Sept 2026 Entry
3 years
37 (including 8 clinical/field credits)
This programme is offered within the Postgraduate Scheme in Applied Social Sciences.
This programme adopts multi-method approaches in teaching and learning such as online, classroom, skill laboratory, or blended learning.
The programme has been selected by the University Grants Committee (UGC) for the Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies. Local students admitted to this programme can apply for the scholarship, please click here for details.
Notes for Applicants
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview (the schedule will be announced on the programme website in due course). Qualified candidates will be notified of their results via the eAdmission. Once all vacancies are filled, the remaining qualified applicants will be put on a waiting list. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-03-01
Early Round: 2025-10-15
Main Round: 2026-03-01
What's New
- MPhil
- PhD
- Taught Postgraduate
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
Programme Aims
The overall aim of the MSW programme is to prepare students to become advanced generic social work practitioners, engaged in critical reflection of their work and with a strong commitment to pursuing scholarship in practice.
Characteristics
The programme is designed for Bachelor’s degree holders who wish to pursue a social work qualification on a part-time basis.
Students integrate theory and practice and generate new theoretical and practical insights to improve professional practice. The programme values the following principles:
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Generic social work practice involves mastering foundational elements such as values, purposes, functions, objectives, knowledge and skills. Advanced generic practice uses critical reflection to enhance this framework across various contexts and intervention levels, including individuals, families, groups and communities. In Hong Kong, adopting this advanced generic approach is more practical than training specialists for specific settings. As social problems grow increasingly complex, social workers need a broad knowledge base to effectively tackle intricate issues within changing organisational, cultural and socio-political environments.
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Critical reflection is the ability to step back and consider the broader context of professional social work in challenging situations. Rather than just applying theories or generating insights without making reflections, our programme encourages practitioners to engage in reflective learning during difficult circumstances. This approach enables them to work flexibly within various contexts while delivering high-quality services despite constraints. We believe that nurturing students' competencies in critical reflection is as essential as training them in specific techniques, as it equips them to handle uncertainties and challenges effectively in their practice.
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Our commitment to scholarship in practice is reflected in our ongoing acquisition of social work knowledge and engagement in advanced generic social work practice. Evidence-based practice is indeed important in building social work knowledge and practice models. In our programme, scholarship goes beyond research in controlled settings; it includes practical insights and theories from frontline experience. Advanced generic social work practitioners apply and examine theories and methods, acting as both practitioners and inquirers. We believe that inquiry and practice are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
Special Features
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Advanced generic social work practice as the training focus
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Multidisciplinary approach to social work practice
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Integration of social work knowledge and personal capabilities
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Social Workers (RSW) in Hong Kong.
For registration as a RSW, please refer to the requirement and application procedure as stipulated by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) by visiting the Board's official website.
Programme Structure
To be eligible for the award, students must complete 12 Required Subjects, 1 Elective Subject and 1 AIE Subject (for a total of 37 credits).
Core Areas of Study
Required Subjects
- Advanced Human Behaviour & Social Environment
- Advanced Social Work Theory & Practice I
- Advanced Social Work Theory & Practice II
- Critical Introduction to Social Work
- Law & Social Work
- Practice Research in Social Work
- Principles & Methods of Social Service Administration
- MSW Fieldwork I
- MSW Fieldwork II
- MSW Integrative Seminar in Social Work Studies
- Social Problem, Policy Analysis & Accountability
- Social Work Practice Workshop
Elective Subjects
- Advanced Macro Social Work Intervention
- Advanced Practice Methods: Brief Therapy
- Child Maltreatment and Family Violence
- Information & Communication Technology for Psychosocial Interventions
- Integrating Health and Social Care
- Mental Health Practice
- Narrative Therapy
Note: The offer of elective subject is provisional and subject to review.
Remarks:
In addition to the above subjects, students are required to complete a 1-credit subject on Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) - HTI5T04 Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences). No tuition fee is required for this subject.
37 (including 8 clinical/field credits)
Prof. LI Chi-mei, Jessica
PhD, MPhil, BASW, RSW
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A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.
For further information on admission matters, please contact:
Tel: (852) 2766 5714
Email: sspg@polyu.edu.hk
HK$382,000 per programme (Taught subject: HK$8,300 per credit; Fieldwork: HK$18,700 per credit) for local and non-local students
* No tuition fee is required for the 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics subject
Entry Scholarships are available. Please click here for details.
PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarship at any time. In case of any dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.
