The Department offers over 60 courses each year for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some of them are offered in the daytime while others in the evening or Saturday afternoon. For details, see "Programmes" > "Course 2009-10".

Currently, there are three courses that have been recognized by CEF. They are "Antiquities and Monuments in Hong Kong", "Commerce and Society in China, 1368-2000" and "Festivals and Popular Religions in Modern China".

For relevant information, visit http://www.info.gov.hk/sfaa/cef/cnintro.htm or dial the 24-hour hotline of CEF: 3142-2277

Courses are taught in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The medium of instruction is announced in advance of course registration. Courses taught in Putonghua and English are sufficient for students to fulfill the coursework requirement. For details, see "Programmes" > "Course 2009-10".

The Department awards a scholarship to two students of the highest GPA each year. Apart from that, the Department also offers a scholarship to support graduate(s) of M.A. in Comparative and Public History for his/her study in the full-time M.Phil. in History Programme. For details, see "Programmes" > "Postgraduate" > "M.A. Programme" > "Scholarships".

The format of assessment is determined by the course professors. Normally, it includes tutorial presentation, thesis/term paper and/or projects; however, some courses may include a written examination.

Apart from academic performance, the Department will consider the applicant's other qualifications, such as work experience, professional qualifications and external circumstances when granting an admission.

The Department has not, for the time being, prescribed a master's thesis as one of the requirements. Students are required to submit only assignments according to the requirements of each course.

Some topics in the new secondary school curriculum (e.g. Chinese History, History, Integrated Humanities, Liberal Studies and Tourism and Hospitality Studies) may be covered in some courses.

Owing to the current shortage in hostel places in the University, no on-campus accommodation can be provided for students taking self-financed taught programmes (including our programme). However, off-campus housing information will be made available to students on the website of the Incoming Students Section (ISS) of the Office of Student Affairs (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/osa/ohis/). Information related to off-campus housing, including accommodation for rental in relevant districts, means of transport, points to note in signing a tenancy agreement, and useful links will be provided. Moreover, there will be a forum on the website for students to share housing information and experiences with each other.

Applicants should complete the “Application Form for Leave of Absence” (it can be downloaded from “Programmes” > “Postgraduate” > “M.A. Programme” > “Download Area” in this website or from the 'Application Forms' section on the GS Platform (Students)) and return it to our office before the beginning of the teaching terms. Upon the recommendation of the Programme Director and the Division Head, and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, you are required to pay a non-refundable retention fee of HK$300 (per term). The maximum duration for leave of absence is 1 year (i.e. 2 teaching terms).

When you have completed all programme requirements before the normative study period, you should complete the “Application Form for Shortening of Normative Study Period” (it can be downloaded from “Programmes” > “Postgraduate” > “M.A. Programme” > “Download Area” in this website or from the 'Application Forms' section on the GS Platform (Students)) and return it to our office for our further processing. Upon the recommendation of the Programme Director and the Division Head, and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, the date for your completion of the programme will be advanced. The maximum period to be shortened should not be more than 1 year (i.e. 2 teaching terms). However, please note that the tuition fee will not be reduced and the applicant still needs to pay the full tuition.

Applicants should complete the “Notice of Withdrawal and Application Form for Refund of Caution Money” (they can be downloaded from “Programmes” > “Postgraduate” > “M.A. Programme” > “Download Area” in this website or from the 'Application Forms' section on the GS Platform (Students)) and return them to our office for our further processing. Upon the recommendation of the Division Head and the approval of the Graduate School, the caution money (HK$450) will be refunded.