Sept 2027 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).
My learning journey in the programme has been truly inspiring, particularly in developing my ability to understand others with empathy and compassion. It has taught me the importance of understanding the subjective worlds of service users. Only when I understand their needs can our interventions better help them change.
The most important lesson I've learned is that I must have the courage to enter the subjective world of those we serve. For example, when working with a teenager displaying violent behaviour after experiencing long-term parental neglect, I no longer see only a young person with behavioural problems. Instead, I see a child longing to be seen, heard, and recognised.
It is often through this deeper understanding that healing and transformation can begin. Healing and transformation may begin with this kind of seeing. I've also gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of social work, especially the nature of people, which involves diverse expertise. This has kept me humble and motivated to continue learning. In the future, I hope to apply my knowledge to help those in need in society, and I hope the Department of Social Work will cultivate more passionate social workers.
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.
