What Is the DSE Course System?
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE or DSE) is administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). It belongs to the Category A senior secondary subjects. Mainland students following the corresponding Secondary 6 programme can sit the exam by subject. The curriculum is divided into core and elective subjects.
Core Subjects (4, Compulsory)
- Chinese Language
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Citizenship and Social Development
These four are compulsory for all candidates and form the basic gate to university admission.
Category A Elective Subjects (19)
The 23 Category A senior secondary subjects consist of 4 core plus 19 electives spanning the humanities, sciences, business and the arts, for example:
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Humanities: Chinese History, History, Geography, Economics
- Business: Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
- Others: Tourism and Hospitality Studies, Health Management and Social Care, Music, Visual Arts and more
Candidates normally take 2–3 electives.
Advantage for Mainland Students
Among Category A subjects, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Chinese History and World History largely overlap with the mainland senior secondary curriculum, so existing science fundamentals can be carried over — a significant advantage.
Examination Language and Tools
- Except for English Language, subjects can be answered in Chinese (Traditional or Simplified); Simplified Chinese characters are accepted;
- The marking criteria are identical whether answering in Chinese or English;
- Calculators are permitted in some subjects.
Result Grading
DSE results are reported in levels from 1 to 5**, with 5** the highest. Results are widely recognised by universities in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas.