Eunice Lam

Baptist University will introduce a new transdisciplinary undergraduate program in digital humanities in the next academic year that will enable students to select a second major in their third year.

First-year students enrolled in interdisciplinary degrees in 2024/25 will have the option of choosing from nine different pathways as they transition to their second year next year, with the courses beginning in their third year.

Albert Chau Wai-lap, vice president for teaching and learning, said: "Since HKBU launched four transdisciplinary undergraduate programs in the 2022/23 academic year, the university anticipates an increase in the proportion of students pursuing these degrees from 10 percent to 30 percent next year, equating to about 900 to 1,000 students."

The new program, titled bachelor of arts and science in digital futures and humanities, will offer core courses addressing global challenges, digital futures, humanities and digital technologies, with an expected first-year intake of 40 students.

Participants will also select elective courses and choose a study focus from three areas: creativity and culture, innovation, policy and value, and innovation project management.

BaptistU has said that students enrolled in transdisciplinary programs will have the opportunity to pursue a second major.

This includes seven transdisciplinary majors collaboratively offered by five of BaptistU's faculties and schools, as well as two second majors under the faculty of science: artificial intelligence and data science, and testing sciences.

Also, a new major in sports science will be added to the existing bachelor of arts in physical education and recreation management program.

"These new programs are designed to meet the future manpower needs of the city," Chau said.

When asked if the university is revamping its offerings to position itself to be better placed in the race for a planned third medical school, he said discussions about these programs began prior to last month's policy announcement that a task force would be formed for the school.

However, BaptistU has reached out to other universities regarding the medical school and has expressed its interest in submitting a proposal.

It has also established a preparatory committee composed of leading medical professionals to develop a comprehensive and viable proposal outlining the positioning and functions of the new medical school, which will primarily target second-degree students.

Baptist tackles digital realities