The eight universities have announced the basic admission criteria for the four-year undergraduate academic structure to be implemented in the 2012-13 academic year.

In addition to the four core subjects of the new senior secondary school curriculum - Chinese language, English language, mathematics and liberal studies - most universities will include one elective in their entrance requirements and, in some cases, a second elective from a wider group of subjects.

The Heads of Universities Committee believes the announcement will help the secondary-school sector plan and implement the new senior-secondary curriculum.

It has previously made clear its support of a more broad-based curriculum with more choices for students to suit their individual aptitudes and interests.

The eight schools are now developing their programmes so the four-year undergraduate programme beginning 2012-13 can build on the new senior-secondary curriculum programme to be implemented from 2009.

Timely move

Deputy Secretary for Education & Manpower Chris Wardlaw welcomed the announcement, adding the move is timely and allows schools to plan ahead of the new senior-secondary curriculum's introduction  in 2009.

He appreciates that universities have recognised all new senior-secondary elective subjects that complement the four core subjects.

"In particular the recognition of combined science as an alternative to a single-discipline science subject will provide schools with more flexibility in designing a broad and balanced new senior-secondary curriculum," he added.

As no institution will require more than two electives for admission, all students will have the opportunity and spare time to pursue a third elective, including career-oriented studies courses. They can explore their interests through a variety of subjects conducive to their all-round development.

Full support urged

Education Commission Chairman Dr Rosanna Wong welcomed the announcement, saying it will help schools plan for the new senior-secondary curriculum's introduction.