Programme
Unique Features
1. A double-degree programme
Students enrolling in the SAG programme and successfully achieving all graduation requirements will receive two master’s degree certificates: One issued by Lingnan University and another issued by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU).
2. In-depth study of gerontology
The programme will offer a thorough knowledge of gerontology to students from physical science, social, psychological, policy and technological perspectives. With these contents, the programme stands out from existing ones in Hong Kong.
3. Ageing and technology
The programme emphasises on the gerontechnology—a combination of the latest technologies and ageing studies to design product and services to support active and productive ageing. The host universities have experience and facilities through their numerous partners to expose students to these technologies and offer them opportunities to experience and learn to apply some of these technologies.
4. Interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum to foster productive ageing
SAG is one of the few programmes that offer multidisciplinary perspectives on gerontology and active ageing by tapping into several fields of studies including nursing, data science, social sciences, and information and communication technology.
5. Opportunities for practical experience
Several courses in the programme including the SAG capstone project will give students pracdtical opportunities. The programme will enable students to put theory into practice and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems through agency visits and practice-based projects.
6. Availability of local and international institutional and professional Partnerships
The two host institutions extensive partnerships both locally and internationally. These partners provide traineeship opportunities. For example, there are partnerships with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, various healthcare centres, numerous nursing homes, various non-governmental, and business enterprises. Students can also embark on exchange programmes (including summer school at the University of Oxford, UK).
7. State-of-the-Art Research and Teaching Facilities
Lingnan University has Gerontechnology Experiential Laboratory, the Data Science Laboratory, the Animation and Digital Arts Laboratory, and the Artificial Intelligence and Education Laboratory, will provide needed facilities for courses delivered by the university as part of this programme. The School of Nursing and Health Studies (SNHS) of HKMU also has numerous laboratories for physical science experiments and practicum. These facilities will support the delivery of world-class teaching and learning and facilitate interdisciplinary studies.
8. Experienced and international Teaching Team
SAG courses are taught by a multidisciplinary team with extensive international experience in ageing and gerontology research and practice. Thus, the teaching team is conversant with the theoretical and practical aspects of gerontology and gerontechnology.
Mode of Study and Duration
Mode of study | Minimum period | Maximum period |
Full-time | 12 months | 36 months |
Part-time | 24 months | 48 months |
Programme Structure
Core Courses offered by LU (3 credits each)
- Ageing Policies in Greater China
- Research in Health and Social Services
- Positive Gerontology
- Data Analytics in Health and Health Services
Core Courses offered by HKMU (3 credits each)
- Smart Ageing
- Human Genomics: Implications for Health
- Building Resilience in the Smart Era
- Frailty Older Adults
Capstone Projects (6 credits)
- Smart Ageing and Gerontology Project
Progression Requirement
Students are required to achieve CGPA of 2.50 or above in order to proceed to the next term. CGPA of 2.50 shall be based on all courses taken during the term including those offered by HKMU.
Intermediate Award
Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma by LU if they complete not less than four courses offered by LU with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33, and do not continue in the programme.
Graduation Requirements
A student who has fulfilled all the requirements for graduation will be awarded a degree with one of the following classifications (applicable to the LU degree only) shown in table 3:
Table 3: Classification of degree awards
| Degree Classification | Minimum Cumulative G.P.A. |
| Distinction | 3.50* |
| Pass | 2.67** |
Note: These classifications are given according to the student's CGPA on courses taken that would count towards fulfilment of the graduation requirement
*Equivalent to a Cumulative GPA of 2.7 (i.e., B-) for HKMU courses transferred back to LU
** Equivalent to a Cumulative GPA of 3.7 for HKMU courses transferred back to LU. These classficiations will be same for students originally admitted by LU and those from HKMU who will qualify to receive LU degree as part of the double degree arrangements.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Graduates of SAG will be able to:
- critically evaluate the nature and impact of ageing populations and ageing policies across different regions and cultures
- apply knowledge in gerontechnology to address the emerging needs of ageing populations to promote active ageing
- apply data analytical techniques to inquire and resolve challenges in aged care and health promotion
- appraise the impact of genomic sciences advancement on the current knowledge and evidence on ageing, provision of aged care and promotion of active ageing
- develop new initiatives to build resilience capacity for health and social care workers