Doctor of Philosophy / Master of Philosophy
The Department of Social Work at Hong Kong Baptist University is devoted to developing future professionals and academics who are committed to enhancing the wellbeing and livelihood of people in the society. At the research postgraduate level, our department aims at creating an intellectually stimulating environment for our Mphil and PhD students to develop an analytical mindset and proficient research skills in conducting high-quality research that would bring changes to people’s lives. We have a dynamic team of researchers whose research interests cluster around at least the following 6 areas:
- Ageing and gerontology
- Community development
- Counselling and psychotherapy
- Families, children and youth
- Health and mental health
- Social welfare and social policy
Our faculty members collaborate closely with agencies and institutions in the local community and engage in regional and international research collaborations for the betterment of humankind. In particular, our colleagues advocate the importance of evidence-based research and practice, gathering scientific evidence to put forward new solutions to human predicaments. In our department, we have established the Social Work Practice and Mental Health Centre to consolidate our expertise and research interests to advance our understanding and practice in social work and mental health. Colleagues are also working closely with other research units in and outside of HKBU to develop research agendas and create new knowledge and skills in their respective research areas.
We warmly welcome good research students who have a passion in advancing knowledge and skills in social work, social policy and counselling and psychotherapy.
Professor Daniel Fu Keung Wong
Director
Departmental Research Postgraduate Committee
Applications should hold a Bachelor's Degree with 1st Class Honours or completion of a Master Degree, preferably in the field of social work. The normal period of study for the completion of the approved 4-year research and study programme is 48 months for full-time candidates and 72 months for part-time candidates (Handbook for Research Postgraduate Students)
Faculty members of the Department offer supervision in a broad range of areas.
List of PhD Students
- Current
| Name | Topic of Thesis |
| Feng Juxiong | Social Captital and community development |
| Lu Xi | Social Work Services related to counselling for mental health problems |
| Lau Chi-yuen | To be confirmed |
| Lee Mei-yin, Anna | Active aging - ideas and strategies from the perspectives of adults with intellectual disability |
| Chan Yu-cheung | Community Capacity Building and Community Development: Building Community Capacity in Deprived Communities in HK |
| Lam Lai-ling | Perceiving and Practicing citizenship: A study on youth activists' experience in social movements in Hong Kong |
- Graduated
| Name | Topic of Thesis |
| Cheng Yi-ting, Daphne (2021) | Evaluation of the application of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for people with mental illness |
| Chiu Renee (2019) | Parental Emotional Attachment and Fear of Intimacy of Emerging Adults in Hong Kong: The Effect of Differentiation of Self |
| Wong King-lai (2019) | The Role of Non-state Actors in the Process of Policy Transfer: A Case of Community Social Workers and the Transfer of Policy Ideas of Sustainable Regeneration in Hong Kong |
| Law King-keung (2017) | A Qualitative Study on Recovery Experience of People with Schizophrenia in Hong Kong |
| Wu Ho-yee (2017) | The Process of Reality Negotiations in finding Hope in the lived experience of people with have encountered Depression: A Collaborative Narrative Research |
| Liu Hongshuo (2017) | The Study of the Responses of Lalas to Social Exclusion in China |
| Lau Siu-mei (2017) | Housing Discourses of Young People in Hong Kong |
| Chan Ka-ki (2013) | Is Citizenship Sexual: A Study of the Exercise of Citizenship of Non-heterosexuals in Hong Kong |
| Yau Shui-ling (2013) | Bounded navigations to work: The experience of young people in Hong Kong |
| Su Xiqing, Susan (2007) | The Structure of Gratitude of Secondary School Students in China: Conceptualization, Measurement and Implications |
| Ho Wing-nan, Winnie (2008) | Recovery Model among Chinese People with Schizophrenia |
Applications should posses a Bachelor's Degree with Honours, preferably in the field of social work. The normal period of study for the completion of the approval research and study programme is 24 months for full-time candidates and 48 months for part-time candidates. (Handbook for Reseach Postgraduate Students). The Department can offer supervision in a broad range of areas.
List of PhD Students
- Graduated
| Name | Topic of Thesis |
| Yang-xue (2013) | Internalized Stigma among Family Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Mainland China: An Example of Kaifeng City |
| Chun Wai-kwong (2009) | Voices Hearing among Chinese People with Schizophrenia in Hong Kong |
| Shiu Ka-chun (2003) | The study of Youth Deviance Research in Hong Kong |
| Har Man-kwong, Harris (2002) | The Construction of Helping Relationship between Social Workers and Young Substance Abusers |
| Chu Pui-yi Eva | WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE: ECONOMIC RESTRICTIONS AND INFORMAL CARE - an exploratory study on the economic disadvantages of female Informal Carers of The Chinese old people in Hong Kong |
| Choi Kin-shing, Franklen | 'Old People' in the Talk of Helping Professionals in Hong Kong |