King's College tieup to nurse staff headache

Yu Wing Chan

HKU SPACE and King's College London have partnered to introduce programs in Hong Kong, starting with a master of science in clinical nursing program in September.

This marks the first-ever collaboration between King's College and a local institution.

HKU SPACE director William Lee Keng-mun expressed pride in the partnership, citing King's College's top rankings in nursing - first in the UK and second globally.

"It is an important achievement to have such a renowned program here," he said, pointing out the city's nursing shortage and aging population.

Approved by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong as an accredited continuing education provider, the two-year, part-time MSc clinical nursing program will be offered via distance learning.

Students will attend online lectures and seminars alongside King's College students, "making it an interactive experience through technology," said John Cribbin, deputy director of academic services at HKU SPACE.

For specialized modules, an instructor from King's College will conduct a week of face-to-face sessions at HKU SPACE annually. "It's a high-quality program we hope to offer to nursing professionals, to help them advance their careers," Cribbin added.

Applicants should be registered nurses holding a bachelor's degree with upper second-class honors and meeting English-language requirements.

Mary Malone, vice dean of education and professor of nursing at King's College, said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in transnational education.

Malone said the program "integrates theory and practice in an international setting."

"Students will be able to manage and lead autonomous care in the clinical field and to develop as managers, leaders and researchers," she said, adding that it incorporates digital strategies in health care.

The fee is HK$211,640, payable in six installments of HK$35,273, with students receiving a master's degree award from King's College.

Practical arrangements, such as recorded lectures and flexible schedules, have been made to "optimize nursing education," Malone said.

The program's application deadline is August 25.