Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management)

Introduction
This programme is operated by HKCT Institute of Higher Education.
 
The Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management) programme offers multiple graduation options (including master's degree, postgraduate diploma, and postgraduate certificate) at QF Level 6 of the qualification framework, providing students with advanced learning opportunities aimed at enhancing their professional knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration skills, and overall capabilities to improve the quality of social service management and administration. This programme is specifically designed for individuals who hold a general bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing careers in social service, helping them obtain further qualifications needed to enter the field.

 

Contents

Programme Features

A unique focus on social science theories and practice knowledge

(a) Critical understanding of mainstream social science theories
(b) A focus on practice and practice knowledge
(c) Situated learning tied to the context 
(d) Holistic understanding of professional practice

Flexible learning path with multiple exit points

  • A flexible learning path to accommodate students of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Students can choose to complete the Programme in 2 years on a part-time basis or 1 year on a full-time basis, and apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate according to their individual learning needs.
  • Graduation Requirements: Postgraduate Certificate (4 common core modules), Postgraduate Diploma (4 common core modules + 3 electives), Master (4 common core modules + 4 core modules in career counselling stream +2 electives).

English supplemented with Chinese as the Medium of Instruction 

  • English supplemented with Chinese is used as the medium of instruction that facilitates the best teaching and learning outcomes.

Prepare for future study and employment

  • Prepare for future social service management and administration positions
  • Improve your opportunities of becoming a registered social worker and be able to study for a local or overseas Master of Social Work (MSW) programme in the future. By exempting credits, you can obtain professional qualifications in a shorter time.

Special offer of multiple scholarships

  • In order to encourage those interested in participating in social service, HKCT offers scholarships to newly enrolled students. A specific "CTIHE Scholarship" and "Community Services Scholarship" are established for eligible students.

Learning outcome evaluation

  • The main assessment methods are group discussion, report writing, and special articles without examination.

Main Modules

  • Ethical & Legal Issues for Helping Professions#
  • Human Behaviour and Social Environment#
  • Research for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Human Service#
  • Social Science Perspectives on Practice#
  • Social Work as a Profession
  • Social Welfare Policy in Hong Kong
  • Social Welfare Management
  • Innovation and E-practices in Human Service

Electives

  • Theories and Practice of Counselling
  • Assessment in Career Counselling
  • Career Counselling and Practice Skills
  • Cognitive-behavioural Interventions
  • Schön and the Reflective Practitioner
  • Community of Practice
  • Group Counselling
  • Career Programme Development

#Common core modules for Master of Social Sciences.

  • Complete 4 common core modules to award a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules and any 3 additional electives to award a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules, 4 Social Service Management Stream modules and 2 additional electives to award a Master of Social Sciences.
Graduation Path

Graduation Path

Master graduates could pursue further study in Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes in local and overseas universities for professional social worker registration or Doctor of Philospohy (PhD).

Career Path

These graduates could apply for non-social work managerial posts in NGOs, such as the newly set up District Services & Community Care Teams, or social work managerial posts (if the graduate has already obtained a social work degree) in NGOs or managerial posts in the organizations providing social services in the private sectors.

Programme Details
Mode of Study

Part Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2025

Entry Year

Year 1

Duration

2 Years

Entry Requirements
  • Holder of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, normally with at least Second Class honours; and
  • If the medium of instruction of the Bachelor’s degree is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent English Public Examination Score is required; and
  • Pass in admission interview.
Teaching Facilities
Social Work Practice Centre
 
This Laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system and multiple cameras for hybrid learning and teaching support. The live streaming and recording of practical work sessions could facilitate class discussion and enhance both learning and teaching effectiveness.
Social Work Skills Laboratory
 
This Laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system that features one-way mirrors and multiple cameras for students to record their practical work sessions from different angles. The recordings can be replayed to encourage discussions between students and instructor which helps enhance learning effectiveness.
Tuition Fees and Assistance

Year 1: $50,000 Year 2: $50,000

  • The above tuition fees are for local students in the 2025/26 academic year.
  • For students applying for graduation with Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or studying on a per module basis, the tuition fee for each module is $10,000.
Scholarships and Grants

CTIHE Scholarship

QF Level
QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:6
QR Registration No.:25/000371/L6
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2025 to 31/8/2028
Contact Information

Tel: 2265 6993
Email: mss@ctihe.edu.hk

Disclaimer
Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.