Master of Social Work
University of Hong Kong

The Master of Social Work (MSW) programme, offered by the University of Hong Kong's department of social work and social administration, aims to train students who may not have social work as their first degree but want to develop a career in this field.

Dr Wong Yu-cheung, the programme director, says students are provided with both academic theories and skills practice in multidisciplinary subjects. "They would learn how to integrate and apply academic knowledge and skills into real-life situations within the social work context. Graduates may apply for professional registration with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board," he says.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Wong says their students come from diverse backgrounds and an increasing number is from the mainland.

Wong says the programme adapted the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teaching mode which greatly enhances learning. "We let students join discussion groups on real-life cases. Teachers don't just give lectures but also act as facilitators," he says.

Students are required to complete two placements which add up to no less than 900 hours of study. Both local and overseas placements are available.

They can choose to study full-time for two years or part-time for three years.