General Education Courses

Shaw College’s General Education (GE) courses uphold the University’s vision of "Whole Person Education". Through interdisciplinary and service-learning courses, the programme cultivates students' pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and broadens their horizons while enhancing generic skills. The curriculum covers diverse fields, including humanities, sciences, social sciences, business innovation, globalisation issues, as well as topics on adapting to university life and emotional well-being. Students may select courses based on their interests and academic backgrounds.

Students admitted in 2025/26 or thereafter must complete one service-learning course, aiming to encourage students to engage in community service, fostering civic responsibility through practice and reflection.

Study Requirements 

Shaw College students must complete one to two generic GE course and/or service-learning course as specified in the University’s Undergraduate Handbook . Key requirements are summarized below:

For Students Admitted in 2025/26 or thereafter
4-Year CurriculumOne Service-Learning Course^6 credits
One Generic GE Course
Senior-Year EntryOne Service-Learning Course^3 credits

^ Priority enrollment for service-learning courses is given to students admitted in 2025/26 and thereafter during course registration period under CUSIS. Students are recommended to complete service-learning courses within the first two years of study.

For Students Admitted in 2024/25 or before
4-Year CurriculumTwo Generic GE Courses or Service-Learning Courses#6 credits
Senior-Year EntryOne Generic GE Course or Service-Learning Course#3 credits

# Priority enrollment for service-learning courses is given to students admitted in 2025/26 and thereafter during course registration period under CUSIS. Students admitted in 2024/25 or before who are interested in taking service-learning courses may add courses with remaining quotas under CUSIS during add/drop period.
 

Course List 

Term 1, 2025/26
 

Related Links 

Registration and Examinations Section, Registry 

CUHK General Education Office 
 

Enquiries

General Enquiries / Enquiries about Generic GE Courses 
Ms. Kanna Chan (Tel: 3943 7356 / Email: kannachan@cuhk.edu.hk)

Enquiries about Service-learning Courses 
Mr. Chris Chu (Tel: 3943 8597 / Email: chrischu@cuhk.edu.hk)
 

General Enquiries

How to apply for late add-drop College GE course?

Students may submit a late add/drop application via CUSIS. Please refer to the application guidelines on the Registration and Examinations Section website for details.

How to apply for fulfilling College GE requirements with other courses?

Students may take specific courses (e.g., double-coded courses) to fulfill College GE requirements. After completing the relevant course, please fill in the application form and email it to Ms. Chan (kannachan@cuhk.edu.hk) of the College Office.

How to apply for exemption from College GE courses and credits?

If students wish to apply for exemption from College GE courses and credits using courses taken at other institutions, you may first email the College Office with details of the substitute course for preliminary approval by the responsible teacher. After successfully completing the course, students must fill in the online form on CUSIS, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee.

 

Service-Learning Courses

When should I take service-learning course?

Students admitted in the 2025/26 academic year or thereafter are recommended to complete one service-learning course within their first two years of study.

What are the differences among various classes of GESC1230?

All GESC1230 courses share the same core content. However, they are divided into different course codes (e.g., AA, BA) based on the natures of the service or the service recipients. For details, please refer to the course outlines.

Any matters I should pay attention to before enrolling in a service-learning course?

To align with the course syllabus, some courses require students to participate in off-campus fieldwork and service activities outside regular class hours. Before enrolling in a service-learning course, students should review the service schedule listed in its course outline and ensure you are able to attend all classes and service sessions. Late arrivals or absences may result in grade deductions or a fail grade (FF).

In addition, students should possess the necessary language proficiency to be conducted in lectures and service activities that are specified in the course list.

Can I continue to take the service-learning course if I realize that I am unable to attend all classes and service sessions after course enrollment?

Late arrivals or absences may result in grade deductions or a fail grade (FF). Students should consult with the course instructor and submit a leave application before the end of the add/drop period on CUSIS. Continuation is only permitted upon approval.

Is ELTU2008 a Service-Learning course recognised by the College?

ELTU2008 is recognised both as a College-approved Service-Learning course and an ELTU elective course.

If a student has already completed a GESC Service-Learning course and then takes ELTU2008, it will be counted as an ELTU elective course.

If a student takes ELTU2008 without having completed any GESC Service-Learning course, ELTU2008 will be directly counted as a College GE Service-Learning course.

If I take ELTU2008 to fulfill the service-learning requirement, do I need to submit an application to the College?

The CUSIS system will automatically classify ELTU2008 as a College GE Service-Learning course upon enrollment. Students do not need to submit the “Application for Using Other Course to Fulfil College General Education Requirement” after completing the course.

Which service-learning courses are offered each term?

The College will publish the full course list for each term on its website prior to the course registration period.

Can I take multiple service-learning courses?

Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, all students may take only one service-learning course. Students who have completed ELTU2008 are not permitted to enroll in GESC1230, GESC2330 or GESC2360.