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Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

Introduction

HKCT Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

In recent years, the rapid development of the sharing economy, O2O business models, IoT, cloud services, big data, and AI—along with emerging sectors like FinTech, ArtTech, social media, the metaverse, XR, and Web 3.0 —has fuelled a continuous rise in market demand for programming talent. As society remains constantly connected to devices, the growing need for online applications and digital entertainment creates exciting opportunities for developers to innovate and expand their careers.

This programme has software development at its core, with mobile applications and game development as key training areas, equipping students to become professionals in these fields.

This programme has been included in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). HKCT is the only institute to offer SSSDP sub-degree programmes in the 'Computer Science' discipline for 8 consecutive years.

Programme Enquiry: WhatsApp

Professional Qualification

Students who enrol in the Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development) can apply to become Student Members of 'The Hong Kong Computer Society' (HKCS), and upon graduation, they may consider applying to become Associate Members.
Students may also apply for Student Membership or Affiliate Membership with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association.

Contents

Programme Aims

Generation Z and Generation Alpha have grown up in the digital era, where gaming is not only a form of leisure but a vital social medium. Driven by Web 3.0, models like GameFi and Play-to-Earn (P2E) are introducing new economic structures to the industry. Simultaneously, various sectors are increasingly utilising gaming elements to create innovative digital customer experiences, driving market demand for skilled technical developers. Furthermore, tech giants are actively expanding into XR (Extended Reality) and AI technologies, creating unprecedented opportunities for programmers and software developers.

In response to these trends, this programme aims to help students embark on their learning journey in mobile game and app development, equipping them with essential technical foundations to prepare for future careers in the industry. In addition to mobile game development, this programme covers full-stack web and mobile application development, enabling students to explore broader opportunities in the digital technology sector, advance their careers as developers, and expand their higher education options.

Programme Contents

The Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development) places a dual focus on mobile application and mobile game development. It equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to develop full-stack responsive websites, native and cross-platform mobile applications, and small-scale 2D/3D mobile games using contemporary technologies and development approaches. The programme aims to address the increasing demand for multi-skilled developers in software firms and prepares students for further studies in related fields.

Programme Features

Meeting Keen Demand for Talents: HKCT is the only institute offering SSSDP sub-degree programmes in the 'Computer Science' discipline for 8 consecutive years.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: The programme offers comprehensive training in full-stack web and mobile app development, cross-platform mobile game development, and emerging AI and XR technologies (AR, VR, MR), preparing students for the dynamic demands of the mobile application and entertainment sectors.
Diverse Development Techniques: Students acquire skills to create hybrid and native applications for Android, iOS, and cross-platform mobile application software development. This programme enables students to master the latest development methods in the industry.
Professional Game Development Training: The curriculum incorporates modern game engines and modelling software for creating 2D and 3D mobile games and assets.
Solid Foundations: The programme provides a solid grounding in core computing and specialised areas, setting the stage for further advanced studies and professional advancement.
Career Preparation: Through hands-on assignments and projects that mirror real-world scenarios, students apply their knowledge in practical settings.
Diverse Academic Progression: Graduates can enrol in undergraduate programmes related to information technology and digital entertainment, or other programmes across different disciplines.
Professional Membership: Students can seek membership in the Hong Kong Computer Society and the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, enjoying access to the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Industry Fresh Graduate Support Scheme job matching platform.

Featured Modules

Open Mobile Software Design
Proprietary Mobile Software Design
Game Asset Development
2D Mobile Game Development
3D Mobile Game Development
Immersive Applications and Game Development
Cross Platform Mobile Application Development
Server-Side Web Development

Full Programme Module

Star Teacher

Vincent Lam

Experienced Game Designer
Lecturer
Winner of Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Excellence Awards

Student Works

Student Work - Greedy Puppy

Student Work - IXTAL

Student Work - Dragon Death

Student Work - Ghost Island

Graduation Pathway

Articulation:

Graduates can enrol in various undergraduate programmes in related disciplines or across different disciplines. These include UGC-funded programmes, SSSDP/NMTSS programmes, self-financed programmes, and overseas degree programmes (some programmes offer the possibility of completion within one year)
HKCT 2+2 Articulation Scheme

【100% Degree Articulation】Students who have completed the 2-year HKCT ‘Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)’ will be eligible to receive an admission offer^ to the 2-year CTIHE 'Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science and AI Engineering’ / ‘Bachelor of Science (Hons) 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's Degree qualifications.

