Sept 2025 Entry
1 year (Full-time)
2 years (Part-time)
31
Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Qualified candidates will be notified of their results via the eAdmission System. Once all vacancies are filled, the remaining qualified applicants will be put on a waiting list. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
What's New
The programme aims to provide students with solid knowledge of and skills in school and community psychology, with an emphasis on self-development, self-reflection and real-life applications. The focus is school and community issues. Graduates develop a heightened awareness of the relationships between psychology and social needs in school and community settings and will develop a strong foundation in professional obligations, research skills, ethical issues and policy implications. The programme also aims to develop critical thinking in addition to skills in applied research and programme evaluation. Graduates will be equipped for careers in psychology, education or related community and human services and / or to pursue higher education in more specialised areas.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this programme will have the following:
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knowledge, theories and concepts pertinent to understanding psychological processes, with a particular emphasis on those related to school and community;
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advanced understanding of psychological topics and the competencies needed to work as informed leaders, supervisors, innovators and educators in school and community services and human service professions;
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a good appreciation and understanding of the historical development of psychology, which has shaped contemporary human service practices and endeavours in different cultures;
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a heightened awareness of the relationships between psychology and varying social needs, with knowledge of the uses of psychology to address major problems and critical issues in indigenous, national and global contexts, and in the area of youth services;
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a sound foundation in the basic values and ethical stances relating to different psychological perspectives and professional obligations; and
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preparation for life-long education through critical and creative thinking and independent reflection on their knowledge on the patterns and differences of psychological issues for life-long learning and continual professional development.
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in the Hong Kong Psychological Society.*
* Individual applications are subject to approval from the Hong Kong Psychological Society.
Programme Structure
To be eligible for the award, students are required to take 31 credits (8 Required Subjects, 2 Elective Subjects and 1 AIE Subject).
List of Compulsory Subjects: 24 credits
- Advanced Cognitive Psychology
- Advanced Developmental Psychology
- Advanced Physiological Psychology
- Advanced Research Methods: Mixed Methods in Research
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Advanced Studies in Personality and Individual Differences
- Historical Foundations of Psychology
- Theoretical Perspectives in Community Psychology
List of Elective Subjects: 6 credits
- Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- Advanced Practice Methods: Cognitive Behavioural Intervention
- Assessment and Instructional Strategies for Children and Youth with Specific Learning Disabilities@
- Attentional Control and Social Adaptation@
- Community Intervention
- Nurturing the Gifted and Talented: Instructional Models and Professional Practices@
- Psychology of Exceptional Children@
- Special Seminars in Community and School Psychology
- Theories and Models of Counselling
- Violence in Intimate Relationships
Note: Students should choose at least 1 Elective Subject from those with an "@".
Remarks:
- In addition to the above subjects, students are required to complete a 1-credit subject on Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE). No tuition fee is required for this subject.
- Programme structure and content are subject to continual review and changes.
31
Dr LU HuiJing
BS, MPhil, PhD
- A Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
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 7739
Email: sspg@polyu.edu.hk
3 for local students
6 for non-local students
HK$231,000 per programme (HK$7,700 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.
The MASCP programme equipped me with extensive knowledge of diverse aspects of psychology, ranging from its historical foundations to evidence-based interventions. With the programme’s emphasis on school and community, I learned more about topics related to school settings such as special educational needs. My research experience at a local seniors centre also made me reflect on the ageing population issue from various perspectives, especially on the relationship between mental well-being and a sense of community. Furthermore, the teachers at PolyU are experts in various areas of psychology; they not only have in-depth understandings of the latest trends in their fields, but also inspired me to put theory into my workplace practice. The diverse learning environment, with classmates from different places and backgrounds, also sharpened my communication and social skills, facilitating my personal and professional growth.
Studying for the MA in School and Community Psychology at PolyU was a novel and wonderful experience. Although I had never previously studied psychology, the well-designed course enabled me to gain a fundamental understanding of psychological theories and human development. As well as learning about the needs of and possible treatments for SEN students, we were able to apply what we had learned during our participation in community programmes. This meaningful experience taught me to be aware of potential obstacles and develop back-up plans when executing a community programme. Overall, this programme equipped me with essential knowledge in the field and prepared me for career success.
Copies of the graduation certificate and official academic transcript 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).
Optional.
Introduce your personal and academic background, achievements, and goals in English.