One day I realised my limitations at work and I found myself dissatisfied with what I was doing. Determined to further equip myself, I started my unforgettable PolyU MSW journey.
The MSW programme emphasises professionalism while also keeping our feet on the ground. It allowed me to experience how a “job” can be full of warmth and humanity. For me, social work is more than just a job; it is my life, the integration of my personal and professional lives. The three years of part-time study developed in me a consuming passion for social work service. The values, theories and knowledge taught in the lectures expanded my understanding of the field, and the practicums made the concepts more vivid. In addition, the trust, sincerity and recognition of my fieldwork supervisors further solidified my career direction.
I am grateful that this MSW journey broadened my view of the profession, reminding me to pay attention to both micro intervention skills and service optimisation for users. Uniqueness, respect, acceptance and humility have become continuous learning assignments in my work. Every tiny change has contributed to my achievements.
It was my career goal to work in the mental health field, and taking the MSW course has enabled me to achieve this goal. This course not only provided me with theoretical knowledge but also equipped me with a host of skills and techniques that I can use in my current work as a social worker in an ICCMW. These experiences strengthened my commitment to social justice and advocacy and my desire to serve those in need. I am grateful for the opportunities that were presented to me throughout my academic journey in the three-year course, including the chance to participate in community outreach programmes, engage in meaningful research and collaborate with like-minded peers.
The MSW placement was the most memorable and meaningful experience of my studies. I chose to be placed in a supported hostel, where I worked with individuals suffering from chronic mental issues for the first time. I received encouragement and support from my placement supervisor, the hostel staff and the university. With their assistance, I was able to provide emotional support and tangible help to individuals in need. I not only developed professional skills but also gained self-confidence. These valuable experiences and recognition during the course motivate me to strive for excellence in my future work.
I have been a youth worker for five years. It was worthwhile to study the MSW course as it not only enriched my knowledge and skills but helped me understand myself better, both personally and professionally. The course was comprehensive, covering micro and macro aspects, as well as theory and practice in different subjects. I experienced how knowledge and skills can be transformed into my personalised style of practice through understanding, applying and reflecting.
The fieldwork placement and the integrative seminar were the most valuable experiences for me. The supervisors endeavoured to help me to reflect on how my personal experiences interacted with my professional experiences. Through this process, I learnt to accept myself more and apply the concept of “use of self” in the social work profession.
As a part-time student, I enjoyed applying what I have learnt in the course in my full-time job, as it provided another kind of practical application. Time flies, and three years have already passed! I encourage you to value every subject and gain as much as you can from the course.
I am “Made in PolyU”.
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a student in the MSW programme at PolyU.
In light of COVID-19, we had to adapt to new mode of learning, namely online classes and placement arrangements. The “new normal”, however, has not changed the role that tutorials, lectures, and practical lessons play in education. They have equipped us with all we need to become a professional social worker.
The social work practice workshop further strengthened my understanding and helped me internalise the core values of being a professional social worker. It followed my broad social work training in Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice I and II, which provided me with the knowledge and humanistic skills necessary to work with various parties. We were guided to extend our horizons step-by-step through a series of well-planned programme elements.
After graduating from PolyU, I am committed to working with children and young people as a school social worker. The hands-on experience I gained through two fieldwork placements gave me invaluable opportunities to put what I had learnt into practice.
I’m grateful to have met inspiring professors and lecturers, a helpful supervisor and friends who encouraged me. We supported each other as we worked to develop a helping profession and create an environment that treats everyone with dignity and provides tranquillity.
Becoming a social worker has been my dream and goal since I was a secondary school student. I have a strong desire to help those in need and assist them in overcoming obstacles. Throughout my course of study, I have learnt about various theories and approaches to social work, as well as practical skills that have taught me to view the world and cases from different perspectives, such as micro and macro levels. I have also had the opportunity to participate in a field placement, where I gained hands-on experience working with individuals and communities.
I am grateful to the UGC Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programme Fellowship Scheme for supporting my studies by providing a subsidy to cover part of my course fees. This support has allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my goals without financial burden.
As I continue my journey in my social work study and my future career, I am excited to keep experiencing, learning, growing and using my knowledge and skills to empower individuals and communities. I am now one year away from graduating, and I will continue to learn and equip myself to become a skilled and empathetic social worker and to walk alongside those in need.
Copies of the graduation certificate and official academic transcript (for all post-secondary degrees, including sub-degree level and above) are required. Please also provide the academic transcript explanatory notes of the grading systems (課程績點與等級換算關係表).
1-page Personal Statement in English is required.
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