The Faculty of Social Sciences consists of seven departments, four discipline-specific (Geography, Government and International Studies, History, and Sociology) and three professional (Education Studies, Physical Education and Social Work). All departments offer programmes for undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees by coursework. Opportunities for research leading to MPhil and PhD degrees are also available through the Faculty. Upholding the whole-person educational philosophy of the University, the Faculty provides students with a liberal arts education that enhances their personal, intellectual and professional development in preparation for a changing future.

In Geography, Government and International Studies, History and Sociology, students study for either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Sciences degree with a major in one of these disciplines, or a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree with an emphasis on China Studies. With the implementation of the four-year university curriculum structure in 2012, the Faculty has introduced a broad-based admission for four undergraduate programmes. Students who are interested in Geography/Government and International Studies/History/Sociology will be jointly admitted from 2012 onward. They will be provided with a broad-based social sciences training in their first year of study. Before progression to Year II, students will be assigned to one of the Majors by internal application. During study, students of the BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies will spend one summer month at the Tsinghua University for intensive Putonghua training, seminars relating to current issues in China and visits to places of particular interest to the programme. These qualifications typically lead to careers in teaching, public administration, industry and commerce, the media and the arts.

The BSocSc (Hons) in European Studies is a programme consisting of a European language and European Studies focused on government and international relations. The third year is spent in Europe, in university study and supervised employment. The programme leads to careers in business, culture exchange and other fields, which require mediation between Europe and Asia.

The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) degree programme is composed of a balanced education in the theory and practice of social work, including fieldwork training, and leads to careers in social work. Students of BA (Hons) in Physical Education and Recreation Management are prepared for careers in conducting and managing sports and recreational programmes and activities in schools and in the community. The BSocSc in Sport and Recreation Leadership offers graduates of associate degree programmes an opportunity to pursue a career in the sport and recreation industry, especially for the special needs and elderly populations. The BSocSc (Hons) in Psychology is designed for associate degree or higher diploma graduates who wish to further their studies in psychology. The BSocSc (Hons) in Social Policy which is a new programme in 2012 provides associate degree or higher diploma graduates an opportunity to develop their understanding and ability to participate in the making and evaluation of social policies in local, regional and international contexts.

The BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature and BEd (Hons) in English Language Teaching, BA (Hons) in History and BEd (Hons) in Liberal Studies Teaching, BSocSc (Hons) in Geography and BEd (Hons) in Liberal Studies Teaching, and BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology and BEd (Hons) in Liberal Studies Teaching are four programmes offered by the Department of Education Studies in collaboration with respective departments of the Faculty or other Faculties/Schools. All of them provide students with thorough preparation in two disciplines, leading to the award of two degrees. Starting from 2012, the Faculty has also introduced a joint admission practice for the latter three programmes under the new curriculum structure. Students will receive a broad-based social sciences training in their first year of study as well as the training of Liberal Studies teaching. Before progression to Year II, students will be assigned to one of the academic disciplines by internal application.

Concerning postgraduate degrees by coursework, most of them are offered on part-time basis. The Faculty collaborates with the School of Business to offer the Master of Public Administration, which is also supported by the School of Communication and other non-local institutions. The programme aims to sharpen students' understanding of public administration, such as in the mainland and Hong Kong, from a comparative and global perspective.

The Master of Social Sciences (Contemporary China Studies) (both part-time and full-time) is evolved out of the well-established undergraduate China Studies Programme offered since 1989 in Hong Kong. The programme is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary China from political, historical, economic, geographical and sociological perspectives.

The Department of Education Studies further offers two teacher education diploma programmes: (1) Postgraduate Diploma in Education (one-year full-time and two-year part-time), including initial teacher training as well as Subject Teaching and Subject Knowledge Streams under the part-time mode, and (2) Diploma in Education (two-year full-time). While the first programme provides degree holders with professional teaching in secondary schools, the second programme provides teacher training for undergraduates aspiring for a teacher career. The Master of Education (both part-time and full-time) programme aims at enhancing educators' knowledge of child and adolescent development. The Master of Social Sciences in Teaching and Learning (two-year part-time) emphasizes with the importance of evidence-based research as a foundation for excellent educational practice, and for the development of students' capacity for critical inquiry and professional reflection.

The Department of Physical Education offers the Master of Social Sciences in Sport and Leisure Management (both part-time and full-time) which provides students with a chance to take a reflective and interdisciplinary approach to the planning, provision and management of sport and leisure.

The Department of Social Work delivers three master's programmes. The Master of Social Work (both part-time and full-time) enhances the professional competence of practising social workers, and provides the opportunity to reflect on professional practice from a broadening perspective. The Master of Social Sciences in Youth Counselling (two-year part-time) can develop students' knowledge in understanding, analysing and researching the changing needs of young people and the social and cultural contexts within which young people develop. The Master of Social Sciences in Social Work (two-year part-time) educates students to achieve the academic and professional qualification that is considered eligible for registration as Registered Social Workers in Hong Kong.

The Faculty also administers the compulsory Physical Education courses for all full-time undergraduate students (through the Department of Physical Education). The common core of all the programmes encourage students to develop their understanding of human existence in modern society; of their own Chinese culture and other cultures; and of the means of formulating values and goals in life, all of which will help them assume responsible roles in shaping the societies of tomorrow.

Apart from academic programmes, the Faculty provides its students with invaluable learning experience outside the classroom through its local and overseas Internship Programmes. The Faculty further enhances the Whole Person Education ethos by introducing a new One Semester off Campus Programme in 2012. It enables the students to gain further exposure through different off campus or outside classroom learning options, such as exchange, internship and community studies programmes. This invaluable learning experience helps students reach out to society, and practise becoming "global" citizens.

In addition to teaching, faculty members are actively involved in research, professional and community services. The thirteen research centres and service units in the Faculty (namely the Centre for Child Development, Centre for China Urban and Regional Studies, Centre for Geo-computation Studies, Centre for Olympic Studies, Centre for Youth Research and Practice, Comparative Governance and Policy Research Centre, CIE Wellness Promotion Centre, Dr Stephen Hui Research Centre for Physical Recreation and Wellness, European Documentation Centre, Hong Kong Energy Studies Centre, Modern History Research Centre, Resource Centre for Liberal Studies in Schools, and Centre for the Advancement of Social Sciences Research) facilitate teaching and research activities at the University, and provide consultancy to the HKSAR Government and the community.