Sept 2026 Entry
2 years
64-67 credits
The credits required for graduation vary according to each student's AD/HD results and subjects taken.
This programme is offered within the BA(Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences.
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
Programme Aims
We prepare students to develop a solid foundation and discipline-specific knowledge in social sciences and social work, a repertoire of professional competence and skills, a firm commitment to social justice, ethical and social responsibilities and a humanitarian orientation. Our graduates are competent in flexibly and creatively using information, knowledge, theories and resources.
Characteristics
A strong social science foundation strengthens students’ analytical ability and familiarises them with the economic, social and cultural contexts of social problems and social work action. Theory is integrated with practice. We recognise the need to develop not just theoretical abilities and skills, but also the ability to feel, empathise and appreciate.
The Department offers placement opportunities both in the Chinese mainland and overseas.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) as Registered Social Workers (RSWs).
Career Prospects
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) as Registered Social Workers (RSWs).
With this qualification, they are employable as Assistant Social Work Officers or the equivalent, and can be promoted to Social Work Officers, Senior Social Work Officers and Chief Social Work Officers.
They are also qualified for a variety of human service posts in other fields of the social services or in private organisations.
Students are admitted to the senior year of the 4-year degree programme and they have to complete all or some of the following subjects depending on their entry qualifications to fulfil the credit requirement for graduation.
General University Requirement*
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2 Cluster-Area Requirement (CAR) subjects
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Service Learning
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Essential Components of General Education
*Students not meeting the equivalent standard of the undergraduate degree Language and Communication Requirements (LCR) based on their previous studies in AD/HD programmes and their academic performance will be required to take additional credits (6 in English and 3 in Chinese) on top of the programme's normal credit requirements.
Discipline - Specific Language Requirement
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Chinese Communication for Social Sciences
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Professional English for Social Sciences
Professional Core
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Integrative Seminar
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Social Work Practice in Mental Health
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Social Work Theory & Practice: Working with Individuals
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Social Work Theory & Practice: Working with Families & Systems
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Social Work Theory & Practice: Working with Communities
Social Sciences Core
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Legal Aspects of Human Services
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Management in Human Services
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Philosophy of Welfare
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Social Policy
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Social Research Methods
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Social Structure & Social Theory
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The Art of Reasoning
Social Work Integrative Electives (Choose 1 subject)
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Aging and Social Work
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Child Maltreatment and Protection
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Family and Social Work
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Social Work in School Settings
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Social Work with Drug Abusers
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Youth and Social Work
Social Sciences Electives (Choose 1 subject)
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Abnormal Psychology
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Political Economy of Hong Kong
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Programme Planning and Evaluation
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Psychology of Personality
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Self, Culture and Society
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Social Psychology
Capstone Project
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Capstone Project
Work-Integrated Education (Clinical/Field Training)
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Fieldwork I, II & III
To graduate and meet the registration requirements of the Social Workers Registration Board, each student must complete one to two fieldwork training periods equivalent to 400-800 hours in local or non-local welfare agencies depending on their entry qualifications. The Department offers placement opportunities both in the Chinese mainland and overseas.
More informaiton on the programme can be obtained here.
(Subject to revision)
64-67 credits
The credits required for graduation vary according to each student's AD/HD results and subjects taken.
Dr Yam Kong
BSW, MSW, DSW
An Associate Degree in a relevant discipline, or a Higher Diploma in Social Work from HKCC or another recognised post-secondary institution.
Other Information
Applicants may be shortlisted for a group discussion to evaluate their suitability for the programme and the profession.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 2766 5867; email: ssba@polyu.edu.hk).
As I prepare to graduate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's BASW programme, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I am grateful to have been one of the senior entry students at PolyU. These two years have been transformative, both academically and personally.
The curriculum challenged me to think critically and develop practical skills that will be invaluable in my future career. The support and guidance from the dedicated faculty in the Department of Applied Social Sciences have been instrumental in my growth, as they have shared their expertise and encouraged me to pursue my interests and dreams.
Equally important were the numerous opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. As a senior entry student, I had the chance to participate in the GEO summer exchange programme in Germany, which was fruitful and broadened my perspective.
As I embark on the next chapter, I am confident that the strong foundation instilled in me at PolyU will enable me to make a difference in the social work field. I will always cherish the memories and relationships forged here at this remarkable institution.
Required
To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme and profession, and to test their language competence and skills in interpersonal communication and team work.
About 1 hour
- Suitable applicants may be invited to attend an interview.
- The above arrangements may change with due consideration of unforeseen circumstances.
