FAQ
If I participate in the Co-op programme, will I be overloading?
COOP3000 (18 credits) involves full time work for at least six months, and you will not be able to take HKU credit-bearing courses during the work term. For that semester, you will only earn 18 credits through COOP3000.
How should I plan my courses and study schedule if I want to participate in the Co-op programme?
Note that you will not be enrolled in COOP3000 until you have successfully obtained a placement.
Therefore, even if you are interested or plan to participate in the Co-op programme, you should first register for your courses as per your programme plan as usual. And if the placement is eventually successful, your Faculty will enroll you in COOP3000. At the same time, you should drop the courses for that semester during the course enrolment period/add-drop period.
If I participate in the Co-op programme, will I need to extend my studies?
Enrolment in COOP3000 requires full-time work during the semester, and no other credit-bearing courses can be taken concurrently with the work term. A typical study load is five courses totaling 30 credits, so participating in the Co-op programme means you would earn 12 fewer credits that semester.
However, with careful planning, you may not need to extend your studies. You can make up the missing credits by taking additional courses in other semesters, including summer semester.
Can COOP3000 be used to fulfil the internship requirement for my study programme?
It is possible for COOP3000 to fulfil the internship requirement for some HKU programmes. You should consult your home faculty and check if your programme is included. Advance approval from your home faculty should be sought.
Does completing the required Career Preparation Modules guarantee enrolment into the Co-op programme/COOP3000?
While the Career Preparation Modules are a prerequisite for enrolling in the Co-op programme, completing them does not guarantee placement in COOP3000. Placement is competitive and depends on the number of available positions, the pool of applicants, and the selection decisions made by employers.
It’s also worth noting that the Career Preparation Modules are open to all HKU students and can be valuable preparation for a wide range of professional experiences and internships beyond the Co-op programme.
How can I access the Co-op Job Bank and will more companies be added?
You can access the Job Bank by completing this Registration Form. The Job Bank is continuously updated as new opportunities are received by the Co-op office, ensuring you have access to the latest postings.
Can I take COOP3000 while I am going on an exchange?
COOP3000 cannot be taken during an academic exchange in which you are enrolled in credit-bearing courses, as the Co-op programme requires full-time work and physical presence at the job location. These commitments are not compatible with simultaneous academic study abroad.
However, you may arrange to complete a full-time local / overseas placement for COOP3000 either before or after your exchange semester. Please note that self-initiated placements must receive prior approval from the Co-op office to ensure they align with the programme’s educational objectives and can be counted toward credit requirements.
We strongly recommend consulting with the Co-op office before making any commitments to ensure your plans meet all necessary criteria, including location, timing, and relevance of the placement.
Can I substitute their capstone internship requirement with the credits earned by COOP3000?
It may be possible to use COOP3000 to fulfil your capstone internship requirement, but this is subject to your faculty’s approval. They will need to determine whether the employer and the nature of your COOP3000 internship aligns with the requirements of your capstone course. We strongly encourage you to consult your home faculty before making any decisions.