Higher Diploma in Industrial Internet of Things

Programme Aims

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an important technology for building smart cities and is a key technology of the future that runs parallel to artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. In line with this, HKCT has launched an Higher Diploma programme in IoT to comprehensively equip students with the necessary technical skills to enter the IoT profession, such as smart manufacturing and wireless technology. Additionally, the proramme provides internship opportunities with well-known companies, allowing students to gain exposure to various technological fields like communication and wireless sensor design. Graduates, whether aspiring for further education or employment, will possess adequate preparation and advantages for their chosen paths.

Programme Features

• The First Ever in Hong Kong: The first and only Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sub-degree programme accredited at Hong Kong Qualifications Framework Level 4 in Hong Kong.
• State-of-the-art Equipment: The ‘Internet of Things Terminal Security Lab' and 'Industrial Internet of Things Training Centre' were established to support teaching activities. Students can learn about Internet of Things concepts and technologies, such as Smart Manufacturing, Digital Twin, Wireless Technologies, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Sensors through professional equipment in laboratory. This programme offers practical, hands-on opportunities where students will build various IoT devices, test hardware equipment, and implement and debug IoT systems.
• IoT and AI Integration: This programme covers AI techniques, including machine learning algorithms, enabling students to use IoT data for predictive analysis and optimised decision-making in areas like smart homes, autonomous driving, medical monitoring, supply chain management in retail, industrial equipment monitoring, and production line optimisation.
• Strong Industry Ties: The programme is supported by renowned local and Chinese Mainland technology companies and strategic partners, including but not limited to IoT HK Association, Alibaba, Sangfor Technologies, China Unicom and China Mobile. These companies will provide support to IoT higher diploma students in terms of networks and facilities and offer exchange and training opportunities, internships, and career development to our students in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
• Renowned Academic Partners: We have jointly established a 'Joint Laboratory for Aerospace Security and Human Factors Engineering' with Tsinghua University to promote research and teaching. Additionally, we have collaborated with 'The School of Cyber Science and Technology (SCST) at Zhejiang University' and 'Shandong University of Science and Technology' to work together on talent exchange and development, and to collaborate on the development of professional skills, product manufacturing, research, and technology exchange. As a result, IoT higher diploma students can learn and exchange ideas at leading IoT institutions.

Featured Modules

• Introduction to IIoT and Smart Manufacturing
• Embedded Systems
• Programming for IoT
• Cloud Computing
• Sensor Technology Principle and Applications
• Wireless Communications and Applications

Full Programme Modules

2025 Graduation Progression

Further Education: Among graduates who pursued further studies, 90% were successfully admitted to bachelor's degree programmes, with placements including Hong Kong's UGC-funded universities. 
Employment: A 100% employment rate was achieved by graduates who entered the job market.

Articulation Pathways

Industrial Internet of Things is an interdisciplinary discipline, involving knowledge in communication technology, sensor technology, network technology, etc. 

HKCT 2+2 Articulation Scheme

Students who have completed the 2-year HKCT ‘Higher Diploma in Industrial Internet of Things’ programme will be eligible to receive admission offer^ of the 2-year CTIHE 'Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science and AI Engineering’ / ‘Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science and Cybersecurity' of senior-year entry (i.e. direct entry to the third year of the Programme). It only takes 4 years for students to achieve both Higher Diploma and Bachelor Degree qualifications.

^Students should acquire designated academic result and pass an interview, and subject to the availability of the quota.

Other Overseas and Local Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

Graduates can also articulate to overseas and local bachelor’s degree programmes (Senior year entry) in Internet of Things or Information Technology.
Graduates may apply for the following top-up bachelor's degree programmes:

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- BEng in Computer Engineering
- BEng in Computer Science 

The University of Hong Kong
- BEng in Computer Engineering
- BEng in Computer Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- BEng in Information Engineering 
- BEng in Computer Engineering
- BSc in Computer Science

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence and Information Engineering
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) in Information Security

City University of Hong Kong
- BSc Computer Science

The Education University of Hong Kong
- BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology

Employment Prospects

• The Internet of Things (IoT) has a wide range of applications and is experiencing rapid growth not only in Hong Kong but also in Chinese Mainland and globally. While smart cities, logistics, and manufacturing are important areas of application, the IoT is also playing an increasingly vital role in other industries, such as healthcare, retail, energy management, transport, agriculture, and home automation. These applications are driving the demand for IoT professionals and creating more possibilities for the future development of the IoT.
  
  Students can pursue careers in information technology or IoT-related fields, such as the design, development, management, and maintenance of communications, wireless sensors, and information security. With experience, students can advance to higher positions.

  Some IoT-related positions:
  - Embedded Systems Engineer
  - IoT Engineer
  - Cloud Engineer
  - Data Analyst
  - IoT Project Manager
  - Hardware Engineer
  - IoT Security Engineer
  - IoT Solutions Architect
  - Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The programme is supported by the numerous renowned Chinese Mainland and local technology companies which provide exchange and training opportunities, internship and career development in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to students.