Faculty of Social Sciences

Master of Social Sciences in Social Work

Programme Director: Dr Angela O K Tsun

The Master of Social Sciences in Social Work is designed for bachelor’s degree graduates who would like to pursue a recognized social work qualification (RSW) at a master’s degree level. The programme aims at preparing students for reflective professional practice in social work. The objectives of the programme are:

1.	To develop competent professionals who are critical, reflective and capable of generic social work practice and competent to face the challenges confronting social work in the changing society; and
2.	To educate graduate students to achieve the academic and professional qualification that is considered eligible for registration as Registered Social Workers in Hong Kong on the basis of a recognized social work degree.

Upon graduation, the graduates can:

1.	Evaluate the changing social needs, societal context and practice in line with the values and the ethical principles of social work;
2.	Integrate theory and practice, and identify new theories and innovative practice;
3.	Apply social work skills at various levels of intervention;
4.	Critically evaluate professional activities and service programmes to advocate for appropriate welfare and service reforms;
5.	Examine power, diversity and social justice in social issues, social work practice and social policy; and
6.	Appraise the value of life-long learning and professional development.

The 37-unit programme is designed to be completed in two calendar years, including summer terms (part-time) study. Only under exceptional circumstances may students seek extension of the period of study.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

I)	Social Work Courses	21 units
II)	Elective Courses	3 units
III)	Integrative Tutorials	3 units
IV)	Fieldwork Placements	10 units
		───────
		37 units

Requirements

I.	Social Work Courses			21 units
	SOWK	7040	Research & Programme Evaluation	3 units
	SOWK	7610	Society & Social Policy	3 units
	SOWK	7620	Human Development & Cultural Differences	3 units
	SOWK	7630	Social Work Theory & Practice I	3 units
	SOWK	7641-2	Social Work Theory & Practice II	4 units
	SOWK	7650	Management in Human Service Organizations	3 units
	SOWK	7770	Social Work, Law & Social Justice	2 units

II.	Elective Courses			3 units
	SOWK	7120	Child & Adolescent Mental Health	3 units
	SOWK	7430	Narrative Approach to Counselling	3 units
	SOWK	7670	Social Work Project	3 units
	SOWK	7720	Social Work with Older People	3 units
	SOWK	7730	Social Work with Youth	3 units
	SOWK	7740	Social Work with People with Mental Health Problems	3 units
	SOWK	7750	Social Work with Disadvantaged Groups	3 units
	SOWK	7760	Special Topics in Social Work	3 units

III.	Integrative Tutorials			3 units
	SOWK	7680	Social Work Integrative Tutorial I	1 unit
	SOWK	7690	Social Work Integrative Tutorial II	1 unit
	SOWK	7780	Social Work Integrative Tutorial III	1 unit

IV.	Fieldwork Placements			10 units
	SOWK	7700	Fieldwork Practice I	5 units
	SOWK	7710	Fieldwork Practice II	5 units
				──────
				37 units