Sept 2025 Entry
2 years
63 credits
- Credit transfers may be granted to applicants whose previous study is relevant to the programme.
What's New
Programme Aims
The overall aim of this programme is to develop and prepare students with multi-disciplinary competence, and the capacity of social innovation and entrepreneurship to work with the increasingly diverse ageing populations; to equip students with a full scope of knowledge, skills and abilities to plan, deliver, manage, evaluate and coordinate active ageing and care services across social and health care settings and in the growing “silver market”, and to meet the emerging needs of the ageing society.
Characteristics
The main features of the programme are as follows.
a) The programme takes a broad-based and multidisciplinary approach, and the curriculum covers four important themes including i) ageing and social policy, ii) active ageing and health promotion, iii) leadership and management in ageing services, and iv) social innovations and entrepreneurship in silver industries.
b) A multidisciplinary academic and professional teaching team has been formed with expertise in gerontology, social work, social policy, service management and administration, sociology, nursing, rehabilitation science, psychology, design, hotel and tourism management, financial management and technology.
c) 240 hours of Work-Integrated Education (WIE) (i.e., applied ageing studies and service management internship) and a Capstone Project are arranged for promoting better integration of knowledge into practice.
With a wide range of collaborating agencies, the curriculum allows students with diverse interests to choose one out of the four main areas for their internship and capstone projects to prepare them for subsequent career choices.
Career Prospects
Graduates can seek employment in human services, government agencies, voluntary and non-governmental organisations, social enterprises or companies in the private sector that provide services and products for the ageing population.
This is a 2-year full-time top-up degree programme. Students are required to complete all of the following subjects 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 Applied Ageing Studies & Service Management
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Professional English for Applied Ageing Studies & Service Management Students
Professional Core
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Ageing, Family and Society
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Health and Ageing
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Legal Aspects of Human Services
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Management in Human Services
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Marketing Strategies and Skills in Human Services
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Participatory Design and Innovation in an Ageing Society
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Physical Activity and Practice for Active Ageing
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Psychology and Ageing
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Skills and Practice of Working with Older Adults
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Social Policy and Social Care for an Ageing Society
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Social Research Methods
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Special Seminars on Ageing and Service Management
Professional Electives (choose 2 subjects)
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Corporate Social Responsibility
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Financial Plannning and Management in Organizations
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Programme Planning & Evaluation
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Social Capital
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Social Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Work-Integrated Education (Clinical/Field Training)
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Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management Internship
Capstone Project
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Capstone Project for Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management
More information on the programme can be obtained here.
63 credits
Prof. BAI Xue
BL, BA, PhD
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An Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution.
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Preference will be given to graduates from social sciences, social work, psychology, policy and administration, management, guidance and counselling, and health sciences.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel: 2766 5717 ; e-mail: ssba@polyu.edu.hk)
My experience in the Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management programme has been incredibly enriching. This interdisciplinary programme covers biological, psychological, social, and policy aspects, giving me a comprehensive understanding of ageing.
One of the programme's highlights has been the practical learning opportunities. Through the internship and services, I have been able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, gaining invaluable practical experience. These experiences have enhanced my professional skills as well as deepened my empathy and understanding of older adults.
Further, the programme's emphasis on service management has equipped me with the skills to design and implement effective services for the ageing population. I have learned a great deal about management and marketing strategies in human services. The programme has shown me how to attract a diverse range of individuals to utilize these services and manage them effectively.
In conclusion, this programme has not only taught me to view ageing comprehensively but also provided various opportunities to hone my service skills, preparing me for the future. It has been like planting seeds in fertile soil, nurturing my growth and preparing me to thrive in the field of ageing services.
I have gained a great deal during my two-year academic journey studying Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The faculty and programmes have been of excellent quality, providing students with abundant educational resources.
In terms of theoretical knowledge, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics, starting from the psycho-social aspects of older adults, and exploring how social policies and facility design can benefit the ageing population. These courses have allowed me to systematically acquire professional knowledge in this field.
The PolyU has provided us with invaluable internship opportunities, allowing me to participate in actual work within community services and to understand the operational models of social enterprises. I have also gained deeper insights and preparation for my future career development through exchanges with the staff of the internship institutions.
On finishing the programme of Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management, my insight and ambition in social services were boosted. This programme is a milestone in my life which has equipped me with the requisite skills and knowledge to develop my career in social services.
This programme has emphasized both academic theory and practical field experience. The course structure and subjects from various departments enriched my study path at the university, and a variety of professional skills were learnt.
My internship with an organization serving older adults with dementia allowed me to connect with different service users and plan as well as execute dementia training activities. It was a most worthwhile experience that strengthened my willingness to work with older adults.
Currently, I am employed by a neighbourhood elderly centre as a programme worker. This position allows me to express my strengths and abilities gained from this programme. In my position, I discovered more developmental and study opportunities.
The programme has built my social services foundation and constructed my qualifications in continuous studies. With graduation from the programme, I can become a more professional and enthusiastic person in human services.
Required
Copies of public examination result slip(s) demonstrating applicants' academic performance and English language proficiency, e.g. HKDSE, HKASL, HKALE, HKCEE, IELTS, TOFEL, etc.
To assess applicants’ potential for studying and interest in the programme, to test their language competence and communication skills, and to gauge their understanding of current and emerging issues facing an ageing society.
Approximately 1 hour
- Suitable applicants will be invited to interviews.
