Program Overview

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programme

The Master of Social Work is designed for those who have received undergraduate training in social work or social sciences and human service-related degree programmes, and wish to advance their knowledge and skills in general, particularly with respect to youth work or mental health practice.

Programme Aims

The MSW programme aims at developing students in one of two concentrations: youth work and mental health practice. Both concentrations are unique in nature and especially designed for those who are involved in children and youth work, family services, health and mental health social work.

Programme Structure

The programme is a two-year part-time master programme with two concentrations:

• Youth Work: Strong input in critical youth work, and empowerment and cultural practice taught by a team of experts
• Mental Health Practice: Meeting the most up-to-date challenges of family and mental health; emphasizing theoretical understanding and critical view of mental health issues

Characteristics

The programme features:

• Active and reflective learning mode
• Emphasizing both macro and micro perspectives
• Lectures and seminars given by overseas renowned scholars
• Interactive training workshops offered
• Student-centred learning
• Small-class teaching
• Exposures to advanced yet critical theories and practice
• Critical reflection on innovative conception and practice

Programme Contents

Integrative Courses (4 courses, 12 units)

Integrative courses offer students a critical re-examination of the philosophy and theories of social work and social welfare in global as well as local contexts. The four integrative courses are:

• SOWK 7010 Social Work in a Changing Social Context (3 units)
• SOWK 7030 Critical Management Practice (3 units)
• SOWK 7040 Research and Programme Evaluation (3 units)
• SOWK 7410 Human Diversity and Cultural Differences (3 units)

Concentration Courses (3 courses, 9 units)

These courses are intended to deepen and strengthen students' knowledge and skills and to enhance students' professional competence.

• Youth Work Concentration:
  • SOWK 7170 Youth at the Margins: Theory and Practice (3 units)
  • SOWK 7220 Youth and Cultural Practice (3 units)
  • SOWK 7240 Critical Youth Work (3 units)
• Mental Health Practice Concentration:
  • SOWK 7110 Mental Health, Mental Disorder and Social Work (3 units)
  • SOWK 7210 Working with Families with Mental Health Issues (3 units)
  • SOWK 7230 Crisis Management and Integrated Mental Health Practice (3 units)

Elective Courses (9 units)

• SOWK 7120 Child and Adolescent Mental Health (3 units)
• SOWK 7430 Narrative Approach to Counselling (3 units)
• SOWK 7440 Narrative Practice with Specific Youth Groups (3 units)
• SOWK 7500 Family Therapy (3 units)
• SOWK 7730 Social Work with Youth (3 units)
• SOWK 7840 Data Methodology in Social Sciences Research (3 units)
• SOWK 7890 Career Facilitation and Counseling (3 units)
• SOWK 7151-2 Dissertation (6 units)

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work from a recognized university or equivalent
• Preferably with 2 years of work experience in the field of social work or equivalent

English Proficiency Requirements

Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose Bachelor's degree is obtained from non-English medium institutions. The minimum requirements are:

• An overall band score of 6.0 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• A score of 74 (internet-based test) in TOEFL
• A score of 450 in College English Test band 6 (CET-6) of China
• An equivalent score on a comparable test