Hkdse Subjects

HKDSE subjects are divided into three categories, including 24 senior secondary subjects (4 core subjects and 20 elective subjects), Applied learning subjects and other language subjects.

Category A: Senior Secondary Subjects

Core Subjects

Chinese LanguageEnglish LanguageMathematicsLiberal Studies

Elective Subjects

Chinese LiteratureBiologyBusiness, Accounting and Financial Studies
Literature in EnglishChemistryDesign and Applied Technology
Chinese HistoryPhysicsHealth Management and Social Care
EconomicsScience: Combined ScienceInformation and Communication Technology
Ethics and Religious StudiesScience: Integrated ScienceTechnology and Living
Geography Music
History Visual Arts
Tourism and Hospitality Studies Physical Education

Assessment Framework of 24 senior secondary subjects

CATEGORY B: APPLIED LEARNING SUBJECTS

Creative Studies

isplay and Jewellery DesignFashion Image DesignInterior Design
Computer Game and Animation DesignDigital Comic Design and Production #Popular Music Production ^
Taking a Chance on DanceThe Essentials of Theatre Arts

Media and Communication

Digital Media and Radio Production ^Film and TransmediaCreative Advertising ~
Magazine Editing and Production ~Public Relations and Communication *PR and Multimedia Communication #

Business, Management and Law

Accounting for e-BusinessBusiness Data Analysis *Data Application for Business #
Entrepreneurship for SME ~Marketing and Online PromotionLaw Enforcement in Hong Kong

Services

tisserie and Café OperationsWestern CuisineAirport Passenger Terminal Operations #
Hospitality Services in PracticeHotel OperationsChild Care and Development
Child Care and EducationFundamental Cosmetology

Applied Science

Food Innovation and Science ^Animal CareFoundation in Chinese Medicine
Health Care PracticeMedical Laboratory ScienceRehabilitation Care Practice ^
Applied PsychologyPractical PsychologySports and Fitness Coaching *
Exercise and Fitness Coaching #Exercise Science and Health Fitness 

Engineering and Production

Constructing Smart CitiesElectrical and Energy EngineeringComputer Forensic Technology
eSports Technology ^Tech Basics #Internet of Everything Application *
Aviation StudiesRailway Studies 

Applied Learning (Vocational English)

English Communication ^English for Service Professionals ^

Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students)

Chinese in Business ServiceChinese in Practical ContextPractical Chinese
* Applicable until 2026 exam year~ Applicable until 2026 exam year
# Applicable from 2026 exam year onwards^ Applicable from 2026 exam year onwards

CATEGORY C: OTHER LANGUAGE SUBJECTS

FrenchGermanHindi
JapaneseSpanishUrdu
Category A – HKDSE Elective Subjects:Chemistry
Assessment Framework
Curriculum and Assessment Guide
Samples of Candidates’ Performance
Level Descriptors
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

Six language subjects are offered to candidates in the HKDSE. They are:

  • French Language
  • German Language
  • Hindi Language
  • Japanese Language
  • Spanish Language
  • Urdu Language

Question papers of the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level from Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International)* are used for the examinations of these six subjects. Marking and grading are conducted by Cambridge International. Results are reported in five grades (a-e) on the HKDSE certificate, with grade “e” being the lowest and grade “a” being the highest. Achievement below grade “e” is designated as “Ungraded” and is not reported on the certificate.

Syllabuses for HKEAA Centre

2026-2026

Instructions to Candidates

2026 Examination Year – November 2026 Series

For further enquiries, please contact at dse@hkeaa.edu.hk or at (852) 3628 8860

*Remark: Formerly known as Cambridge International Examinations