Programme Introduction
A Natural Choice
The Natural Sciences Programme (NSCI) is a senior-year programme, launched in 2014, locally accredited at Level 5 of the Qualifications Framework. The NSCI offers a platform for sub-degree local students to pursue academic studies in relation to their interests. Students are allowed to focus on a concentration and study the science courses that meet their interests as electives.
NSCI has built strong ties with the 11 science programmes in the Faculty of Science of CUHK. The quest for new knowledge and skills is driven mainly by the faculty in each discipline. This programme allows students to study a multiplicity of science courses, which helps them acquire the ability to solve problems with cross-subject knowledge. It has closely collaborated with other science programmes to offer internship, mentorship and exchange opportunities for the students. Some of the students have done field trips in environmental science, while others have gone on exchanges through the Faculty, the Colleges or the University. Since 2019, a new internship course has been offered to NSCI students.
Craft Your Path
This programme provides greater flexibility than other programmes do. While students are required to study a set of required courses within their chosen concentration, they are also allowed to study other science elective courses, which are sometimes not available to non-major students. For example, a student in the concentration of Biological Sciences may take courses in the Risk Management programme.
NSCI support
To ensure new students adapt and thrive in their studies, an NSCI orientation session is arranged before the commencement of the first term to give the students a good understanding of the programme and study plan and a good chance to meet their classmates. Some current students and graduates are also invited to share their university life and study strategies.
Extra guiding sessions and administrative support are always in place to help the new students choose and register for courses. Other support activities are organized for them: research course briefings, staff-student consultative meetings, and gatherings with academic advisors to foster a sense of belonging.
Career Prospects
NSCI graduates enjoy job opportunities similar to those available to graduates who are admitted to four-year undergraduate programmes. More than half of NSCI graduates have careers in the science industry, 20% of them work in the government or public organizations, and the rest in the business world. About 10% of our graduates pursue postgraduate studies in PhD, MPhil or MSc programmes.
If you are interested in this programme, please review the application requirements and deadlines specific to the respective admission scheme to increase your chances of getting accepted.
