It is important for future-shaping talent to be able to innovate for solutions for real-world complex problems via transdisciplinary collaboration.

The Transdisciplinary Second Major (TSM) provides this learning opportunity. HKBU students can now mix and match their first major (FM) with another TSM to develop transdisciplinary problem-solving skills, which are considered instrumental by employers of diverse industries and different stakeholders in society.

Starting from AY2024/25, students enrolled in designated single-discipline majors can apply to convert a 60-unit single-discipline* major to a combination of

• 48-unit first major (FM)
• 42-unit Transdisciplinary Second major (TSM) (with at least 15 units of higher-level courses (i.e., 3xxx or above).
• 44-unit GE/Electives
• Complete 134 units for graduation (6 units more than the regular requirement of 128 units).
• Up to 9-unit = double-counted between the FM and TSM. However, higher-level courses cannot be double-counted

*Please refer to the University Student Handbook for your programme structure and requirements.

Each TSM is jointly offered by at least three faculties with an emphasis on experiential learning experience. All TSM students will be required to take a common core course on Transdisciplinary Inquiries and Methodologies, where they will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with each other to experience transdisciplinary problem solving.

In addition to the seven TSMs, the two additional Second Major (SMs) are

1. Students admitted in or after the 2024/25 academic year are eligible to declare a TSM / SM.
2. Students admitted to senior years and to dual / double / combined / transdisciplinary degree programmes are not eligible.
3. Students of the below major programmes are eligible to declare a TSM / SM. List of eligible major programmes
   
   

   • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese Language and Literature
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative and Professional Writing
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Humanities
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Physical Education and Recreation Management
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
     • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation
     • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in European Studies
     • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Geography
     • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Global and China Studies
     • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Government and International Studies
     • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology
   • School of Business (BUS)
     • Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours)
   • School of Communication (COMM)
     • Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in Journalism and Digital Media
     • Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in Public Relations and Advertising
   • Faculty of Science (SCI)
     • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemical and Testing Sciences
     • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Green Energy and Smart Technology
     • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematics and Statistics

1. Login to BUniPort (https://buniport.hkbu.edu.hk/)
2. Click Studies > My e-Application > On-line e-Application > Registration & Study Progression > Declaration of TSM/SM
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your declaration

Students may modify their selection by resubmitting the online form during the declaration period. Please note that only the latest submission will be considered their final choice, and it cannot be changed.

For your First Major study curriculum, please refer to the AR website:
https://handbook.ar.hkbu.edu.hk/2025-2026/academic-programmes/undergraduate-programmes/first-major-fms-and-transdisciplinary-second-major-tsms

The graduation diploma will explicitly indicate if a student has taken a TSM or SM, distinguishing between a regular major and a 48-unit FM combined with a 42-unit TSM or SM.

The study of a TSM / SM should normally commence in the third year of the students’ studies. Eligible students who wish to graduate with a TSM / SM are required to make a declaration by the second semester of their second year of studies. Once declared, students are not allowed to change the choice of the TSM /SM. Subject to the decision of the TSM / SM, students will be assigned to a TSM / SM in the third year of their studies.

No, only the 19 programmes listed here are eligible to declare a TSM or SM. Additionally, students admitted to senior years and dual/double/combined/transdisciplinary degree programmes are not eligible.

No, students must make the declaration by the stipulated deadline.

Students may, with the approval of the TSM Coordinator and the programme director of the student's programme, opt out and switch back to the single disciplinary major after declaring for a TSM or SM by the end of their third year of study. Students should seek the advice of the academic adviser before the decision is made.

Yes, students who have successfully accumulated 15 units required for a minor programme may apply for graduation with a minor in mid-April of their final year of studies. Minor programme requirements should be fulfilled using free elective units.

Yes, you can participate in an exchange programme. However, you are advised to communicate with your Faculty/School and your TSM/SM Coordinator regarding your study plan.

You can find the revised curriculum and detailed requirements here. It is important that you refer to the revised curriculum in taking courses in Years 3 and 4. A combined FM+TSM or SM study schedule will also be produced to guide you in the selection of courses.

Requiring more time to complete the FM and TSM or SM is not considered a valid reason for allowing a concessional year of study.

Students’ declaration of the preferred TSM or SM will be sent to the relevant TSM or SM, which shall determine if they can be admitted. Currently, no TSM or SM has set any selection criteria.

No, you are still required to complete a total of 134 units for graduation, which is 6 units more than the regular requirement for students pursuing a single disciplinary major, even if some courses can be double-counted. Up to 9 units of double counting are allowed between FM and TSM or SM. However, higher-level courses (3xxx and above) cannot be double-counted. There is no restriction on the courses to be taken to make up the double-counted units.

Once declared, students are not allowed to change their TSM or SM.

Yes, completion of a TSM or SM will be shown on both the transcript and the graduation diploma.

Once you are accepted into a TSM/SM programme, you will follow a combined FM+TSM/SM study schedule starting from Year 3. If you adhere to the combined FM+TSM/SM study schedule in course enrolment, there should be no clash in the schedule of the core courses of the FM and TSM/SM. However, there is the possibility that some courses may need to be scheduled for weekday evenings or Saturdays.

TSM/SM core courses will be assigned to you, while enrolment in TSM/SM elective courses is subject to quota availability. Securing a place in TSM/SM electives will only be guaranteed in Year 4, i.e., the final year of your studies. You must fulfil the prerequisite requirements of the courses, if there are any.