Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) programme at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a comprehensive and in-depth education designed to prepare students for professional practice in the diverse field of social work. This programme integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience to equip graduates with the competencies necessary to address complex social issues and support vulnerable populations in Hong Kong and beyond. Throughout the course of study, students explore key areas such as human development, social policy, community development, mental health, child and family welfare, elderly care, and social justice. The curriculum is carefully structured to foster critical thinking, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity, enabling students to operate effectively in multicultural environments and diverse social contexts.

Students engage in a variety of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, case studies, role-playing, and community placement projects, which serve to bridge academic theories with real-world application. The programme emphasizes experiential learning and encourages active participation in community service, volunteer work, and internships with social service agencies. These practical placements are integral to the curriculum, offering students valuable insights into the daily realities of social work practice and helping them develop essential intervention skills, case management techniques, and interpersonal communication abilities.

Faculty members are experienced practitioners and academics dedicated to nurturing students’ professional development. They provide personalized guidance and mentorship to foster a deep understanding of social work principles and ethical considerations. The programme also promotes lifelong learning, cultural competence, and advocacy skills, preparing graduates to tackle broad social challenges and contribute positively to society. Upon graduation, students are eligible for accreditation and are well-positioned to pursue further postgraduate studies or enter the social service sector as qualified social workers. The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is committed to cultivating compassionate, competent, and socially responsible professionals who will make meaningful impacts in their communities and advance social well-being.

Core Subjects (15 credits)

• ​Epistemology of Social Work Knowledge (3 credits)
• Controversies & Issues in Social Work Practice: Global & Local Dialogues (3 credits)
• Challenges & Opportunities in Educating & Developing Social Work Practitioners (3 credits)
• Philosophies & Paradigms in Social Work Research (2 credits)
• Quantitative Research Methods in Social Work Research (2 credits)
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methodology (2 credits)

Elective Subjects

Students have to take three subjects, including a guided study subject (3 credits) and two subjects at level 6 in one of the following three areas:

I. Direct Service Practice (Family Practice & Mental Health)

• ​Advanced Family-Centred Social Work: Theory, Practice & Research (3 credits)
• Recovery & Emotionality in Mental Health Practice (3 credits)

II. Policy & Administration Practice (Social Policy & Social Service Administration)

• ​Critical Social Policy in Comparative Contexts (3 credits)
• Innovations & Explorations in Social Service Administration (3 credits)
• Pathways to Social Development (3 credits)

III. Social Work Education

• ​Towards a Personal Stance in Teaching Social Work Practice (3 credits)
• Organisational Learning & Learning Organisations (3 credits)

Doctoral Thesis and Research Seminar (24 credits)

• ​DSW Thesis Seminar & Proposal Development (6 credits)
• DSW Thesis (18 credits)

Requirements

• ​MSW, MASW, MSocSc (Social Work) or a Master's degree in related disciplines.
• Copies of Transcripts and Graduation Certificates are required.
• For all applicants, five years of relevant work experience is normally required.
• Applicants with a Master's degree in related disciplines other than social work are required to take two additional Master-level subjects (for a total of 6 credits) related to social work theory and practice. Students are required to pay the additional credit fees.
• If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. 

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers various financial assistance options for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work programme. These include government-funded scholarships, bursaries, and student loans designed to support students financially throughout their studies. The Student Finance Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government provides the Student Loan Scheme, which offers low-interest loans to eligible full-time students, helping cover tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, the university offers merit-based scholarships and awards that recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the community. These scholarships often provide partial to full tuition fee waivers and may include stipends for living expenses. The university also collaborates with various external organizations and charitable foundations to facilitate donation-based funding, aimed at supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Students are encouraged to explore the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office’s website for comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. The university provides financial counseling services to help students plan their finances effectively and identify suitable funding options. Furthermore, the programme’s students can participate in part-time work opportunities arranged through the university's career services, which help supplement their income while gaining practical experience relevant to their field of study. The university also promotes awareness of external funding opportunities such as work-study programs, educational grants, and non-governmental organization-sponsored financial support schemes. Overall, the financial support landscape at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is designed to ensure that deserving students can pursue their Social Work degree without undue financial hardship, fostering an inclusive academic environment where students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed.

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and professional values necessary for effective social work practice. The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical learning and real-world application, providing students with a solid foundation in social policies, community development, mental health, child and family welfare, and social work ethics. The curriculum includes core courses such as social work methods, human development, research methods, and social welfare policies, complemented by fieldwork placements that enable students to gain valuable hands-on experience in diverse social service settings. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making abilities, preparing them for diverse roles in social services, healthcare, education, and community organizations. The program collaborates closely with local social service agencies and international partners, facilitating diverse internship opportunities and fostering a global perspective on social issues. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers as social workers, case managers, community development officers, and policy advocates, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. The program also supports lifelong learning and professional development, encouraging graduates to engage in continuous education and specialization in areas such as mental health, child protection, or elderly care. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is committed to developing socially responsible professionals through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of social work practice in Hong Kong and beyond.