Course Overview
This professional course offers a deep dive into blockchain technology, its operational mechanisms, and its practical applications within the modern cryptocurrency market. Through detailed analysis of various cryptocurrency case studies, participants will gain a robust understanding of the crypto ecosystem and learn effective risk management strategies.
Upon completion, students should be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including its operation and core functionalities.
- Analyze the origins of cryptocurrencies, their various types, and the technological innovations driving the sector.
- Describe the workings of cryptocurrency exchanges and digital wallets, including an assessment of their associated risks.
- Evaluate common cryptocurrency investment pitfalls and discuss the commercial applications of Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
Module and Schedule Details
Curriculum Breakdown
The curriculum is structured to provide a thorough grounding in all aspects of cryptocurrency and blockchain.
Module: Cryptocurrency Investment Decoded
- Origins and Technology: The history of cryptocurrency, the birth of blockchain technology, and its core functions.
- Key Cryptocurrencies: An introduction to major players like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Market Infrastructure: How cryptocurrency exchanges operate and an overview of the broader crypto ecosystem.
- Technical Foundations: The working principles of mining rigs and the different types of cryptocurrency wallets.
- Regulatory Landscape: The challenges facing cryptocurrency regulation globally.
- Investment Vehicles: Exploring blockchain concept stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- Fundraising and Analysis: An introduction to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and practical cryptocurrency case studies.
- Risk and Innovation: Identifying investment traps, managing risks, and understanding the commercial applications of DeFi.
- Future Trends: The development of global digital currencies.
Assessment
Course assessment is based on the successful completion of two individual written assignments (800 words each). Upon passing the assessment, students will be awarded a Certificate for Module (Cryptocurrency Investment Decoding) under the framework of The University of Hong Kong.
Class Schedule
The course consists of ten sessions, held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
- Class 1: September 3, 2025
- Class 2: September 10, 2025
- Class 3: September 17, 2025
- Class 4: September 24, 2025
- Class 5: October 8, 2025
- Class 6: October 15, 2025
- Class 7: October 22, 2025
- Class 8: November 5, 2025
- Class 9: November 12, 2025
- Class 10: November 19, 2025
Instructors
The course is taught by industry experts with extensive practical experience.
Mr. Marco Lim, Web3 Partner at Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ: SWIN), brings over 16 years of expertise from top-tier financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse. He is an advisor and shareholder at MaiCapital Limited, a licensed virtual assets fund manager, and a member of the Hong Kong Government Web3 Task Force sub-committee. He also lectures on cryptocurrency and digital assets at other prestigious institutions.
The teaching team includes professionals from a leading blockchain solutions company that has worked on significant projects for the Hong Kong government, involving IP verification and pharmaceutical traceability using blockchain.
Fees and Admission Requirements
Tuition Fee
The total course fee is HKD $5,350.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:
- Level 2 in 5 subjects (including Chinese Language) in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE); OR
- Grade E in 5 subjects (including Chinese Language) in the HKCEE (2007 or before); OR
- Grade E in 4 subjects and Level 2 in Chinese Language in the HKCEE (2007 or after).
Applicants aged 21 or above holding other equivalent qualifications or with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Continuing Education Fund (CEF)
This course is registered under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). Eligible applicants can claim a reimbursement of up to HKD $25,000.
- Course Title: Certificate for Module (Cryptocurrency Investment Decoding)
- Course Code: 33C137399
- QF Level: Level 3
The CEF provides subsidies for eligible adults who successfully complete approved courses. The first HKD $10,000 of subsidies requires a 20% co-payment by the student, while the remaining HKD $15,000 requires a 40% co-payment. Applications must be submitted online within one year of completing the course.
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Enrollment Procedures
Prospective students can apply through several convenient methods.
Online Application
The institution offers a 24-hour online application and payment service for most publicly offered courses. Applicants can use PPS (not available on mobile), VISA, Mastercard, Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay, or FPS for payment.
The process involves:
- Filling out the online application form.
- Uploading any required documents (e.g., academic transcripts).
- Paying the application fee or tuition online.
In-Person or Mail Application
Applicants can also submit a completed SF26 application form in person at any enrollment center or send it by mail. The submission must include the required fee and copies of all necessary supporting documents.
For current students re-enrolling in other modules within the same award-bearing program, a specific "Registration and Fee Notice" is provided for streamlined processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this cryptocurrency course designed for?
This course is ideal for investors, finance professionals, IT specialists, and anyone curious about understanding the practical aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency markets. It is structured to cater to both beginners and those with some foundational knowledge looking to deepen their understanding.
What are the main risks covered in the curriculum?
The course dedicates significant time to risk management, covering technical risks like wallet security and exchange vulnerabilities, market risks such as volatility, and regulatory risks stemming from the evolving global legal landscape for digital assets.
How does this course address DeFi?
The curriculum explores Decentralized Finance (DeFi) beyond the basics, examining its core commercial applications like lending, borrowing, and yield farming, and discusses both its innovative potential and inherent risks within the broader financial system.
What is the value of a CEF-reimbursable course?
The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) significantly reduces the financial barrier to professional development. This government initiative allows eligible Hong Kong adults to recoup a substantial portion of their tuition fees, making accredited courses like this more accessible.
What payment methods are accepted for tuition?
The institution accepts a wide range of payment methods for convenience, including cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, VISA/Mastercard at enrollment centers, and online via PPS, credit cards, Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay, and FPS.
What happens if a course is canceled?
If a course is canceled by the institution due to reasons like insufficient enrollment, students will receive a full refund of any paid fees. All other paid fees are generally non-refundable as per the standard terms and conditions.