Hong Kong Institute of Technology

HD in IT (Computing) (HDC)

Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Computing)

The Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Computing) (HDC) combines theory and practice in IT. Year 1 builds core foundations; Year 2 offers Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, or Information Systems streams with 100% articulation to related top-up honours degrees.

Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Computing)
Mode of Study

Full time / Part time / Blended Mode

Medium of Instruction

English

Delivery Campus
  • Main Campus : SSP Campus
  • Other Learning Centre: CSW Campus
Duration
  • Full-time: 2 years
  • Part-time: 2-3 years
Programme Leader

Dr. HK Ng

Enquiries
Programme Commencement Date

September / February / June

Registration & QR
EDB Registration No.
--
Qualifications Framework
QF

The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF).

QF Level
4
QR Registration No.
26/000620/L4
Registration Validity Period
01/09/2026 - 31/08/2029
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Programmes

Programme features

Higher Diploma in Computing (HDC) is a dynamic programme that combines theoretical and practical aspects of computing. Year 1 provides an integrated view of generic and technical skills vital for later specialised study.

In Year 2, students take a specialised study theme:

After successful completion, students 100% articulate to the final year of related honours top-up degrees. See our top-up degree page.

Programme objectives

This programme introduces fundamental knowledge and skills across IT areas. Graduates can serve as sub-professional staff and progress to IT careers through further study or professional training plus work experience. Modules cover basic computing, programming, web development, networking and information security. Graduates are suited to roles such as junior networking and information security officer, junior programmer, and web / mobile application developer.

BlockModules
5 core modules
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • Practical Chinese
  • Project Skills
  • English for Communication in Workplace
  • Professional Ethics in Information Technology
1 elective
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Programming Language Paradigms
  • Cloud, Distributed Architecture
  • Systems Engineering and Project Management
10 specialised modules
  • Computational Theory
  • Programming Principles
  • Database System
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Introduction to Computing
  • Mathematics for Computer Science

Cyber Security stream

  • Introduction to Networks and Computer Security
  • Web and Mobile Application Security
  • Applied Cryptography
  • Ethical Hacking Skills

Artificial Intelligence stream

  • Fundamental of Machine Learning
  • Secure Software Development
  • Systems Engineering and Project Management
  • Machine Learning

Information Systems stream

  • Mobile Web App Development
  • Programming Language Paradigms
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Data Communications

Area of study

  • Computing

Campus

Main campus: Sham Shui Po; other learning centre: Cheung Sha Wan.

Graduation Requirements

Completion and obtained Pass or above in 16 required subjects (Additional modules may be required for students who is going to articulate to the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security top-up degree.)

Remarks:
Qualified applicants may be exempted from up to 8 modules, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis. (e.g. exemption of maximum 8 modules for Higher Diploma; and exemption of maximum 4 modules for Certificate)

Advanced standing

Enrolled students who have prior qualifications from other institution may apply credit transfer or course exemption. Each application will be considered individually.

For more information, please refer to entry requirements.

Content coming soon. For enquiries, please contact our programme advisors.

Year 1 / 一年級HK$56,000
Year 2 / 二年級HK$56,000
Part-time / 兼讀(每科)HK$7,000

Fees are subject to confirmation in the offer letter.

2+1 top-up articulation

HKIT Higher Diploma graduates may progress to one-year top-up degree programmes offered with the University of West London or Wrexham University. Eligible students may apply for NMTSS subsidy.

All students successfully completing this programme are eligible for related top-up degrees, including:

See our top-up degree page for details.

Year 1 Entry

  1. Level 2 in five HKDSE subjects including English and Chinese; or
  2. Completion of Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education; or
  3. Equivalent of the above qualifications (Non-local students with the equivalent qualifications are also considered); or
  4. Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education.

Remarks:

  1. Applicants with HKDSE qualifications are eligible to use a maximum of two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects for admission applications.

    For HKDSE applicants from 2018 onwards:

    • An "Attained" result in an ApL subject is considered equivalent to a Level 2 in a Category A subject. "Attained with Distinction (I)" is considered equivalent to Level 3, and "Attained with Distinction (II)" is considered equivalent to Level 4 or above in a Category A subject.

    For the 2012-2017 HKDSE Applicants:

    • Students attaining the results of "Attained" and "Attained with Distinction" in the ApL subjects are accepted as attaining the competencies required at Level 2 and Level 3 or above of Category A subjects of the HKDSE Examination respectively for the purposes of further studies and work.
  2. Prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong:

    • Holder of Pre-Associate Degree; OR
    • Holder of Diploma for Tertiary Studies; OR
    • Holder of Diploma and in the relevant discipline(s) at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits, including Chinese and English languages.

Important Note:

Applicants who do not meet the minimum general entry requirements may be considered under the Special Quota Admission. Admission is evaluated on an individual case-by-case basis. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.


Year 2 Entry

General Entrance Requirements:

  • Holder of recognised diploma/ advanced certificate of same or related discipline; or
  • Other equivalent qualification

Application period

Applications open about two months before the start of each intake (September, February and June terms).

How to apply

Complete your application via the online application system.

Please upload:

  • Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card
  • Copies of supporting documents

Successful applicants must present original documents for verification at interview / registration.

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)

A means-tested scheme for eligible full-time students on locally accredited self-financing sub-degree, Higher Diploma or bachelor’s programmes. Assistance may include grants and/or loans.

Details: WFSFAA FASP

Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)

Complements FASP by providing loans to help eligible students pay tuition fees.

Details: WFSFAA NLSPS

Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS)

Scholarships and awards for full-time students on accredited self-financing post-secondary programmes.

Details: SPSS overview

For details, please call 2782 2433.

For the purpose of Cap. 493B, the Non-local Course Registration Numbers for the University of West London / HKIT courses are: BA (Hons) Business Studies 252931; BSc (Hons) Cyber Security 252933; BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation 252930; BSc (Hons) Computer Science 253363; BSc (Hons) Public Health 253362; MSc Cyber Security 253334. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead. 個別僱主可酌情決定是否承認本課程可令學員獲取的任何資格.

For the purpose of Cap. 493B, the Non-local Course Registration Numbers for Wrexham University / HKIT courses are: Bsc (Hons) Computer Science 253179; Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Accounting and Finance Management 253020; Bachelor of Arts (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management 253019; Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business and Management 252974. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead. 個別僱主可酌情決定是否承認本課程可令學員獲取的任何資格.

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