Jim Sze-chung, executive director of Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped, says it is important for managers of sports and leisure facilities to upgrade their knowledge. After 16 years in this field, he has decided to take up a master of social sciences [MSocSc] in sport and leisure management at the Hong Kong Baptist University's (HKBU) department of physical education.

Jim got involved in the planning of playgrounds, a field he was not familiar with. "I graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University in 1996, majoring in physical education and recreation studies. At the undergraduate level, little was mentioned about planning a facility and managing staff. The [MSocSc] programme helps me a lot in these areas," Jim says.

Professor Cheung Siu-yin, HKBU programme leader, says the course provides an interdisciplinary approach to planning, provision, and management of sport and leisure.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in physical education, or disciplines related to sports and recreation management. Graduates in communication, tourism and hotel management are also welcome. Those with at least two years' experience in sport and leisure management or administration are preferred. Most courses are taught through lectures and seminars on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Students can finish the course within one year of full-time study or two years part-time.