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Category B: Applied Learning Subjects
Applied Learning (ApL) is an integral part of the senior secondary curriculum. Subjects in this category consist of practical elements linked to broad professional and vocational fields. ApL courses are developed and delivered by the respective course providers (CPs) and are approved by the Education Bureau (EDB).

The duration of each ApL course is 180 contact hours, extending over two school years, normally in Secondary 5 (Y1) and Secondary 6 (Y2).

There are six areas of studies:

  • Creative Studies
  • ^Media and Communication
  • Business, Management and Law
  • Services
  • Applied Science
  • Engineering and Production
  • *Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students)

* Starting from the 2014-15 school year, two Applied Learning Chinese courses are introduced to non-Chinese speaking students.
^ Starting from the 2020-21 school year, two Applied Learning English courses are introduced.

Assessment for ApL Subjects
ApL subjects aim at assessing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills related to a particular profession or trade, and application of generic skills in authentic contexts. There is no public examination for ApL subjects. ApL assessments are conducted by the respective CPs while the HKEAA is responsible for the moderation and quality assurance of the assessments.

All assessments in the ApL subjects comprise six to ten tasks undertaken over the two years of studies. These are stipulated in the form of an Assessment Scheme which includes a brief description of each task, the assessment method, approximate dates for assessments and its contribution to the subject score.

Reporting of Results
The assessment of Category B (Applied Learning) subjects is undertaken by course providers. After moderation by the HKEAA, the final results are recorded on the HKDSE certificate. The results are reported as "Attained", "Attained with Distinction (I)" and "Attained with Distinction (II)". Performance of "Attained with Distinction (I)" is comparable to level 3 while "Attained with Distinction (II)" is comparable to level 4 or above of the Category A subjects of the HKDSE. For ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students), results are reported as “Attained” and “Attained with Distinction”.
Assessment Profile
Area of Studies Applied Learning Subject Examination Year
Creative Studies Display and Jewellery Design 2023 - -
Fashion Image Design 2023 2024 2025
Interior Design / Interior and Exhibition Design 2023 2024 2025
Jewellery Design in Digital Age - 2024 2025
Computer Game and Animation Design 2023 2024 2025
Digital Comic Design and Production 2023 2024 2025
Popular Music Production 2023 2024 2025
Taking a Chance on Dance 2023 2024 2025
The Essentials of Theatre Arts 2023 2024 2025
Media and Communication Digital Media and Radio Production 2023 2024 2025
Film and Transmedia 2023 2024 2025
Digital Brand Communication - 2024 2025
Multimedia Storytelling - 2024 2025
PR and Multimedia Communication 2023 2024 2025
Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English Communication 2023 2024 2025
Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Business Services - 2024 2025
Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals 2023 2024 2025
Creative English – Biz and Media - - 2025
Creative English – PR and Marketing - - 2025
Practical Translation (CHI-ENG) - 2024 2025
Applied Japanese and Japanese Culture - - 2025
Everyday Japanese and Japanese Culture - - 2025
Korean Language and Culture - 2024 2025
Business, Management and Law Accounting for e-Business 2023 2024 2025
AI in Business - 2024 2025
Data Application for Business 2023 2024 2025
Introduction to Fintech - - 2025
Marketing and Online Promotion 2023 2024 2025
Law Enforcement in Hong Kong 2023 2024 2025
Services Modern Southeast Asian Cuisine - 2024 2025
Pâtisserie and Café Operations 2023 2024 2025
Western Cuisine 2023 2024 2025
Airport Passenger Terminal Operations 2023 2024 2025
Hospitality Services in Practice 2023 2024 2025
Hotel Operations 2023 2024 2025
Child Care and Development 2023 2024 2025
Child Care and Education 2023 2024 2025
Fundamental Cosmetology 2023 2024 2025
Applied Science Food Innovation and Science 2023 2024 2025
Animal Care 2023 2024 2025
Foundation in Chinese Medicine 2023 2024 2025
Health Care Practice 2023 2024 2025
Medical Laboratory Science 2023 2024 2025
Rehabilitation Care Practice 2023 2024 2025
Applied Psychology 2023 2024 2025
Practical Psychology 2023 2024 2025
Exercise and Fitness Coaching 2023 2024 2025
Exercise Science and Health Fitness 2023 2024 2025
Engineering and Production Digital Construction - - 2025
Constructing Smart Cities 2023 - -
Electrical and Energy Engineering 2023 2024 2025
AI and Robotics - 2024 2025
Computer Forensic Technology 2023 2024 2025
eSports Technology 2023 2024 2025
Tech Basics 2023 2024 2025
Aviation Studies 2023 2024 2025
Railway Studies 2023 2024 2025
Applied Learning Chinese
(for non-Chinese speaking students)
Chinese in Business Service 2023 2024 2025
Chinese in Practical Context 2023 2024 2025
Practical Chinese 2023 2024 2025
General Information
Date
30-4-2021
28-2-2018
17-01-2017
4-12-2015
9-9-2015
9-9-2015
30-12-2009