Majors

Criminology and Sociology

Major	Criminology and Sociology 犯罪學及社會學
Degree / Award Title	Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology and Sociology 社會科學學士(犯罪學及社會學)
Offering Academic Unit	Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Mode of Study	Full-time

Aims of Major

This major aims to equip degree-level graduates with broad knowledge of criminology and sociological practice; and professional competence to conduct sociological research to solve problems in organizational, community, societal, national, and international contexts with a particular interest in protecting the public and maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world. Students will procure knowledge and skills necessary to undertake managerial and executive responsibilities in a wide range of professions, including policing, crime prevention, security services, correctional services, conflict resolution, social analysis, societal planning, marketing research, and the operation of non-governmental organizations. Ample opportunities are provided for students to develop an interest in discovery and innovation to benefit society through crime control and reduction, and societal development and improvement with the application of various sociological practices.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Major (MILOs)

describe a range of key concepts, theories and professional values in criminology and applied sociology;
identify and criticize underlying assumptions of and devise interventions against social problems and criminal issues with a particular interest in different types of informal and formal strategies;
apply qualitative and quantitative research methods and analyse different sociological and criminological perspectives for explaining social problems and crimes;
evaluate the applicability of sociological and criminological theories and develop innovative ideas in preventing crimes and creative ways of reducing re-offending in the local context;
evaluate the function and operation of social institutions and law enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system;
conduct investigation of research independently; analyse the impacts of social, technological, and environmental changes on individuals and society; present research findings clearly and systematically to the public; and provide creative suggestions and/or solutions for preventing crimes and other social problems;
design programs, generate alternatives, invent ideas, and construct cost-effective means for sustaining social order and safety.

Degree Requirements

Requirements	Normative 4-year Degree	Advanced Standing I¹	Advanced Standing II²
Gateway Education requirement	30 credit units	21 credit units	12 credit units
College / School requirement	6 credit units	6 credit units	0 credit unit
Major requirement	57 credit units	51 credit units	48 credits units
Free electives / Minor (if applicable)	27 credit units	12 credit units	0 credit unit
Minimum Graduation Requirement:	120 credit units	90 credit units	60 credit units
Maximum Credit Units Permitted:	144 credit units	114 credit units	84 credit units

Note 1:	For students with recognised Advanced Level Examinations or equivalent qualifications.
Note 2:	For Associate Degree/Higher Diploma graduates admitted as senior-year intake students.