^Students should achieve the designated academic result and pass an interview. Admission is subject to quota availability.

Graduates are eligible to enrol in other bachelor’s degree programmes which including, but not limited to:

Information Technology and Computer Engineering

BEng in Computer Engineering (HKUST)
BEng in Computer Science (HKUST)
B.Sc. in Computer Science (CUHK)
B.Eng. in Computer Engineering (CUHK)
Bachelor of Science in Information Management (HKU)
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Social Data Science (HKU)
Bachelor of Engineering – Electronic and Electrical Engineering (CityU)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Security (PolyU)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Computing and AI (Computer Science / Enterprise Information Systems) (PolyU)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK)
BSc (Hons) Computer Engineering (HKMU)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (HKMU)
BSc (Hons) Cyber and Computer Security (HKMU)
BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (HKMU)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (HKCHC)

Interactive Media Design and Digital Entertainment

Bachelor of Science in Creative Media (CityU)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Interaction Design) (PolyU)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design (Media Design) (PolyU)
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in New Music and Interactive Entertainment (HKMU)

Education

Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) - Information and Communication Technology (EdUHK)
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) - Mathematics (EdUHK)

Overseas Articulation

BSc (Hons) Computing (Abertay University)

Employment:

Graduates are equipped to launch successful careers in a range of dynamic roles, including:
Development: With solidprogramming skills, graduates can pursue various positions, including Mobile Application Developer, Web Developer, Front-end/Full Stack Developer, E-Commerce Developer, Multimedia Developer, Game Developer, and XR Developer.
Design: With knowledge of application and game development, programming and interface design, graduates can work as UX Designers for websites, mobile applications, games, and more.
Management and Support: With an understanding of programming and the development process of applications and games, graduates can be competent as Project Management Personnel responsible for coordinating the development team or as System Support Personnel.

After gaining experience, one can be promoted to a System Analyst, and even to positions such as Project Manager or System Manager.

Internship

Students have the opportunity to join placement and exchange programmes in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, or overseas during the summer. These experiences broaden horizons and allow students to apply their programming and game development knowledge in practical settings.

Student Activities and Competition

The computer game 'Music Universe', designed by students, was awarded 1st runner-up at the 'New Music and Interactive Entertainment Competition'

青春「遊」你—遊戲建模師培養實習計劃

Students showcased their created computer games at the ‘Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival 2024’

Students showcased their created computer games at the ‘Inno4life - Creative Culture and Technological Innovation Exhibition’

First-year students participated in the ‘Personal Financial Ambassador Programme’, creating electronic games to promote financial education and earned a silver award

Students won the Excellent Financial Education Project Sliver Award in 'Personal Finance Ambassador Programme'

Students won the Excellent Financial Education Project Bronze Award in 'Personal Finance Ambassador Programme'

Student Leung Hon Fung, inspired by Monopoly, designed an application in the ‘Personal Finance Ambassador Programme’ and won the Excellent Financial Education Project Award.

Programme Details

Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2026

Duration

2 Years

Location

HKCT Jockey Club Undergraduate Campus

Entry Requirements

Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects¹, including Chinese Language² and English Language, and the performance in Applied Learning subjects would be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or
Holder of Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or
Holder of Diploma and
- in the relevant discipline at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits; and
- learning contents covering Chinese and English Languages; or
Aged 21 or above with 1 year working experience; or
Equivalent qualifications;
AND
Pass the admission interview.

¹ With effective from 2024/25, 'Attained' in 'Citizenship and Social Development' (equivalent to 'Level 2' for the HKDSE subject 'Liberal Studies' before 2024/25), or the attainment of 'Level 2' in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as meeting the general entry requirements.
² 'Attained' level of Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is accepted as Chinese Language qualification for the admission, but it is not considered as an elective subject.

Teaching Facilities

Mobile App and Game Development Computer Lab

Mobile Applications and Game Development Computer Labs
The labs are equipped with professional software, providing students with a comprehensive game development and programming learning experience. Students can use the game development engine Unity to design 2D and 3D games and utilise Autodesk 3ds Max for modelling. In addition, software for developing Android and iOS mobile applications. such as Android Studio and Xcode, is also available.

