Doctor of Social Work

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programme aims to provide first-rate education for social workers, welfare administrators, and social work educators with substantial professional experience and a commitment to pursuing and integrating a higher level of research, practice, and education to advance the framework of knowledge and practice and further social betterment.

Programme Features

• Development of a critical mass of future social work leaders in practice and practice teaching
  • Integration of reflective practice, practice research, and professional education
• Integration of theory and practice in social work with consideration of relevance, practicality, and the specific social and governance setting
  • Embodiment of a reflective approach in theory-practice integration
  • Incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge in innovative practice
• Engagement in critical dialogue between local and global community
  • Development of comparative perspective in understanding local and international social and welfare issues
  • Exploration of culturally sensitive and appropriate social work practices for indigenous and international settings
• Recognition of complexities of external forces impacting on professional practices
  • Adoption of a cross-disciplinary, inter-professional, and holistic approach in problem-solving in social work

Programme Details

• Programme Code: 54053
• Stream Code:
  • DF (Full-time)
  • DP (Part-time)
• Mode of Study: Mixed Mode
• Normal Duration:
  • 3 years (Full-time) with summer terms
  • 4 years (Part-time) with summer terms
• Fund Type: Self-Financed
• Credits Required for Graduation: 49
• Tuition Fees: HK$408,000 per programme (HK$8,500 per credit) for local and non-local students
  • No tuition fee is required for the 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) subject

Entrance Requirements and Scholarships

• Entrance year: September 2026
• Local Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Non-Local Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Entry Scholarships are available

Programme Leader

• Prof. Ku Hok-bun, BA, MPhil, PhD

Remarks

• This programme adopts multi-method approaches to teaching and learning, including online, classroom, skill laboratory, and blended learning.
• This programme admits students in alternate years.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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Other: