Master of Social Sciences (Career Counselling)

Introduction
The Master of Social Sciences (Career Counseling) programme is designed to strengthen the quality of career planning education and career counseling in schools and social services, it is the first master's degree programme in career counselling in Hong Kong.
 
This master's 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 to acquire the professional knowledge and skills necessary for effective career counseling practice and to obtain professional certification. This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a general bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing careers in the social service field (such as social work, education, and counseling).
Professional Qualification

Graduates of the career counselling stream may apply for registration as Certified Counsellor with the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). (Under reviewing)

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.

Internship opportunities

  • Provide 80 hours of career counseling internship to allow students to combine theory and practice to improve their professional capabilities effectively.

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#
  • Theories and Practice of Counselling
  • Assessment in Career Counselling
  • Career Counselling and Practice Skills
  • Career Counselling Practicum+

Electives

  • Social Welfare Policy in Hong Kong
  • Social Welfare Management
  • Innovation and E-practices in Human Service
  • 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 Career Counselling Stream modules and 2 additional electives to award a Master of Social Sciences.

+For those students in the Career Counselling Stream who will not take the module “Career Counselling Practicum", they should take alternative module as a core module.

Graduation Path

Graduation Path

Graduates could pursue further study in Doctoral Degree in Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Career Path

These graduates could apply for posts of counsellor or career counsellor in schools, human services or 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 recognized university, normally with an honour not lower then Second Class; and
  • Pass in admission interview
Teaching Facilities
Group 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.
Interview Room
 
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.

QF Level
QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:6
QR Registration No.:25/000370/L6
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2025 to 31/8/2028
Contact Information

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

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