The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines foundational biosciences with core nursing practice, professional and ethical frameworks, health promotion and applied research. The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory classes, simulation-based learning and supervised clinical placements in local and regional healthcare settings.

• Yearly structure: Typically structured across multiple academic years with progressive clinical experience—early years emphasise anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and basic nursing skills; later years focus on complex care, leadership, community and specialised nursing fields.
• Core modules and topics: Human anatomy and physiology; pathophysiology; pharmacology for nurses; fundamentals of nursing practice; medical-surgical nursing; maternal and child health; mental health nursing; gerontological nursing; community and primary healthcare; nursing ethics and legal aspects; health assessment and clinical decision-making; evidence-based practice and nursing research; nursing informatics; leadership, management and quality improvement.
• Clinical practice: Extensive supervised clinical placements across hospitals, community health services and specialised units are integrated into the curriculum to develop clinical competence and professional judgement. Simulation suites and skills laboratories are used to practise emergency care, advanced communication and procedural skills before clinical exposure.
• Research and capstone: Students undertake research methods and an applied research project or capstone clinical practicum in the final years to consolidate evidence-based practice, critical appraisal skills and scholarly enquiry.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and prospective students are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement in science-related subjects, alongside evidence of communication skills and suitability for professional practice.

• Local qualifications: Applicants holding local secondary qualifications (for example HKDSE) typically need strong passes in core subjects including English and relevant sciences or health-related subjects. Selection may include interview or assessment of personal statements.
• International qualifications: International applicants with IB, A-levels or equivalent secondary qualifications are considered; required subjects normally include biology, chemistry or another science, together with a good standard of English.
• Higher and mature entry: Holders of recognised sub-degree or diploma qualifications in health or related disciplines may be eligible for direct entry or credit transfer, subject to programme regulations and interview.
• Language proficiency: Competence in English is required for academic work and clinical practice; applicants whose prior education has not been in English will normally need to meet the university's English language requirement through recognised tests or equivalence.
• Professional suitability: Admission processes commonly include interview and may assess interpersonal skills, ethical awareness and readiness for clinical practice. Applicants must satisfy health and immunisation requirements and any clearances required for clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to register and practise as professional nurses and to work across a wide range of healthcare settings.

• Clinical practice: Employment as staff nurses in acute hospitals, specialist units (e.g. critical care, oncology, paediatrics), community health services, mental health services and long-term care.
• Advanced and specialised roles: Opportunities to progress into advanced practice, nurse specialist roles, clinical nurse education, case management and advanced community nursing with additional postgraduate training and clinical experience.
• Education and research: Roles in nurse education, clinical training and nursing research are open to graduates who pursue further study at master’s and doctoral level.
• Leadership and management: Career pathways include ward or unit management, quality improvement, healthcare administration and policy roles within hospitals and health authorities.
• Broader opportunities: Public health, health promotion, consultancy, occupational health services and international or NGO work are additional paths graduates may follow.

Why study at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The University’s School of Nursing has strong links with local hospitals and community health services, ensuring a well-supported programme of clinical placements and practical experience. Students benefit from modern simulation facilities, dedicated clinical skills laboratories and interdisciplinary learning with other health professions.

• Professional recognition: The programme is designed to meet the professional standards required for practice and to prepare graduates for registration with the relevant nursing regulatory body.
• Clinical partnerships: Close partnerships with public and private healthcare providers support diverse placement opportunities and exposure to a wide range of patient populations and care settings.
• Research and innovation: The School is engaged in clinical and applied nursing research, offering students access to current evidence-based practices and opportunities to participate in research projects.
• Support and development: Structured mentorship, academic support, simulation-based training and career guidance help students transition into professional practice and plan postgraduate specialisation or leadership pathways.