Master of Arts in Teaching in Higher Education [MA(THE)] [*Subject to University’s Approval]

Curriculum and Pedagogy in Higher Education

This foundational course examines the principles, theories, and research evidence that form the basis of curriculum design and instruction in higher education. It focuses on the relationship between curriculum (i.e., what is taught) and pedagogy (i.e., how it is taught) to support high-quality learning in a higher education setting. After this course, students will be equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to robustly design, deliver, and evaluate higher education courses and programmes. This course also promotes students’ confidence in translating educational theories into effective practices and empowers them to lead curriculum innovation in their disciplines.

Partnerships for Enhancing Teaching and Learning

This course examines the central role of strategic partnerships between universities and external entities (including industry partners, community organisations, and policymakers) in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in universities. Students will analyse various partnership models and assess how these partnerships affect curriculum design, the development of students’ practical skills, and overall programme delivery. After this course, students will be able to develop the leadership and analytical skills required to initiate, implement, and evaluate partnerships that address contemporary and ongoing challenges in higher education.

AI and Digital Technologies for Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Higher Education

This course explores the pedagogical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in contemporary higher education contexts, with a focus on learning, teaching and assessment. It examines how AI-driven tools, learning management systems, analytics, adaptive platforms, and emerging digital applications can enhance teaching effectiveness, student engagement, and assessment practices. Students will critically evaluate the opportunities and limitations of AI in curriculum design, personalised learning, feedback generation, and academic integrity, with attention to inclusive and ethical implementation, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, accessibility, and responsible innovation. Through practical activities and case studies, students will design technology-enhanced learning experiences and assessment strategies aligned with sound pedagogical principles.

During their studies, students are required to participate in a range of recognised professional research seminars and workshops offered by internal and external units (e.g., EdUHK and/or selected professional organisations or academic institutes). By the end of the course, students will be equipped to integrate AI and digital technologies to foster meaningful, equitable, and future-ready learning environments in higher education. They will also demonstrate leadership and transformative capacity by proposing an implementation or change strategy for tertiary education institutions and critically evaluating its effectiveness, institutional constraints, and ethical considerations within their specific disciplines and contexts.

Assessments in Higher Education in the Digital and AI Age

This course explores the latest trends in assessments in higher education, including what constitutes assessments, how assessments are designed and conducted, and what educators and students can gain from assessments. It focuses on the current and emerging themes in assessments, the ways through which technological advancements influence and shape assessments in higher education, and the corresponding response from educators and students in higher education institutions, makers of higher education policies, and other relevant stakeholders. After this course, students will be able to identify the effects of technological developments on assessments in higher education and predict changes in assessments in relation to future technological developments. They will also be able to evaluate and develop assessment strategies, considering the technological landscape and the current approaches adopted by various stakeholders.

Teaching Research in Higher Education

This course explores the principles and practices of research methods in the context of teaching and learning in higher education. It enhances students’ understanding and skills to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research that addresses pedagogical challenges, innovations, and policies in higher education. After this course, students will be able to effectively assess and interpret research methods and findings and more independently conduct their own empirical research.

Innovative Teaching and Learning for Inclusive and Equitable Quality Higher Education

This course explores current and emerging pedagogical innovations designed to promote inclusivity and equity in higher education. Building on robust theoretical frameworks and the latest research evidence, students will examine major barriers to high-quality inclusive and equitable higher education and analyse approaches in addressing these barriers. After this course, students will be equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, deliver, and evaluate higher education programmes and courses that embrace diversity, and will develop the confidence to implement innovative, evidence-based pedagogies that promote equitable quality learning outcomes and support the holistic development of all higher education learners.

AI and Digital Competencies for Higher Education Innovation

This course focuses on developing students’ advanced AI and digital competencies to support innovation in higher education. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and design thinking while strengthening problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Students will critically examine advanced AI concepts and emerging technologies, evaluating their underlying methods and exploring how these tools can be strategically applied to enhance teaching, learning, research, and institutional practices in diverse real-world contexts. Through professional seminars and workshops, students will apply design thinking and practical methodologies to ideate, prototype, and evaluate AI-driven and technology-enhanced solutions that address complex interdisciplinary challenges with tangible impact.

The course incorporates case studies, reflective discussions, and sessions led by distinguished scholars and professionals. These activities support students in translating theoretical insights into practical artefacts while critically assessing ethical, social, and sustainability implications, and demonstrating responsible innovation and evidence-based decision-making. By cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and global perspectives, the course prepares future leaders in higher education to harness AI and emerging technologies responsibly and strategically across disciplines. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the competencies required to integrate AI and digital technologies ethically and thoughtfully into their scholarly and professional practice, driving sustainable innovation in higher education.

Learning Analytics and Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Higher Education

This course introduces students to the field of learning analytics and its application in enhancing student success in higher education. It equips students with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to interpret educational data and apply evidence-based decision-making to their pedagogy. Students will critically evaluate current trends, ethical issues, and systemic challenges associated with data collection, modeling, and interpretation. After this course, students will be empowered to use data-informed insights for continuous improvement of their teaching practices and institutional policies and act as effective mediators of learning.

Capstone Project in Teaching in Higher Education 

The capstone project provides students with the opportunity to independently investigate a topic related to teaching and learning in higher education, under the supervision of an instructor, applying the theories, principles, and research evidence acquired throughout the programme. Through this project, students will critically review and analyse relevant literature, examine contemporary trends and professional practices, and evaluate authentic challenges in higher education teaching. They will formulate and implement evidence-based solutions to address the identified issue, and professionally present their work in both oral and written formats. Students choosing this course need to complete and obtain grade B or above in the “Teaching Research in Higher Education” as a prerequisite.

Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Higher Education 

This course examines the structures, processes, and policies that govern higher education institutions, systems and academic programmes. Students will explore models of governance, including institutional hierarchy, managerialism, and stakeholder involvement, alongside key policy frameworks at national and institutional levels. Quality assurance mechanisms—such as accreditation, ranking systems, internal audits, and performance indicators—will be analysed critically in terms of their impact on institutional autonomy, accountability, and improvement. Particular attention is given to policy developments in Chinese Mainland with specific focus on the Greater Bay Area, and the relation between global standards and local priorities. Through case studies and policy analysis, students will develop skills to evaluate and influence governance arrangements that promote transparency, equity, and institutional effectiveness in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.

Student Development and Support in Higher Education

This course examines the leadership, organisation, and professional practice of student affairs and support services within higher education institutions, with a particular focus on Chinese Mainland and Greater Bay Area (GBA) contexts. Drawing on student development theories, organisational leadership models, and contemporary policy frameworks, students will explore key functional areas such as student advising, career development, residential life, mental health and well-being support, diversity and inclusion initiatives, student conduct, crisis management, and first-year experience programmes. The course integrates case studies from elite Chinese universities and GBA cross-border challenges, emphasising practical strategies for promoting student success, equity, and holistic development. Through reflective analysis and application of leadership theories, students will develop competencies to design, implement, and evaluate student support initiatives that align with institutional strategic goals and contribute to effective higher education management.

Foundations of Higher Education Management

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles, theories, and historical evolution of higher education management. Students will explore diverse models of university governance, from traditional academic-led systems to contemporary market-oriented and entrepreneurial approaches. Key topics include the market forces and institutional autonomy in shaping higher education; the impact of globalisation and digital transformation; and philosophical debates on the purposes of higher education in modern societies. Particular attention will be given to Asian and Chinese perspectives on higher education development, including the interplay between cultural traditions, policy reforms, and global influences. By the end of the course, students will develop a critical understanding of the normative and practical foundations that underpin effective leadership and management in higher education institutions today.