Sept 2025 Entry
2 years
64-68 credits (Subject to change)
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
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 I & II
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 1-2 subjects)
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Aging and Social Work
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Child Maltreatment and Protection
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Criminal Justice and Social Work
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Family and Social Work
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Gender and Social Work
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Illness, Disability 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 0 - 2 subjects)
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Abnormal Psychology
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Contemporary Chinese Society
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Contemporary Social Issues
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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)
64-68 credits (Subject to change)
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).
I am deeply honoured to have been named to the Dean's Honours List of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. Receiving this prestigious award is a significant acknowledgement of the academic excellence I have demonstrated during my studies at PolyU. It will further motivate me to continue applying diligent effort to my work.
When I initially embarked upon the path of social work, my intention was to "help people". However, upon enrolling in the social work programme, I discovered the depth and breadth of knowledge that the field encompasses. Over time, I realized that a social worker's role extends beyond merely providing assistance; they are also companions. Therefore, in addition to acquiring a wealth of theoretical knowledge during my time at PolyU, I have gained devoted instructors, fellow aspiring social workers, and a sincere passion for becoming a social worker. I am confident that in the future, I will practice reflection as a social worker to continually improve myself and better serve communities.
I am grateful to all who supported my journey. Thank you to my teachers for guiding me and to my family for encouraging me every step of the way to this proud moment.
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.
