Major / Transdisciplinary Second Major / Second Major 

1. Students taking an FM with a TSM / SM will be required to complete 134 units for graduation. Please refer to the curriculum structure.
2. The unit requirements for TSMs / SMs are 42 units, with at least 15 units of higher-level courses (i.e., 3xxx or above).

Declaration of a TSM / 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.

Withdrawal from the TSM / SM

Students may, with the approval of the TSM Coordinator and the Programme Director of the major programme, opt out from a TSM / SM and switch back to the study of a single disciplinary major in the end of the third year of studies.

1. Students taking an FM and a TSM/SM must fulfill the graduation requirements of both the FM and the TSM/SM before they can graduate, i.e., students cannot graduate with an FM only or TSM/SM only.
2. The completion of the FM and TSM/SM will be recorded on the academic transcript of student as well as the graduation diploma.
3. When students choose a course to fulfil the FM or TSM/SM requirements, its course group should be under the FM or TSM/SM.

For more information about TSMs: https://transdisciplinary.hkbu.edu.hk/dtup/programmes_tsm.php

For questions regarding course registration, please contact the FM and TSM/SM concerned.

1. How and when can I apply for a Transdisciplinary Second Major (TSM) or a Second Major (SM)?
   
   Ans: There will be a formal declaration procedure for students to make a declaration in the second semester of their second year of studies.
2. If my programme is not on the eligible programme list, can I still declare a TSM or SM? Can I still make a declaration after the deadline of 24 January 2026?
   
   Ans: 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.
3. I am a student admitted to senior years (i.e. direct entry to Year 2 or Year 3) in the 2024/25 academic year. Am I eligible to apply for a TSM or SM?
   
   Ans: Students admitted to senior years and dual/double/combined/transdisciplinary degree programmes are not eligible.
4. What is the curriculum structure of an FM with a TSM or SM?
   
   Ans: The unit requirement for a TSM and SM is 42 units, taken with an FM of 48 units. Students taking an FM with a TSM or SM will be required to take a total of 134 units for graduation (6 units more than the regular graduation requirement for students taking a single disciplinary major).
5. I notice that the required units for FM will be reduced to 48 units. Where can I find the revised curriculum?
   
   Ans: 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.
6. Can I choose to take my honours project from the TSM?
   
   Ans: No. Each student is required to complete only one honours project, which must be taken from the FM.
7. I notice that double counting is allowed between my FM and TSM or SM. Can I take fewer units to fulfil the graduation requirements in this case?
   
   Ans: 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.
8. Can I still take a minor programme if I declare a TSM or SM?
   
   Ans: 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.
9. What is the difference between a minor and TSM / SM?
   
   Ans: A minor only consists of a minimum of 15 units, whereas a TSM or SM consists of 42 units. In addition, although both a minor and a TSM or SM will be shown on the transcript, only the TSM or SM will be shown on the diploma.
10. Can I still participate in an exchange programme if I declare a TSM or SM?
    
    Ans: 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.
11. Can I declare more than one TSM/SM with preferences?
    
    Ans: No. Students can only declare one TSM or SM.
12. Can I change from one TSM or SM to another after declaring for a TSM or SM?
    
    Ans: Once declared, students are not allowed to change their TSM or SM.
13. Are there any selection criteria for TSM or SM, and will I be admitted to my preferred TSM or SM once I declare it?
    
    Ans: 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.
14. Can I opt out of a TSM or SM and switch back to my single major after declaring for a TSM or SM?
    
    Ans: 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.
15. Can I declare another TSM or SM after opting out of a TSM or SM?
    
    Ans: No, once opted out, students are not allowed to declare for another TSM or SM.
16. I cannot complete the FM and TSM or SM requirements in four years, can I be allowed to extend my study period?
    
    Ans: Requiring additional time to complete the FM and TSM or SM is not considered a valid reason for granting a concessional year of study.
17. Will my study of TSM or SM be shown on the transcript and graduation diploma?
    
    Ans: Yes, the study of a TSM or SM will be shown on the transcript and graduation diploma of the student.
18. Will TSM/SM courses clash with the schedules of FM courses?
    
    Ans: 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.
19. Can I enrol in the TSM/SM courses that I am interested in, and will the prerequisite requirements be waived for TSM elective courses?
    
    Ans: 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.