award within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.
2012
The Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and Advertising) and BSc Business have become the first batch of locally-accredited international programmes. The enrolled students of these programmes became eligible to apply for Hong Kong government grants and low interest loans, i.e. FASP and NLSPS.
2013
CIDP has been submitting programmes to the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) for local accreditation by phrases over the ensuing years. By the end of 2013, a total of eight international programmes at bachelor’s level and one Postgraduate Diploma programme have been successfully accredited by the HKCAAVQ, and are recognised under the Qualifications Framework.
CIDP celebrated its 10th anniversary, which marked a significant milestone in its development of full-time undergraduate degree programmes. The Centre for International Degree Programmes was renamed as the Centre for Degree Programmes (CDP).
2014
With an addition of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London as a new partner in executive education in 2014, CDP has established collaborations with a total of 12 universities in the UK and Australia.
By providing a full range of over 30 programmes from undergraduate, postgraduate to executive level, CDP harbours a strategic direction for with promises and caters to the needs of students from varied academic backgrounds.
In 2014, CDP's student population exceeds 1,700 and CDP has nurtured over 6,000 degree graduates.
2015
The Centre introduces the first-of-its kind executive programme in art collecting. This 60-hour programme represents a collaboration between HKU SPACE, Central Saint Martins and Art Basel, allowing senior executives to study local and international art in context.
2016
The Centre for Degree Programmes is renamed to International College (IC). The change serves to better reflect the College's global personality and size of operation, as well as to deepen the relevance and impact of HKU SPACE's internationalisation dimension. Ken Wong was appointed as the inaugural Head of College.
The College puts its full support behind cultural and creative industries through the introduction of two master's programmes with the University of Arts London in early 2016. Over 50 executives enrolls to this first postgraduate cohort.
2018
The year of 2018 marks a significant milestone in the development of HKU SPACE International College as it marches into its 15th anniversary.
New ventures in 2018 including a new three-year Bachelor honours degree programme in Contemporary Media Cultures, to be launched in September 2018 in collaboration with University of the Arts London (UAL). Together with the existing University of London programmes in Accounting, Finance and Management, the College continues to offer quality education for secondary school leavers and sub-degree holders to do their undergraduate studies at top-ranking overseas universities here in Hong Kong.
2019
The full-time Bachelor of Aviation Management programme, in collaboration with the Swinburne University of Technology from Australia, was accredited at HKQF Level 5 in 2019 after its first launch in 2018. Eleven students from the programme were awarded the Reaching Out Award of the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme by the EDB for study trips to Australia and Singapore.
2020
The College introduced the full-time Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food and Nutrition programme, in collaboration with Ulster University in 2020 to provide a comprehensive education in food and nutrition for the articulation of sub-degree students. The programme has been offered in part-time mode at HKU SPACE since 2010.
2021
The full-time Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Social Sciences, in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University was re-introduced at the College in 2021. The programme was accredited at HKQF Level 5 in 2022.
2022
The number of graduates who obtained a bachelor’s degree through the College has reached over 9,000 by October 2022.
2023
2023 marks the 20th anniversary of HKU SPACE International College (IC). To commemorate this milestone, the College staged an Alumni Reunion Reception on 15 July 2023. Former Heads of IC, teaching staff, students and alumni, representatives of overseas partners, enduring donors, and the College management gathered together to celebrate this momentous occasion, witness the growth and transformation of IC over the past 20 years, and share their insights on international education in Hong Kong.
