Sept 2026 Entry
4 years
BA (Hons) in Social Work - 115 (plus 15 clinical/field credits)
BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship - 112 (plus 9 clinical/field credits)
Students are initially admitted to the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences programme and study a common curriculum in Year 1, with their target awards declared during their first year of study, subject to further assessment for admission to one of the following awards:
BA (Hons) in Social Work
BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship
Students are subject to further assessment criteria – students’ own choice, academic performance, interview performance and quota – in the selection of awards.
The options of Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dual Degree programme and Fast-track programme are available to students of BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship. Admission to these options is on competitive basis and is subject to different credit requirements for graduation.
Entry Scholarship is available for JUPAS applicants demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and interview performance. PolyU reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarships at any time. In case of any dispute/disagreement, PolyU’s decision is final.
What's New
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
We prepare our students to be professionally competent, versatile, adaptive and reflective, equipping them to meet the fast-changing needs of society. The programme curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ humanistic values and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent human service professionals in their chosen fields. Through wide exposure to different domains of knowledge and interdisciplinary issues, students will develop the ability to think from different perspectives and solve complex problems in real-life situations. Our graduates show a strong commitment to the betterment of society and humankind and are competent in the flexible and creative use of information, resources, knowledge and practical skills in professional practice.
Programme Characteristics
Students are provided with opportunities to pursue professional study as well as a substantial component of study in other areas to cater to their different learning needs, interests and abilities. In addition to providing subjects that build basic interpersonal and communication skills and enhance students’ ability to work with uncertainty, this programme has a strong social science foundation designed to develop students’ critical and analytical thinking and broaden their knowledge. The Department offers tremendous overseas study opportunities in the form of placements, exchanges, study tours and more.
Dual Degree
Students who opt for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship as their Major are eligible to enrol in the 4-year Dual Degree Programme. The Dual Degree Programme offers a different learning experience to students, as they study the 1st and 4th year of the programme at PolyU and the 2nd and 3rd year at the University of Warsaw in Poland. Upon successful completion of the Dual Degree Programme, students will receive two award parchments conferred by the two Universities: a BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship from PolyU and a First Study Cycle* in Social and Public Policy from the University of Warsaw.
* equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and regarded as a BA
More information on the Dual Degree Programme can be obtained here.
Fast-track
High-achieving students who have obtained outstanding scores in public examinations at the time of being admitted to the major in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship under the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences programme or in Year Three can be given an opportunity to pursue a Fast-track Programme, with awards of a BA (Hons) in Social Policy & Social Entrepreneurship and an MSc in ESG and Sustainability. Fast-track students can complete both Ug and TPg programmes in full-time mode within 4.5 years, which is a shorter duration than completing the two programmes one by one. Moreover, they can complete the TPg programme with reduced credit requirements.
More information on the Fast-track Programme can be obtained here.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Social Work award are eligible to register with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) as Registered Social Workers (RSWs).
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Social Work award 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.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship award can take up mid-level administrative and managerial posts in various public, quasi-public and non-government organisations, including think-tanks, NGOs, government departments, social enterprises and other human service organisations. They can also take up posts in human resources management, marketing and decision support.
The BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences programme adopts a common curriculum structure in the first year of study. Beyond this common foundation, in subsequent study years, different Awards/Majors are available to educate human service professionals focusing on different areas of professional study.
In Year 1, students are exposed to a broad knowledge base in social sciences as a foundation to inform their professional practice.
From Year 2 onwards, students are equipped with a wide range of knowledge relating to their chosen professional fields.
In Years 3 and 4, students are guided to integrate theoretical learning, practical applications and metatheoretical reflection on their respective professional fields.
More information on the curriculum can be obtained here.
The option of a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is available to students of the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship.
Features
Students admitted to the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Award/Major are given the option to study a 36-credit Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which will strengthen their discipline-specific knowledge to become successful innovators and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond. In addition to a wide range of foundation subjects, the Secondary Major is featured by a GBA Immersion Programme, Field Study for Innovation Ecosystems and at least 9 months of Company Attachment.
Remarks
A minimum of 145 credits is required for graduation with the Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students are eligible to count up to 9 credits of subjects from Major towards the Secondary Major.
More information on the Secondary Major can be obtained here.
BA (Hons) in Social Work - 115 (plus 15 clinical/field credits)
BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship - 112 (plus 9 clinical/field credits)
Co-Programme Leaders
Dr Yam Kong
BSW, MSW, DSW
Dr Tam Kin Yuen, Raymond
BASW, MASW, PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS applicants.
For further programme information, please contact
the General Office (tel.: 2766 5867 / 2766 5746; email: ssba@polyu.edu.hk).
As a fourth-year student on the Social Work programme, the past four years have been a truly rewarding and enriching learning experience for me. Not only have I gained invaluable practical knowledge and skills through my classroom studies, but I have also greatly benefited from the comprehensive support system provided throughout my course.
The learning opportunities made available to me have been exceptional. From hands-on field placements to informative lectures, I have been able to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and gain deeper insights into the diverse range of social and community services. This experiential learning has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the social work profession and the complexities involved in serving vulnerable populations.
As I near the completion of my degree, I feel significantly more confident and prepared to embark on a career in social work. The combination of practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and comprehensive support has equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate the field with competence and compassion. I am excited to put my skills to use and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals and communities I will serve.
Studying in APSS at PolyU has been one of my most cherished memories. This unique programme perfectly blends rigorous academic training with real-world impact. Through four years of learning, I gained a deep understanding of systemic challenges and innovative solutions. The progressive learning experience, from foundational concepts to integrative application, equipped me with the skills for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-cultural competence.
The learning components offered by APSS are truly transformative. The internship opportunity provided by the department immersed me in frontline NGO work, while the Capstone Project challenged me to design sustainable interventions. These experiences, guided by passionate faculty members, turned classroom theories into tangible skills in policy analysis, project management, and social innovation.
Beyond knowledge, the programme nurtured my sense of social responsibility and leadership. Collaborating with diverse peers on community projects honed my teamwork and communication abilities. Today, as a graduate, I feel that APSS isn’t just a department. It’s a launchpad for purpose-driven careers that bridge social justice and practical actions. Thank you again for those friends and teachers I met during these four years of study. My academic life would not have been successful without their selfless help and unwavering expectations.
To assess applicants’ potential and interest in the programme and to gauge their understanding of public issues and interpersonal communication skills.
About 1 hour
Only Band A applicants will be considered for admission. Selected applicants may be invited to attend a group interview upon the release of the HKDSE results.
Required
To assess applicants' potentials and interest in the programme and to gauge their understanding of public issues and interpersonal communication skills.
About 1 hour
Suitable applicants may be invited to attend an interview.
Applicants are required to submit a personal statement to explain their reasons for applying the programme in English of no more than 1,500 words together with their applications. Please Download the Form.
Required
To assess applicants’ potential for studying and interest in the programme, and to gauge their understanding of public issues and interpersonal communication skills.
About 10-20 minutes
Suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
