School: University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Graduation year: 2006

Duration of programme: Three years

Young Post: What courses did you study?

Wong: As the course name implies, there are two sections - sports science and management of leisure activities.

Generally, sports science covers anatomy, physiology, sociology, introduction to psychology, child development, sports psychology and nutrition.

We also studied sports economy, strategic management, facility design, and event, sport and leisure management.

YP: Did you have to choose one of the two streams?

W: Yes, we had to major in one stream in our final year. I took up leisure management because sports science is not well developed in Hong Kong.

YP: Which course did you enjoy the most?

W: I really liked sports psychology. As a part-time sportsman, I had to attend physical as well as psychological training sessions.

Before I took the course, I participated in psychological training without any knowledge of the theories.

But after taking the course, I realised that I shared the sports psychologist's thoughts.

That's the most interesting aspect of the course.

YP: Did the programme teach you any sport?

W: No, it didn't. But I took a course on exercise during my first year. I was introduced to sports climbing, which I'd never tried before.

I became very interested in it. I now have a Level II certificate in sports climbing.

I also wanted to take the assistant instructor course, but my schedule was too tight. I felt very tired after my fencing practice sessions.

YP: Did you do any internships at university?

W: In the summer before my final year, I helped HKU organise an expedition to India.

Some of my classmates worked in club houses and sports associations.

We also had to write a thesis. I wrote a paper about the behaviour of a group of people who went on an expedition to Taiwan. I conducted interviews with them and analysed the data.

YP: How did the course help you in your sports career?

W: The science behind the training, such as how muscles work and how I can achieve better results, contributed to my success. And I enjoyed studying the sports theories.

Michelle Chan

Admission

Applicants have to obtain at least a pass in two AL subjects, one AL subject and two AS subjects, or four AS subjects. A Grade D in AS Use of English and a Grade E in AS Chinese Language and Culture are also required.

Career prospects

Graduates can find work in the sport and leisure industry. They can provide scientific support for competitors, or become managers in their relevant field.

They can also take up jobs in club houses, sports associations, fitness centres, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and sport institutes, or further their studies.

Those who want to pursue a career in the field of education must complete a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Education, with a major in physical education. The HKU programme does not serve as a preparatory course for those who want to become physical education teachers.