Social policy and social development strategies are key vehicles to actualize the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This major/minor programme adopts an interdisciplinary and multidimensional approach introducing students to fundamental theories and current debates in global and local social policies and development strategies. SPSD investigates the global dimensions of social policy and development issues including the role of states, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social enterprises, communities and citizens in both alleviating and exacerbating social inequalities. The programme also uniquely examines Asian perspectives on development and responses to increasingly complex societal challenges, and the conditions under which development strategies can be sustainable. The SPSD programme aims to train a new generation of passionate and innovative students in the knowledge and skills they need to address real world social development challenges and to improve the human condition.
By completing this programme, students will be equipped with:
Theories of social policy and social development in local and global contexts
Ability in evaluating social policy and assess social needs through rigorous research
Awareness on contemporary social issues and social justice
Competencies in design and provision of policy and social services
Leadership in social development and advocacy for social change
For students admitted in academic year 2015-16 and thereafter
| No. of credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Components | Major | Minor |
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a) Introductory courses I. disciplinary II. pre-requisites* |
6 12 |
6 – |
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b) Advanced courses I. compulsory courses II. disciplinary electives III. capstone experience IV. Social Innovation and Global Citizenship# |
12 36 6 24 |
12 18 – – |
*Candidates who opt to declare two major programmes offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences should avoid selecting overlapping pre-requisites.
#Candidates who opt to declare double majors in Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work and Social Administration are allowed to undertake 24 credits of free electives, to fulfil the Faculty off-campus learning courses for the second major.
BSocSc Regulations and Syllabuses can be found at Faculty of Social Sciences homepage.
This course road map is a recommended plan of study for SPSD major and minor programmes. It is a guide to help students make informed decisions regarding their course selection, skills development as well as career path.
Three graduates of Social Work and Social Administration major (former programme of SPSD) will introduce to you what they learnt through internship and how their internship informed their career and further study:
Miss Angel LAM Wai Ying (BSocSc Graduate 2018) – Internship in both NGOs and business sectors; Working for ESG management in a multinational corporation for 3+ years
Miss Ariel HO Cheuk Ki (BSocSc Graduate 2021) – Internship at World Vision Vietnam, Amnesty International HK; Studying in Master of Social Work Programme
Miss Stephanie NG Pui Lam (BSocSc Graduate 2021) – Internship at Office of Legislative Councillor; Joined Administrative Officer (AO) Internship in HKSAR Government; Studying in Juris Doctor Programme
In the talk, three senior executives from renowned NGOs and social enterprise in Hong Kong introduced the possible prospect of working in their organizations and the expected quality for joining their high caliber work team.
Speakers:
Ms Carol Szeto (CEO, Save the Children, Hong Kong)
Mr Angus Hai (Assistant Human Resources Manager – Talent Management, Hong Kong Red Cross)
Ms Aurea Yung (Head of Operations, Foodlink Foundation)
In the seminar, the following two young social entrepreneurs shared how they start from scratch to implementation, and make their dream come true, as well as the key successful factors for young social entrepreneurs.
Mr. Cameron van Breda (HKU BSc Graduate 2021, Co-founder and CEO of Hollo)
Cameron is passionate about healthcare and social impact – making use of AI for Good, with particular interest in mental / behavioral health, chronic illness, healthcare systems, esports, and biotechnology. Despite graduating with a BSc from HKU in Biotechnology and Science Entrepreneurship in 2021, Cameron decided to pursue a career as a serial entrepreneur. Hollo is a new start-up that helps mental health professionals better informed and more efficient in connecting with their clients. Hollo had won several different competitions, grants, and incubations – notably: Microsoft’s Imagine Cup as Global Champions in 2020 and Cyberport Incubation.
Mr. Jackson Lo Cheuk Yin (HKU BSW Graduate 2021, Co-founder of Mealingful)
Jackson is a co-founder of Mealingful, a social enterprise that aims to improve the quality of life of the elderly and people with dysphagia by delivering decent soft meals. He aspires to build a supportive community through enhancing the public awareness of dysphagia. He raduated from HKU with a bachelor degree in social work. As a young social entrepreneur and a social worker, Jackson believes that everyone has the ability and responsibility to contribute to our society.
The programme adopts an interdisciplinary and multidimensional approach, and introduces students to fundamental theories, models and debates related to various social policy domains and development strategies adopted in Hong Kong, the Asia region and in the global context, thus also carrying an international focus. It also focuses on the intersectionality of the social and the development aspects of policy and planning practice. Courses draw on established strengths in the SWSA Department in such areas as social policy, population and migration studies, community development, social enterprise, and non-profit management.
With the incorporation of experiential learning (e.g. agency visits, study trips), students gain a wide latitude of perspectives on different issues, challenges and policy strategies related to social development at local, regional and international levels.
SOWK4011 Capstone Project in Social Policy and Social Development
The capstone project is a compulsory course that major students take in their final year of study. It provides a platform for students to integrate what they have learnt in the curriculum, engage in independent study on a specific issue related to social development, and develop innovative strategies for tackling such an issue. Students can demonstrate their experiential learning and teamwork through the creative output of a group project and presentation to instructors and peers. Our students are encouraged to conduct their projects across a range of topics including:
This programme equips students with relevant and cutting-edge knowledge and skills in working across sectors: governments, communities, civil society, and the private sector, taking up such possible positions as government officials, policy researchers, analysts and advocates, NGO programme managers, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, journalists and more. A large selection of elective courses is provided for students to pursue their interested specialization in ‘Social Policy and Social Development’, ‘Social Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation’ and ‘Social Data and Research’. This flexibility allows students to design their own curriculum to suit their individual academic and career aspirations.
| Specialization | Career Prospects |
|---|---|
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Social Policy and Social Development Students interested in the analysis, interpretation and communication of important social policy and social development topics such as poverty and inequality, housing and job security will gain valuable knowledge about interrelationships between government, private sector, civil society and the public and gain skills in working among the systems to promote social change. |
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Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation |
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Social Data and Research |
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Prof. Chen Yu-chih
yuchih@hku.hk
(852) 3917 2079
Ms. Karol Cheung
karolckm@hku.hk
(852) 3917 2099