Crime science is an interdisciplinary approach for developing practical solutions to real world crime problems. This programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of this approach, including the use of scientific theories, methods and strategies for preventing crime. With a specific focus on safeguarding the public and upholding Hong Kong's reputation as one of the safest cities globally, this programme offers students the opportunity to contribute to societal progress through innovative approaches. The programme considers the prevention of many forms of both small-scale and transnational organised criminal activity – ranging from residential burglaries to cybercrime. It is ideally suited for practical-minded students with a passion for discovery and a commitment to utilizing scientific analytical methods to benefit society and promote social development. 

This is the only UGC-funded undergraduate programme in Hong Kong to provide comprehensive training in the discipline of Crime Science.

Entrance Requirements for Direct / Non-JUPAS Applicants

To be considered for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements.

For details of the programme’s curriculum structure, please visit the ‘Undergraduate Catalogue’.

Curriculum structure of the Advanced Standing I degree:

Upon successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:        

• describe a range of key concepts, theories and professional values in Crime Science and understand how it differs from traditional criminology;
• identify and critique the underlying assumptions of and devise interventions against criminal issues with a particular interest in different types of informal and formal problem-solving strategies in society;
• apply qualitative and quantitative research methods and use different scientific perspectives for explaining crimes in society;
• evaluate the applicability of crime-scientific theories in practice and develop innovative ideas for preventing crimes and creative ways of reducing re-offending in society with a focus on the local context;
• evaluate the function and operation of social institutions and law enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system;
• conduct scientific research independently; analyse the impacts of social, technological, and environmental changes on individuals and society; present research findings clearly and systematically to the public; and provide creative suggestions and/or solutions for preventing crimes in society; and
• design programmes, generate alternatives, invent ideas, and construct cost-effective means for sustaining social order and safety.

Students will have a broadened exposure to theories and analytical skills training in Crime Science – which specifically engages with devising practical approaches for solving real-world problems. This broad and practical knowledge base will strengthen the employability of graduates. Sample areas of employment for our graduates include positions in law enforcement agencies (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force, Correctional Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, and Fire Services), schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, security or risk management departments in private companies, research institutes and marketing research firms, media industries, and public relations firms.

Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences 
Undergraduate Catalogue 
CityUHK Scholarships for Hong Kong Talents
CityUHK Talents Programme

This major aims to equip degree-level graduates with broad knowledge of criminology and sociology; and with professional competence to conduct criminological and sociological research to solve problems at the organizational, community, societal, national, and international levels, with a particular interest in protecting the public and maintaining Hong Kong's status as one of the safest cities in the world. Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to undertake managerial and executive responsibilities in a wide range of professions, including policing, crime prevention, security services, correctional services, conflict resolution, social analysis, societal planning, marketing research, and the operation of non-governmental organisations. Ample opportunities are provided for students to develop an interest in discovery and innovation to benefit society through crime control and reduction, and societal development and improvement through the application of various sociological practices.

This is the only UGC-funded undergraduate programme in Hong Kong to provide comprehensive training in the disciplines of Criminology and Sociology.

Entrance Requirements for Direct / Non-JUPAS Applicants

To be considered for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements.

For senior-year (Advanced Standing II) admission, applicants are normally expected to have completed an Associate Degree/Higher Diploma with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of ≥3.0 or an equivalent overall mark, or a credit award. Applicants are required to select their preference on Applied Sociology Stream or Criminology Stream in their applications.

Students who are admitted through senior-year (Advanced Standing II) admission are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit units for the award, among which 21 credit units are stream core courses.  

For details of the programme’s curriculum structure, please visit the ‘Undergraduate Catalogue’.

Upon successful completion of this major, students should be able to:

• describe a range of key concepts, theories and professional values in criminology and applied sociology;
• identify and criticise the underlying assumptions of and devise interventions to address social problems and criminal issues with a particular interest in different types of informal and formal strategies;
• apply qualitative and quantitative research methods and use different sociological and criminological perspectives to explain social problems and crimes;
• evaluate the applicability of sociological and criminological theories and develop innovative ideas for preventing crimes and creative ways of reducing re-offending in the local context;
• evaluate the function and operation of social institutions and law enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system;
• conduct independent research; analyse the impacts of social, technological, and environmental changes on individuals and society; present research findings clearly and systematically to the public; and provide creative suggestions and/or solutions for preventing crimes and other social problems; and
• design programmes, generate alternatives, invent ideas, and construct cost-effective means for sustaining social order and safety.

Students in this major will be able to take a certain number of courses in both criminology and sociology and will thus have a broadened exposure to theories and skills training in both disciplines. This broad knowledge base will surely strengthen the employability of graduates. Sample areas of employment for our graduates include positions in law enforcement agencies (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force, Correctional Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, and Fire Services), schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, security or risk management departments in private companies, research institutes and marketing research firms, media industries, and public relations firms.

Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences 
Undergraduate Catalogue 
CityUHK Scholarships for Hong Kong Talents