Overview

The Business English programme ranks among the earliest higher national diploma courses established at our institution. Its educational philosophy centres on a "Practice-Driven" curriculum model underpinned by an "English + Business" framework, cultivating highly skilled professionals with strong English proficiency, adept communication skills, and expertise in international trade. Through systematic specialised courses and diverse practical activities both on and off campus, students consolidate their English language foundations while mastering fundamental international business theories. A multi-faceted curriculum, student-centred smart management, and extensive English training camps stimulate learning enthusiasm and enhance academic outcomes. This holistic approach elevates students' language proficiency, communication and collaboration skills, and practical business capabilities to meet diverse future career paths, cultivating applied business English professionals grounded in urban contexts and committed to societal service. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Blue Ocean Strategy have opened broader employment prospects for graduates of this programme. They enjoy favourable career development opportunities across sectors including foreign-funded, joint-venture, and domestic enterprises; e-commerce; schools; and educational training institutions.

Why choose Business English (Higher National Diploma)?

• Broad career prospects. The Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, and the Blue Ocean Strategy have opened up expansive employment opportunities for Business English graduates. Career advancement prospects are favourable across foreign-funded, joint venture, and domestic enterprises, e-commerce, educational institutions, and training organisations.
• English-centred, trade-oriented, business-focused curriculum with practical application emphasis: The programme's curriculum integrates English, foreign trade, and business studies while prioritising practical application. It provides rigorous training in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing to build a solid foundation and enhance language proficiency. Concurrently, it cultivates high-calibre, skilled professionals equipped with foreign trade knowledge and theory, an understanding of international business practices, and strong cross-cultural communication abilities – all aligned with market demands.
• Seamless progression between language output and practical courses: The programme prioritises students' English speaking, writing, and other language output competencies alongside practical foreign trade skills. Courses in listening, speaking, writing, and practical application are structured with three years of continuous progression. Tailored to the programme's specialisation and the learning context of vocational students, emphasis is placed on both linguistic output and hands-on implementation.
• Progressive transition between language and business courses: The programme adheres to a "progressive" principle in course difficulty. It first establishes a solid language foundation through first-year courses covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Subsequently, business-related specialised modules are progressively introduced, transitioning from general English listening/speaking/reading to business English listening/speaking/reading, and from general writing to more advanced modules like business correspondence. This ultimately enhances students' ability to utilise English in commercial contexts.
• A "Foreign Trade Specialist" training model oriented towards high-quality employment: This programme cultivates students with solid English language proficiency, focusing on foreign trade to strengthen their specialised expertise and practical operational capabilities in international commerce, thereby enhancing employment prospects.

Basic Information

• School School of Foreign Languages
• Study Mode Full-time
• Program Length 3 years

Knowledge and Skills

Graduates of this programme will possess the following knowledge and skills:

• Proficient command of solid English language knowledge and the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation;
• Familiarity with the history, politics, and culture of English-speaking nations, coupled with cross-cultural awareness;
• Proficiency in specialised business English competencies, including document preparation, commercial translation, foreign trade correspondence, and cross-border e-commerce operations;
• Critical thinking, innovation, communication, and collaboration skills to meet the demands for applied business English professionals in an internationalised environment.

Message from the Programme Director

Curriculum Structure

Employment

Graduates of this programme enjoy extensive career opportunities within English language and international business sectors. Their solid English foundations, applied business English proficiency, and industry practical skills are widely recognised and highly regarded by employers.

Primary career paths include economic and trade sectors, e-commerce, educational institutions, and training organisations.

Approximately 90% of graduates pursue further undergraduate studies, with many progressing to prestigious domestic universities to complete bachelor's degrees and subsequently pursue master's qualifications.