The programme aims to train social science practitioners with sound knowledge in theory and practice to help people, organisations and communities develop innovative solutions, and to accomplish excellence in undertaking research in social sciences.

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• evaluate major principles/theories in different disciplines in social sciences;
• demonstrate the ability to integrate major principles/theories in analyzing social problems;
• demonstrate the ability to design and conduct research in social sciences; and
• devise innovative practices in social sciences to real-life problems.

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and:

• hold a bachelor's degree of one of the universities in Hong Kong or from an overseas institution recognized for this purpose by the University; or
• hold such other qualifications as deemed acceptable by University as equivalent to the above.

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

• a score of 79 (Internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^@#; or
• an overall band score of 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^@; or
• a score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of Chinese mainland; or
• other equivalent qualifications.

^@TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the two years preceding the commencement of the University's application period. 

^# Applicants are required to arrange with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send their TOEFL results directly to the University. The TOEFL institution code for CityUHK is 3401.

Programme Features

• Students can decide on their own study path, schedule and load for each semester in order to complete the programme in 2 to 5 years. Such flexible nature allows students to pace and plan their own study to best suit their personal and career development needs.
• MA degree with four main streams - 1) Sociology, 2) Criminology, 3) Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation and 4) Clinical Mental Health Practice*. Applicants are required to indicate the selected stream when submitting applications; and admitted students are not allowed a change of stream.
• The Stream courses will be taught by a strong team of experts from sociology, criminology, psychology, social work, counselling and psychology background.  Students from various background also form circles to enrich synergy for effective learning.

Stream 1: Sociology

• Core courses provide a solid foundation on applied sociology theories and social research methodologies.
• "Integrative Project" is an opportunity for students to apply sociological theories, methods and ethics. The Project focuses on an actual problem or issue.
• Students can select any two electives from a list of courses in different fields.

Stream 2: Criminology

• The stream aims at training students in becoming competent researchers and/or practitioners at an advanced level in the key areas of policing and offender rehabilitation.

Stream 3: Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation

• The stream equips professionals with skills and enhances their professional knowledge in the field of dispute resolution, and imparts professional capabilities in mediating and handling family conflicts and problems through practical training.  
• This enables them not only to apply relevant skills and knowledge at work, but also to invest in and develop the family mediation profession, giving them an advantage in the job market. 

Stream 4: Clinical Mental Health Practice*

• The stream aims at providing students, who are social work and helping professionals, advanced level training in clinical mental health practice.
• The stream equips students with various mental health theories and practical skills which can help them develop their specialized knowledge and practice competence to work with a diversity of people with mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, special educational needs, prolong grief disorder, and dementia.

* Subject to University's approval

There are no intermediate exits, students may obtain the MA degree by completing a total of 6 credit units of programme common core courses, and

• 18 credit units core courses and 6 credit units electives for “Sociology Stream” or
• 21 credit units core courses and 3 credit units electives for “Criminology Stream” or
• 24 credit units core courses and 3 credit units electives for “Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation Stream” or
• 18 credit units core courses and 6 credit units electives for “Clinical Mental Health Practice”*

*Subject to University’s approval

Stream 1: Sociology

Sample areas of employment in applied sociology are, for example, in the following fields and organisations: private research and consulting firms, government and public sector organisations, political parties and interest groups, third sector and civil society organisations, marketing and advertising firms, public relations and media firms, social services agencies, and education sector. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in sociology, psychology, social welfare and human services at the doctoral level.

Stream 2: Criminology

Graduates in criminology could pursue a career in law enforcement/ disciplinary forces (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Correctional Services Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, and Hong Kong Fire Services Department), private security agencies (e.g. corporate security firms, threat assessment and management agencies, anti-fraud agencies, and private investigative agencies), and non-governmental organisations that serve the forensic and related populations (e.g. exoffenders, drug abusers, victims of crime, and at-risk youth). Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in criminology, criminal justice, and other related fields (e.g. forensic psychology, law, and social work) at the doctoral level.

Stream 3: Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation

The stream provides an invaluable opportunity for students to expand their skill sets and enhance their professional expertise in a specific area. The courses provide students with practical knowledge, hands-on training, and specialized expertise in dealing with family conflicts and issues. This enhanced skill set enhances their advantage in the job market, as employers increasingly value professionals who can effectively manage conflicts and facilitate constructive dialogue.

Stream 4: Clinical Mental Health Practice*

Students will be adequately equipped to work with a variety of people with mental health problems and needs. After graduation, students will be knowledgeable and skillful in making assessment on different mental disorders and provide professional support to people with mental health problems. Graduates may pursue a career in mental health care in a variety of service settings to promote the mental health of individuals, families and communities.

*Subject to University’s approval

Applicant should state their answers of the below questions under “personal statement” on the admission system.

• Please indicate the Stream you selected (Sociology/Criminology/Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation/Clinical Mental Health Practice*)
• Please give reason(s) for studying this stream.
• In what ways may this stream enhance your career/ professional development?
• Have you studied any relevant courses? If yes, please specify.
• Relevant experiences in this stream.

Programme Descriptions
Course Syllabus
Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Last updated on 27 September 2024