The programme aims to train social science practitioners with sound knowledge in theory and practice to help people, organisations and communities develop innovative solutions, and to accomplish excellence in undertaking research in social sciences.

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• evaluate major principles/theories in different disciplines in social sciences;
• demonstrate the ability to integrate major principles/theories in analyzing social problems;
• demonstrate the ability to design and conduct research in social sciences; and
• devise innovative practices in social sciences to real-life problems.

To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and:

• hold a bachelor's degree of one of the universities in Hong Kong or from an overseas institution recognized for this purpose by the University; or

• hold such other qualifications as deemed acceptable by University as equivalent to the above.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should fulfil the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

• a score of 79 (for tests taken prior to 21 January 2026) or 4 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards) (Internet-based Test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^@#; or

• an overall band score of 6.0 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^@#; or

• a score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of Chinese mainland; or

• other equivalent qualifications

@TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the two years preceding the start of the University's application period. 'TOEFL iBT Home Edition', ‘TOEFL MyBest Score’, ‘IELTS Indicator’, ‘IELTS One Skill Retake’ and ‘IELTS Online’ are not acceptable. All TOEFL results must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using CityUHK’s institution code 3401, while IELTS results must be sent via the IELTS Results Service e-delivery to 'City University of Hong Kong - Graduate School'.

#Applicants with an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or a TOEFL overall score of 4 will be required to pass an interview for English proficiency conducted by the concerned academic unit. Applicants with a comparable overall score of 79 or above shown on the TOEFL report may be exempt from the interview requirement. Interviews for other applicants may not be required.

Programme Structure

Students are required to specialize in one stream and take the required credits of courses from their chosen Methods in Social Sciences

• Stream 1: Sociology

• Stream 2: Criminology

• Stream 3: Clinical Mental Health Practice

There are no intermediate exits; students may obtain the MA degree by completing a total of 6 credit units of programme common core courses, and:

• 18 credit units stream core courses and 6 credit units electives for "Sociology Stream"

• 21 credit units stream core courses and 3 credit units electives for "Criminology Stream"

• 18 credit units stream core courses and 6 credit units electives for "Clinical Mental Health Practice Stream"

  
   

Stream 1: Sociology

Sample areas of employment in applied sociology are, for example, in the following fields and organisations: private research and consulting firms, government and public sector organisations, political parties and interest groups, third sector and civil society organisations, marketing and advertising firms, public relations and media firms, social services agencies, and education sector. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in sociology, psychology, social welfare and human services at the doctoral level.

Stream 2: Criminology

Graduates in criminology could pursue a career in law enforcement/ disciplinary forces (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Correctional Services Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, and Hong Kong Fire Services Department), private security agencies (e.g. corporate security firms, threat assessment and management agencies, anti-fraud agencies, and private investigative agencies), and non-governmental organisations that serve the forensic and related populations (e.g. exoffenders, drug abusers, victims of crime, and at-risk youth). Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in criminology, criminal justice, and other related fields (e.g. forensic psychology, law, and social work) at the doctoral level.

Stream 3: Clinical Mental Health Practice

Students will be adequately equipped to work with a variety of people with mental health problems and needs. After graduation, students will be knowledgeable and skillful in making assessment on different mental disorders and provide professional support to people with mental health problems. Graduates may pursue a career in mental health care in a variety of service settings to promote the mental health of individuals, families and communities.

Applicant should state their answers of the below questions under “personal statement” on the admission system.

• Please indicate the Stream you selected (Sociology/Criminology/Clinical Mental Health Practice).
• Please give reason(s) for studying this stream.
• In what ways may this stream enhance your career/ professional development?
• Have you studied any relevant courses? If yes, please specify.
• Relevant experiences in this stream.

Programme Descriptions
Course Syllabus
Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences