Social work is a helping profession that values respect for the equality, worth, and dignity of all people. Does this match with your value system? If so, social work can be your future profession! The scope of social work ranges from individual and family psychosocial processes to social policy, and from planning to development. Though most of our alumni join the social work profession after graduation, some excel in other fields including business, education, administration, and other human services.
Our BSW curriculum is carefully crafted to equip you as a future social work leader. Since 100% of our new students are enrolled through direct admission to Year 1, we have the rare privilege to fully utilize the 4-year study span and provide rigorous professional social work training for our students. The 1st year is for setting a solid foundation in social science theories as well as the art of thinking through different common core courses. The focus of the 2nd year is to consolidate the knowledge gained in social sciences theories into the discipline of social work. The 3rd and the 4th year is for the integration and specialization. With the wide range of elective courses, you can develop a more in-depth understanding of the issues faced by different vulnerable target group or sharpen your skills in specialized counseling approach. You are expected to integrate your classroom learning into real life practice in two field work placements. In the summer between the 3rd and 4th year, you have ten weeks working experience in local or overseas agencies under professional supervision. There is a second placement in the final year of study as well. On successful completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Social Worker with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board.
Social workers are change makers in the society. The BSW program in HKU has not only equipped me with appropriate values, skills and knowledge, but also the practical placement experiences working in different social work fields. Most importantly, I have learnt how to empower individuals, families and communities to identify and develop strengths and resources to address personal problems and foster changes in the society. It has been a very rewarding learning experience!
During the 4-year time in BSW programme, I have acquired knowledge and skills to equip myself to be a competent and professional social worker. I am also inspired to broaden my horizons, to view the society and the world through both macro and micro perspectives. Most importantly, I am encouraged to reflect; to reflect on my good and bad, thoughts and behaviours, and the meaning of my life. All these have made me a better person.
The BSW curriculum was very structured as it enabled me to comprehend essential theory, policy and research knowledge. Practice laboratory and placement successfully blended a wealth of academic learning and practical components with guidance. Students were always well supported when facing challenges in the workplace. HKU BSW is like a family to me, I have a trusting relationship with teaching and department staff, and I make lifelong friends here. Not only is it a place for knowledge acquisition and career development, but also for personal growth and reflection.
This programme provides training that leads to a professionally recognised qualification in social-work practice. The curriculum covers areas including social welfare and social policy, specialised social-work theory and practice, human behaviour and the social environment, research, law, sociology and psychology. Students are required to complete social-work practice laboratory courses, advanced courses using problem-based learning, and two fieldwork placements in local or overseas agencies under professional supervision.