Student Sharings

Scholarship
Outstanding Extra-curricular Performance Award, Outstanding Achievement in Open Competitions, Outstanding Performance Scholarship of Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme from Education Bureau

Articulation
Bachelor of Science in Information Management (HKU)

‘HKCT instructors provided support even after class, sharing practical industry knowledge to prepare us for real-world game development. They encouraged us to enter competitions to hone our skills and improve our game design techniques. Teaming up with classmates, we won awards in several competitions, which was a great affirmation of our efforts.'

Scholarship
Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Outstanding Academic Performance Award, Outstanding Performance Scholarship of Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme from Education Bureau, Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Committee Scholarship

Internship
HKSTP NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme 

Conditional acceptance from the following UGC-funded programmes
- BEng in Computer Engineering (HKUST)
- BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering (CityU)
- BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK)

'This programme covers a wide range of content and keeps pace with the latest technological developments, allowing us to grasp current industry techniques. HKCT has excellent instructors who provide professional guidance even outside of class hours. They are eager to communicate with us and encourage constant innovation. This has inspired me to create mobile games and applications and share my creative achievements with everyone.'

Scholarship
Outstanding Performance Scholarship of Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme from Education Bureau

Internship
HKSTP NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme 

Conditional acceptance from the following UGC-funded programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Security (PolyU)
- BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK)

'In addition to acquiring a wealth of knowledge, these two years of learning have yielded valuable experiences and strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, laying a solid foundation for my further studies'

Articulation
BSc (Hon) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (EdUHK)

'This programme gave me a good understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of computing. I was able to design and build various projects, from app development to game development, which enabled me to become more proficient in this field. The hands-on experience of bringing my ideas to life was invaluable, as it allowed me to apply theoretical concepts to develop practical skills. As a result, I have decided to continue my studies to take my abilities to the next level.'

Scholarship
Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Outstanding Academic Performance Award, Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Committee Scholarship

Internship
China Unicom (Hong Kong) Operations Ltd, Assistant R&D Engineer (Intern), Department of Digitalization (Smart Network & Innovation Center)

Articulation
Bachelor of Science in Creative Media (CityU)

'The tutors teach with dedication. They are enthusiastic about helping students and are willing to answer all our questions. They have greatly reduced the obstacles on my learning journey and have increased my enthusiasm for learning. I am also grateful to HKCT for recommending me for the internship and to China Unicom for providing this valuable and practical experience.'

Choi Chun Kit
Graduate of Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

'Learning at HKCT was a pleasant experience for me. I have learnt different development approaches for different kinds of apps and games in this programme. I developed a website with my classmates to promote smart spending for The Chin Family Personal Finance Ambassador Programme and won the Excellent Financial Education Project Bronze Award. I enjoyed the internship opportunity working as a mobile app developer at the Science Park. I had the honour of receiving the EBD SPSS Outstanding Performance Scholarship. After graduation, I chose to pursue further studies, majoring in computing and interactive entertainment at university to realise my dream of being a game developer.'

Lo Ho Dan
Graduate of Higher Diploma in Computer Studies (Mobile Applications and Game Development)

'HKCT offered a supportive teaching environment and facilities which improved my academic knowledge and professional abilities. HKCT also provided us with different career-related information through company visits and seminars, which enhanced my understanding of the industry and market needs. Social workers at HKCT were also willing to give valuable advice and guidance regarding my career development.'

Tuition Fees and Assistance

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $58,984 Year 2: $64,848

The tuition fee above is under 2026/27 Cohort.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2026/27 academic year, a subsidy of up to $23,390 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $35,594.Please note that only local students* are eligible for the relevant subsidy.
*Including the applicants holding the "dependent visa" or other special visas. For more information, please visit the web page.

Assistance

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) (Including Student Travel Subsidy(STS))
The Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)
Student Travel Subsidy
Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors

Scholarships and Grants

CT Entrance Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement
Scholarship for Best Talents
Community Services Scholarship
Overseas Activities, Conference & Travel Grants Scholarship

QF Level

The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.

QF level：4

QR Registration No.：18/000256/L4

Registration Validity Period：1/9/2018 to 31/8/2029

Other Information

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this higher diploma programme.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2026/2027 academic year, a subsidy of up to $23,390 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $35,594. Only local students are eligible for the subsidy under SSSDP.

Related programme

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