Minor Programmes at SYU

Facing an ever changing and globalized world, one must be equipped with diversified skills and knowledge in response to societal needs. Our minor programmes aim at providing a broad category of education required to support our students’ majors and career goals. Students are trained to analyze critically and creatively through interdisciplinary perspectives. The goal of the programmes is to fuel students’ lifelong learning, in the hope of enhancing their personal competencies and attuning to social and global changes.
 

Why do we need a minor?

To enrich the learning experience and employability of our students, the University started offering undergraduate minor programmes in the academic year of 2016/17. Students have the option to study another subject, broaden their level of expertise, and enhance their prospects of future career development.

 

There are three reasons for taking a minor:

  • Paving career pathways and benefiting to personal development;
  • Providing interdisciplinary Knowledge and perspectives for further studies and research; 
  • Pursuing talents, interests, and passion for personal growth.
 

Departments which offer minor programmes:

For students of Year 1 entry can express their interest in pursuing a minor during the second semester of their first year of studies. For students of  Year 2/3 Entry can express their interest in pursuing a minor upon admissions in late August. Students must at least achieve 15 credits to pass a minor programme. Please refer to the Guidance Notes on Minor Programmes  for more details. 

Due to the intensive curricula of particular departments or requirements by professional bodies or registration boards, students of the following major programmes are not allowed to join the minor programme scheme: BA (Hons) in Media Design & Immersive Technology, BCom (Hons) in Law & Business and BSW (Hons).
 

Department Minor Programme Offered (1) Minor Programme Offered (2) Minor Programme Offered (3)
Accounting Minor in Accounting#
(On or before 2018/19 AY)
(2019/20 AY onwards)		 - -
Business Administration Minor in Business Administration
(On or before 2017/18 AY)
(2018/19 AY onwards)
 		 Minor in Entrepreneurship
(2021/22 AY onwards)		 -
Economics and Finance Minor in Economics Minor in Finance Minor in FinTech
(2022/23 AY onwards)
Counselling and Psychology Minor in Psychology# - -
Sociology Minor in Sociology
(On or before 2020/21 AY)
(2020/21 AY onwards)		 - -
Social Work Minor in Social Work#
(On or before 2022/23 AY)
(2023/24 AY onwards)		 - -
Chinese Language and Literature Minor in Chinese Language and Literature
(On or before 2019/20 AY)
(2020/21 AY onwards)		 - -
English Language and Literature Minor in Literary and Cultural Studies Minor in Linguistics and Translation -
History

Minor in History 
(On or before 2020/21AY) 
(2021/22 AY onwards)

 - -
Journalism and Communication Minor in Journalism and Mass Communication
(On or before 2020/21 AY)
(2021/22 AY onwards)		 - -
# These Undergraduate Minor Programmes will not lead to the same professional recognition as students who complete the programmes as a major.

How to Choose a Minor?

Follow the Steps

  • Seek advice from your advisor, teachers, or peers;
  • Identify your direction after graduation;
  • Explore the possibilities of your minor choices;
  • Inquire about the detailed information for the targeted minor programme.

Checklist

  • Consult your student advisor; 
  • Declare your minor interests;
  • Understand the requirements for selection of electives in the Minor Department.

Procedures of taking a Minor

  Year 1 Entry Year 2 Entry Year 3 Entry 
First Year of Study Express interest in pursuing a Minor and prioritize the elective choices for Minor studies in the 2ndsemester of year-1 study by 31 January    
Second Year of Study   

Express interest in pursuing a Minor and prioritize the elective choices for Minor studies upon admissions in late August.

  
Third Year of Study Declare the progress of completing the minor in the 2nd semester of year-3 study.  Declare the progress of completing the minor in the 2nd semester of year-3 study. 

Express interest in pursuing a Minor and prioritize the elective choices for Minor studies upon admissions in late August.

Declare the progress of completing the minor in the 2nd semester of year-3 study. 
Forth Year of Study Make a formal declaration of the completion of the minor in the 2nd  semester of year-4 study.   Make a formal declaration of the completion of the minor in the 2nd semester of year-4 study.  Make a formal declaration of the completion of the minor in the 2nd semester of year-4 study. 

 

Q&A

1. Is it compulsory to take Minor Programme?

Minor Programme is not compulsory, students can decide whether or not to enroll it according to their own learning situation.

2. Are there any special requirements for taking Minor programme?

There are no special requirements for Minor, the main consideration is mainly based on one’s learning interest, abilities, personal development and career planning.

3. What should students pay attention to when taking a Minor?

There are three procedures to be noted:
1. Students will be invited to express interest in pursuing a Minor during the designated period in their first year of study via Moodle;

2. During the second semester of Year 3, students will be invited to declare the progress of the completion of Minors via Moodle. Those who have completed 60% or more will be given priority in Year 4 to register for courses to complete their Minors.

3. Students who have completed or are on the verge of completing their Minors will be required to make a formal declaration to the Registry via Moodle in the Second Semester of Year 4 by the stipulated deadline (Usually in March of the year).

4. Can students change their Minor programme?
Before formal declaration in Semester 2 of Year 4, students may change their Minor Programme and make use of the Free Elective credits to choose their desired Minor courses during course enrolment. However, students will not be given priority to register for courses if they could not complete 60% or more by the end of Year 3. If students have completed or are on the verge of completing their Minor will be required to make a formal declaration to the Registry via Moodle in the Second Semester of Year 4 by the stipulated deadline. In addition, students are advised to consult with their Departmental Student advisor before changing their Minor programmes.
5. Can the credits for prior study or off-campus exchange be transferred to count toward the Minor credits?

Yes. Credit transfer for Minor courses from prior recognised academic study or study abroad should not exceed 6 credits, and is subject to the discretion of the HoD of the student's chosen Minor Programme.

6. Can overlap course(s) that have been taken as Major requirements be counted toward the Minor credits?

Double counting of overlapping courses (with Major) is allowed for up to 6 credits.

7. Does the Graduation Certificate show the completed Minors?

Minors completed will be specified in the Academic Transcript, but not on the Graduation Certificate.

8. Does the Minor Programme have the same professional qualifications as the Major Programme?

Minor Programme does not have the professional qualification, it greatly benefits students' career pathways and personal development.