Director's Message

The Master of Social Sciences in Behavioral Health programme is designed to provide an interdisciplinary learning environment for healthcare and human service professionals to work together on topics related to healthcare and human development. Through a variety of didactic and experiential learning activities, students are inspired to explore the holistic solutions to challenging and ill-defined issues in the frontline services. By honouring both the scientific rigour and the traditional wisdoms from the Eastern and Western health philosophies, students of this programme are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop the integrative healthcare and wellness promotion practice models in response to the needs of their patients and service users. Personal growth and wellness are also emphasized in our programme. Students develop resilience and a deeper understanding of the human conditions through exploration of their personal and workplace experiences.

Since the launching of the programme in 2004, responses from healthcare and social service professionals have been persistently positive and encouraging. Our graduates are eager to share their experiences acquired through this programme with the local community. Many of them are actively involved in further research studies after graduation and brought innovative initiatives in their workplace in the past decade to support the development of the service model.

I would like to express my heartiest welcome to those interested in embarking on the journey of searching for and developing their own integrative practice.

Programme Director

 

Learning Outcomes

After the completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding on the history, background and cultural issues of the topics related to behavioral health;
  • Integrate Eastern and Western health philosophies and apply the related knowledge and practical skills in tackling health-related issues in the field;
  • Express facts, ideas and opinions effectively in various types of oral and written communication in academic, professional and social settings;
  • Raise the level of self-awareness and personal reflection on their own concept of holistic health and well-being;
  • Be aware of the global and local development of behavioral health issues; and
  • Develop and establish their own evidence-based and integrative practice model in workplace.

Who will benefit from the programme

Medical doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, educators, Chinese medicine practitioners, and other complementary and alternative medicine practitioners

International students and graduates from related disciplines with relevant work experience who wish to pursue postgraduate study in behavioral health are also welcome.

What makes the Programme special?

Holistic and Eclectic Approach

Holistic and Eclectic Approach

We believe our body, mind and spirit are interconnected. Throughout the programme, students will sample a variety of holistic approaches to well-being, such as the body-mind-spirit approach, mind-body medicine (e.g. mindfulness and meditation practices, etc.), and various arts-based approaches such as dance and movement, etc.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

We believe in learning by doing. Experiential learning encompasses a wide variety of enriching opportunities for students including experiential workshops, volunteering, research and practicum projects.

Knowledge Enhancement and Personal Growth

Knowledge Enhancement and Personal Growth

We care about both knowledge enhancement and personal growth of the students. Our teaching team is committed to provide a mutually-supportive and conductive learning environment for our students as a platform to support their academic advancement and personal growth.

Integration of Theory and Practice

Integration of Theory and Practice

We believe theory and practice go hand-in-hand. Therefore we emphasize the integration of time-tested clinical techniques and up-to-date evidence-based research findings.

Madam Lo Ng Kiu Ying Anita Memorial Prize

The prize is established to honour students with outstanding performance in the practicum.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. Please also call us or email us before visiting to make sure that you will be served with our best services.

chanmona@hku.hk