The Social Sciences Common Core consists of 1-unit Common Core Course entitled ‘Invitation to Social Sciences’ and 3-unit Experiential Learning in Action (either ‘Community and Civic Engagement’ or ‘Global Outreach’) for Social Sciences undergraduate students. The aims of courses are threefold: (1) to strengthen students’ identity as a social science student and develop in them a solid conceptual understanding of the transdisciplinary nature of Social Sciences; (2) to enhance students’ social awareness, critical thinking and analytical ability so that they can identify plausible solutions to complex real-life problems; and (3) to enhance students’ global outlook, cross-cultural understanding and employability.

The major component provides 63 units of required and elective courses offered by the Department of Geography that provide students with a comprehensive training in the discipline. The Honours Project enables students to complete a piece of significant, independent study on a geographical topic of their choice under supervision of a faculty member. Moreover, all geography students must participate in the mandatory Field Camp of the Department, which is conducted during the second semester of Year III.

The aim of the GE curriculum is to provide students with a well-rounded education as part of the University’s Whole Person ethos. This involves an exposure to a wide range of transferable skills, guiding principles, and attitudes that all students will need for their future professional and personal lives. The 31 units required under the GE requirements are divided into two categories, University Core (13 units) and various GE programmes ranging from level 1 to level 3, including foundational courses, interdisciplinary thematic courses, and GE Capstone (18 units).

“Electives” serve to encourage a free pursuit of academic interests. They may be used to pursue a minor (with a minimum of 15 units), strengthen the major field, or choose other courses of general interest in different disciplines, or which a student considers to be useful for their future careers or postgraduate studies.

At least one course from each of the following four areas