In accordance with the College motto, the General Education Programme emphasises intellectual broadening and the critical and creative thinking as well as social responsibility of our students. The Programme is designed to broaden the interests of students, widen their outlook, and encourage them to serve society. The importance of scholastic skills, and the purposes and values of university learning are also emphasised. The programme aims to enhance students' capability to meet the needs of the rapid-changing society.

All students of United College are required to take 15 units of General Education courses, including the courses required by both the University and the College. For students of specifically approved professional programmes, the General Education requirement is 12 units. Compulsory College General Education courses include GEU 1011 "University Life and Learning" of 2 units and GEU 4011 "Senior Seminar" of 3 units; these courses are offered in the first semester of the freshmen year and final year respectively. To cater for non-local undergraduates who do not have a command of the Chinese language, United College has introduced GEJ 0112 "College, University and Community" with Chung Chi and New Asia College as a replacement course for GEU 1011. The College also offers a series of elective courses, namely GEU 2012 "English for Leadership", GEU 2013 "Chinese Calligraphy", and GEU 2014 "Good Books Study Programme", each carrying 1 unit. Students in their second year of study or above are free to choose one of these elective courses.