The School of Education and Languages is dedicated to integrating academic research with professional practice and to actively expanding students' learning and training opportunities in real-world professional settings. To further strengthen the connection between academic training and clinical practice, the School has recently established a formal partnership with Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital. Upon the signing of a cooperation agreement, both parties have jointly established a “Master's Practicum Base” to provide a structured and professionally oriented clinical training platform for students enrolled in the Master of Science programme in Communication Sciences and Child Language Disorders (MSCCSCLDF).
Recently, Professor Andy Chin, Dean of the School of Education and Languages, Professor Hintat Cheung, Honorary Professor of the School of Education and Languages, and Dr. Emily Ge, Programme Leader of MSCCSCLDF, visited Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital. During the visit, representatives from both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on clinical practicum arrangements, professional training models, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration for postgraduate students. By integrating academic knowledge, evidence-based practice, and extensive clinical experience, the collaboration aims to support the MSCCSCLDF students in developing essential competencies in clinical assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and parent counselling, thereby strengthening their professional expertise and practical skills.
This partnership has also enabled the School to gain deeper insights into the latest practices and service needs related to maternal and child healthcare, as well as child language and communication development in Chinese Mainland. These insights will inform the ongoing enhancement of curriculum design and the strengthening of practice-based teaching. Through close collaboration with clinical professional teams, the School seeks to promote the translation of academic research outcomes in clinical contexts, advance two-way exchange between academia and clinical sector, and, through the establishment of the “Master's Practicum Base,” nurture professionals with strong professional competence, rich practical experience, and a keen sense of social responsibility. This initiative also exemplifies HKMU's mission as a University of Applied Sciences by deepening industry engagement, enhancing practice-oriented teaching, and strengthening the impact of its professional training on society.
