Minor Programme

Programme Overview

First of its Kind in Hong Kong

PolyU is committed to nurturing socially responsible leaders and professionals with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. The current 3-credit Service-Learning requirement introduces all PolyU students to community engagement and enables them to apply what they learn to address real world problems.

Now, PolyU is launching the Minor in Service-Learning for Socially Responsible Leadership for students who are inspired to engage further. As the first programme of its kind in Hong Kong, it offers academic recognition and supports students’ long-term commitment to making a difference as civic-minded professionals.

Shape Community Engagement. Build the Skills to Lead it

This Minor programme is a natural extension of PolyU’s mission and existing service-learning efforts, aligned with global best practices. It deepens students’ understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence community needs and engagement initiatives. At the same time it builds future-ready skills and develops highly sought-after professional competencies, including leadership, project management, teamwork, and intercultural communication. By providing students with the knowledge and skills they will need to design, lead and execute high quality community-embedded work, the Minor programme helps students explore, strengthen, and sustain their commitment to community engagement.

US Exchange Opportunity

Each year, one student from the Minor programme intake will be selected for a summer exchange at a prestigious U.S. university recognised for both academic excellence and community engagement. The exchange carries academic credit toward the Minor and provides an immersive abroad experience: students take classes exploring the host city’s history, politics, and social dynamics, and attend weekly talks by prominent local leaders and policymakers. Beyond the classroom, students are placed with community organisations, non-profits, or government agencies to gain hands-on experience in fields such as law, health, education, and sustainability—putting theory into practice and broadening their global perspectives.

Bridge to Career

This Minor programme enhances graduate employability and equips students to step off campus and be the kind of leader employers and communities look for – practical, ethical, and impact-driven. It prepares students for meaningful careers or professional activities involving community engagement, such as leadership roles in social enterprises, non-government organisations, international organisations, and social innovation and corporate social responsibility projects.

Minor in Service-Learning for Socially Responsible Leadership

Programme Code
81403-YSL

Programme Intake
10

Entrance Year
2026/27 Academic Year

Credits Required for Graduation
18 credits

Programme Leader
Prof. Grace Ngai, Head of SLLO and Associate Professor of COMP