Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management)

Programme Objectives

This Social Service Management programme aims to cultivate social service managers with a broad vision and professional capabilities. The programme will integrate knowledge of social science theories with management practices, enabling students to learn how to systematically plan, organise, lead and monitor social service organisations. The goal is for graduates to be able to efficiently and responsibly utilise public and non-profit resources, thereby enhancing social welfare and driving the sustainable development and social impact of social services.

The part-time Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management) programme is dedicated to developing students' diverse and advanced management skills. The programme will teach students how to analyse social policies, assess service needs, and formulate long-term organisational development strategies; how to develop resources, effectively lead service teams, and establish human resources systems; and how to establish mechanisms for quality assurance and outcome evaluation. Through this systematic training, graduates will be equipped with the leadership skills to lead social service organisations in fulfilling their professional mission, responding to challenges, and pursuing sustainable development in complex social environments.

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" is 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

Master of Social Sciences 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 Philosophy (PhD).

Career Path

Master of Social Sciences 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.

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

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