The Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) primarily offers English enhancement programmes to assist postgraduate and undergraduate students to use English more effectively in their academic studies and their subsequent careers. In addition, CAES offers two taught postgraduate programmes leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and the Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies.
CAES also offers the following support for independent learners of English:
- The English language Resource Centre (ELRC) (6.13, Run Run Shaw Tower) offers a broad range of self-study materials, small group learning activities, consultations with a CAES teacher for advice on improving English, and an individually tailored Self-Directed English Programme. The materials and activities of the ELRC address all language skills including academic writing and improving oral fluency and confidence.
- The Peer Tutoring Scheme (provided jointly with CEDARS) (http://caes.hku.hk/ve/peer-tutoring/) is operated in Zone R of the Chi Wah Learning Commons. Peer tutors are selected for their native or near-native speaker abilities and provide an opportunity to practice speaking, improve confidence or maintain existing skills.
- Virtual English (http://caes.hku.hk/ve) serves as a guide to the resources available to HKU students for self-study of English. It provides information about all the independent learning opportunities offered by CAES and is the place to sign up for workshops, book consultations or search the learning materials catalogue.
- The English Learning Wiki (http://caes.hku.hk/ve/wiki/index.php/Main_Page) provides a large collection of suggestions for and links to ways of studying English locally and via the web. This is the venue for ideas for improvement and links to appropriate learning materials.