The programme aims to train social science practitioners with sound knowledge in the theory and practice to help people, organizations 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:

• TOEFL score 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test); or
• Overall band 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
• Score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of Chinese mainland or a pass in the old CET-6 test; or
• Other equivalent qualifications

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 three main streams - 1) Sociology; 2) Criminology and 3) Advanced Social Work. 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 & 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: Advanced Social Work

• The Stream is designed to enable front-line workers and middle management personnel in social service fields and particularly the nonprofit sector in East Asian countries and beyond.
• The programme prepares students for new opportunities in the region. The Belt and Road initiative provides a visionary blueprint for energetic economic development in the east and the west and will provide financial support for social service development through the non-profit sector and philanthropic organisations.
• For front-line social service workers, the curriculum provides state-of-the-art exposure to micro-, messo-, and macro- levels social service planning, implementation, and evaluation. It also addresses issues related to social innovations, social problem prevention and intervention, capacity building as well as effective leadership, organisational and social entrepreneurship.

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

• 18 credit units core courses and 6 credit units for “Sociology Stream” or
• 21 credit units core courses and 3 credit units for “Criminology Stream” or
• 12 credit units core courses and 12 credit units for “Advanced Social Work Stream”

Stream 1: Sociology (24 credit Units)

#subject to approval

Stream 2: Criminology (24 credit units)

#subject to approval

Stream 3: Advanced Social Work (24 credit units)

#subject to approval

Stream 1: Sociology

Sample areas of employment in applied sociology are, for example, in the following fields and organizations: private research and consulting firms, government and public sector organizations, political parties and interest groups, third sector and civil society organizations, 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 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 organizations that serve the forensic and related populations (e.g., ex-offenders, 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: Advanced Social Work

Graduates are competent to work in community work, social and human services, educational institutions, civil service, public relations, police and correctional as well as commercial settings.

Successful completion of this stream in the MAASS programme will not qualify the graduate for application for registration as a Registered Social Worker through the Social Workers Registration Board in Hong Kong.

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

• Please indicate the Stream you selected (Sociology/Criminology/Advanced Social Work)
• 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.

Department of Applied Social Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences