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Master of Social Sciences in Psychology
Programme
Master of Social Sciences in Psychology
社會科學碩士(心理學)
Award Title
Master of Social Sciences in Psychology
社會科學碩士(心理學)
Offering Academic Unit
Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Mode of Study
Combined mode

Normal Period of Study

- 1 year (full-time)
- 2 years (part-time/combined mode)

Maximum Period of Study

- 2 years (full-time)
- 5 years (part-time/combined mode)

Credit Units Required for Graduation

33

Programme Aims

This conversion program is designed to provide non-psychology degree holders with the knowledge, skills, exposure, and insights for (1) analyzing human behaviors from a psychological perspective, (2) developing research expertise in applying psychology to relevant settings, and (3) pursuing advanced professional training and a career in psychology and closely related areas. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society and other psychological professional bodies.


Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs)

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

1. critically evaluate major principles/theories in core areas of psychology;
2. apply major psychological theories/principles to analyze human behaviors in real life situations;
3. critically evaluate research evidence published in psychological journals;
4. design and carry out psychological research independently; and
5. appreciate the close connection between psychology and everyday experiences.


Programme Requirements



Path of Study:  Students may obtain the MSocSc degree either by completing Path A/Path B for Applied Psychology Stream, or Path C for Education Stream

  • Path A (without dissertation) – 6 common core courses + 4 electives
  • Path B (with dissertation) – 6 common core courses + 2 electives + dissertation
  • Path C – 6 common core courses + 4 core courses

1. Common Core Courses ( 21 credit units)

Students are required to take 4 courses from Group A, 1 course from Group B and 1 course from Research Method Group
Group A
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5752Life Span Development3
SS5753Advanced Social Psychology3
SS5756Biological Basis of Behavior3
SS5757Personality Theories and Assessment3
Group B
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5750Perception and Cognition3
SS5751Learning and Behavior3
Research Method Group
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5780Research Design and Analysis in Psychology6

2.  Courses for Respective Path ( 12 credit units)


Path A - Applied Psychology Stream without dissertation
Students are required to take 4 electives from below list.
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5755Applying Psychology to Contemporary Issues3
SS5791Advanced Health Psychology3
SS5794Psychological Testing3
SS5797Advanced Research Methods in Psychology3
SS5782Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorder3

Path B - Applied Psychology Stream with dissertation


Students are required to take 2 electives from below list and the Dissertation.
Choose two from the five courses
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5755Applying Psychology to Contemporary Issues3
SS5791Advanced Health Psychology3
SS5794Psychological Testing3
SS5797Advanced Research Methods in Psychology3
SS5782Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorder3

AND

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5798Dissertation6

Path C - Education Stream
Students are required to take 4 core courses from below list.
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit UnitsRemarks
SS5758Educational Psychology3
SS5759Educational Assessment and Evaluation3
SS5755Applying Psychology to Contemporary Issues3choose one of the two courses (SS5755 or SS5763)
SS5763Special Topics in Psychology of Education3choose one of the two courses (SS5755 or SS5763)
SS5782Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorder3

Professional Recognition

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society and other psychological professional bodies. However, membership is granted on the basis of individual merits but not automatically upon application.

Additional Information