Co-operative Education Programme

The Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op@CUHK) combines classroom-based education with practical work experience in a well-structured learning approach. Participating students in Year 2 or above take two preparatory courses for the school-to-work transition. They are then challenged on their professional knowledge and skills in a six- to eight-month placement.

Differences between Co-op and Internship

Well-structured Learning Approach

Students who are enrolled to the Co-op programme participate in two pre-employment courses and one six- to eight-month placement. The Co-op placement starts in the summer session each year and continues until the first term of the following academic year. Students earn five credits after completing the Co-op programme.

Unlocking Employability Potential and Personal Branding COOP3001
1 unit

• Personality dimensions
• Networking for career success and personal connections
• Establishing an executive presence that provides a professional advantage
• Elevator Pitch, Story Telling, Career Planning
• Defining and crafting a personal brand through values, behaviour and application

Developing Workplace Professionalism COOP3002
2 units

• Data analytics – getting control, strategies and insights
• Creativity and innovation
• From sensitive to strong: how to handle change and turn criticism into catalysts for success
• The first 30 days of your role
• The digital economy, information security and innovation
• The Hong Kong legal system

Work Placement and Continuous Assessment COOP4001
1 unit per term

• Exposure to a real-life work environment
• Identification of one’s core competencies and areas for improvement via assessment tools
• E-Learning courses (2 courses / Work Term)
• Workplace reflection paper
• Testimonial videos in the workplace

Job Openings

The list of our corporate partners will continue to expand as the Programme grows. Other than local placement, our Programme is developing partnerships with a wide spectrum of respectable firms in Chinese Mainland (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc.) and Asia (Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.) that provide placement opportunities for Co-op students.

* For 2024-25 Cohort

Student Sharing

“This world teems with diverse opportunities and formidable challenges, yet Co-op has served as an unparalleled pathway, enabling me to transcend the boundaries of the cultural domain and forge inroads into the commercial realm, even if joining the Co-op programme would imply a deferral in graduation. Well worth it!”

Arnold CHAN
Cohort 21-22, Faculty of Arts (Chinese Language and Literature)
Trainee (Re-Industrialisations), Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)

“Making the decision to defer for another year was a big decision for me, but one that I am grateful for. The primary reason is the rare opportunity to gain six months of experience, supplemented with courses and guidance from the Co-op curriculum. The six-month journey in a professional setting had been enriching and insightful, and has further developed my career in ways that a short internship couldn’t.”

Kylie YEOH
Cohort 22-23, Faculty of Social Science (Economics)
Business Analyst Intern, Green Court Capital Management Limited

“As a chemistry student, I’ve spent plenty of time in labs, but I wanted to see how my scientific knowledge could be applied in the real world. Thai Wah, a leading starch company, offered the perfect opportunity. Plus, why marketing? Because I believe it’s the heartbeat of any successful company! I’m excited to learn from industry professionals and explore a vibrant new culture here.”

Sol LEE
Cohort 23-24, Faculty of Science (Chemistry)
B2B Marketing Intern, Thai Wah Public Company Limited

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