Applied Social Sciences

The Bachelor of Social Sciences in Applied Social Sciences at City University of Hong Kong offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles and various aspects of social sciences, with a specific focus on applying this knowledge to real-world situations. Designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths in social services, community development, policy analysis, and related fields, the programme emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical skills. Students will explore topics such as social policy, community organization, human behavior, research methods, and ethical considerations in social work and social sciences. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from sociology, psychology, anthropology, and political science to foster a well-rounded perspective on social issues. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills essential for effective practice in the social sector. The programme also emphasizes the importance of cultural competency, ethical practice, and lifelong learning, ensuring graduates are equipped to handle complex social challenges in diverse settings. Practical training and internships are integrated into the programme to provide valuable work experience and professional networking opportunities. Graduates of the Applied Social Sciences programme will be prepared to pursue careers in social work, community services, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions, or to continue their studies at postgraduate level. The CityU Applied Social Sciences programme aims to cultivate socially responsible and empathetic professionals committed to making a positive difference in society through innovative and ethical practice.

• Departmental Research Degree Student Seminar
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Teaching Students: First Steps

Qualifying Report

Students must submit a qualifying report within the specified qualifying period. The qualifying report should include a survey of the relevant literature, an identification of a specific research topic, the research methodology and a discussion on possible outcomes. The Qualifying Panel will assess the students’ suitability to continue their studies on the basis of the qualifying report, coursework results and any other assessment as considered appropriate by the Panel.

Annual Progress Report

After the qualifying period, students must submit progress reports on an annual basis until they have submitted the final version of their thesis for oral examination and completed any other academic requirements. On the basis of the annual progress report, the Qualifying Panel should make a recommendation regarding the students’ suitability to continue their studies for approval by the Department/School.

Thesis

An MPhil thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to design a research agenda, collect data from a variety of locally available sources, deploy methodologies in a systematic way, build a coherent argument that addresses relevant literature and debates, and indicate prospects for making serious theoretical contributions.

Requirements

• Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.
• Applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University and individual Colleges and Schools. The University’s minimum English proficiency requirement for research degree programmes is 593 (paper-based test) or 243 (computerbased test) or 95 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable. 
• Official certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications (Certificates and transcripts that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) [Applicants who obtained degrees from institutions that gave degree classification and/or grade point average but are not shown in the certificate or transcript are required to also send copies of any other official documents that indicate their formal degree classification or grade point average.]
• Certificates of professional qualifications, if applicable (Certificates that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) 
• (In support of the applicant’s publication record, if applicable) the front page of the papers (for papers that have been published) or the letter of acceptance (for papers that have been accepted for publication). [Applicants to the School of Law must also submit a self-assessment (of not more than 400 words) of their publications together with full copies of their best three publications. Where any publication so submitted is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an abstract in English.]
• Nominate two academic referees who can comment on their academic performances (proposed supervisor and persons from non-academic circles are normally not acceptable as academic referees). 
• A non-refundable application fee of HK$200 will be charged for each online application. Settlement of the application fee shall be made via online credit card payment.

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Studentship
• Research Tuition Scholarship
• Conference Grant
• Research Activities Fund
• Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarships

The MSc in Applied Social Sciences at City University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in social research and analysis. The program emphasizes the application of social science theories and methodologies to address real-world issues faced by contemporary societies. It aims to prepare students for careers in research, policy analysis, social services, and related fields. The curriculum typically includes core courses in research methods, data analysis, and social theory, alongside elective courses that may cover topics such as urban development, social policy, community development, and human services. The program often involves a research project or thesis, allowing students to apply learned techniques to specific social challenges or questions. It fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to evaluate social phenomena rigorously and contribute to evidence-based policies. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with industry partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, providing opportunities for internships and collaborative projects. The program is suitable for individuals aspiring to advance their careers in social research, policy formulation, or social work, as well as for those seeking to deepen their understanding of social issues in a global context. The faculty comprises experienced academics and practitioners dedicated to high-quality teaching and research. Graduates of the MSc in Applied Social Sciences are well-equipped to contribute to social development initiatives and to pursue further doctoral studies if desired.