The BSW (Hons) is a four-year programme. The 4-year social work curriculum model is outlined as follows:
Major Compulsory Courses (including honours project) | 48 units |
Major Elective Courses | 18 units |
University Core, Faculty Core, and General Education Courses | 35 units |
Free Elective Courses | 27 units |
TOTAL | 128 units |
Note: This curriculum structure will begin in 2025, pending final approval.
Year | Major Compulsory Courses | Major Elective Courses | University Core, Faculty Core, and General Education Courses | Free Elective Courses | Total Units |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | 3 | 6 | 21 | 3 | 33 |
2nd | 6 | - | 8 | 21 | 35 |
3rd | 23 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 32 |
4th | 16 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 28 |
TOTAL | 48 | 18 | 35 | 27 | 128 |
Students will take General Education and Electives courses in the first three years, which will equip them to have broad-based education for taking life-long learning challenges in social work.
Social Work Major Compulsory Courses (Total: 48 units) | Units |
---|---|
SOWK 1005 Social Work in Contemporary Society This course covers social welfare and social work within a local context, including philosophical foundations, core values, essential skills, and practice principles. It delves into the nature and roles of social work through a person-in-environment perspective and discusses contemporary controversial issues and emerging trends in the field. | 2 units |
SOWK 1008 Integrative Tutorial 1 (service users in contexts A) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series, which focuses specifically on understanding service users in various contexts. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 1009 Integrative Tutorial 2 (service users in contexts B) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series and builds upon the content from Integrative Tutorial 1. It will further expand students' understanding of service users and diverse populations in various contexts. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 2006 Social Work Values and Interventions This course is an introduction to the integrated model as a conceptual framework for the study of social work theory and practice. Students take this course will examine values, processes, skills, and generic knowledge common to social work practice in different modes of intervention. A variety of structured exercises based on case, group and community studies will be used to develop students' practical and analytical skills. A skills laboratory will run concurrently, in which students will be given the opportunity to develop the basic skills and knowledge of communication and experience the application of skills in experimental exercises. Self-awareness of one's own behaviour, attitudes, understanding, and acceptance of the behavior of others is a major focus of this section. | 2 units |
SOWK 2008 Integrative Tutorial 3 (Harnessing Technology A) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series, which focuses specifically on understanding the use of innovation and technology in social work learning and social services. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 2009 Integrative Tutorial 4 (Harnessing Technology B) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series and builds upon the content from Integrative Tutorial 3. It will further expand students' understanding of the use of innovation and technology in social work learning and social services. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 2028 Social Policy and Law This course aims at providing students with a theoretical as well as an analytical framework in understanding social policy in Hong Kong as well as in the Western world. Also, students will develop a better understanding of the legal context of social work, and also the principles and processes that shape and regulate social work practice. In particular, the major provisions of the national security laws implemented in Hong Kong and how these relate to social work and social services will be covered. Students will first examine the theoretical underpinnings of social policy and legal theories related to social work, followed by a critical examination of the dimensions of policy and legal issues which affect the distribution of resources in society. Case examples of social policy and legal issues in Hong Kong will be used as illustrations throughout the course. | 3 units |
SOWK 3005 Field Practice I The field practice component includes hands-on experiences in various social work settings, where students engage in direct service with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Activities involve conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, participating in case management, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Students also take part in supervision sessions, reflective practice discussions, and workshops focused on specific skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and cultural competency. Additionally, they document their experiences through reflective journaling and may engage in community outreach initiatives. | 10 units |
SOWK 3008 Integrative Tutorial 5 (practice in contexts A) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series, which focuses specifically on understanding the use of various methods and approaches and develop essential professional competencies in diverse social service settings. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 3009 Integrative Tutorial 6 (practice in contexts B) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series and builds upon the content from Integrative Tutorial 5. It will further expand students’ understanding the use of various methods and approaches and develop essential professional competencies in diverse social service settings in diverse social service settings. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 3028 Theory & Practice in Social Work: Community Development (I)* Students will examine and evaluate the major theoretical perspectives and practice approaches of community development. Problems and Issues in the application of community development will be analysed. Students will participate in a variety of simulated situations and exercises to develop their skills. | 2 units |
SOWK 3029 Theory & Practice in Social Work: Community Development (II)* Students will examine and evaluate the major theoretical perspectives and practice approaches of community development. Problems and Issues in the application of community development will be analysed. Students will participate in a variety of simulated situations and exercises to develop their skills. | 2 units |
SOWK 3038 Theory and Practice in Social Work: Group (I)* The course content includes conceptualizing social group work, covering ethics and values in social group work, and principles, rationale, and theoretical models of social group work. It also includes preparing and planning for a group, focusing on skills in group formation and interventions, and developing group proposals and group composition. The course further explores the group process and stages of development, providing theoretical overviews of changes in group structures and processes in different group stages. Finally, the course addresses ethical issues in group work, focusing on key ethical issues that arise in group work. To enhance students’ skills and techniques in social group work, practice tutorials will be organized for small groups within the course. | 2 units |
SOWK 3039 Theory and Practice in Social Work: Group (II)* The course content includes several key areas. It begins with leadership, power, and empowerment, which covers preparing group sessions, programme planning, leadership, decision making, conflict, and problem solving. It also explores group dynamics and valuing diversity, focusing on the roles and status of group members, group cohesion, communication within groups, and the values and norms in groups. The course also explores the applications of treatment groups and task groups in social work practice, as well as leading growth and counseling groups. Finally, it addresses group evaluation and the processes involved in termination and separation of group members. To enhance students’ skills and techniques in social group work, practice tutorials will be organized for small groups within the course. | 2 units |
SOWK 3048 Theory & Practice in Social Work: Individual (I)* This course provides an introductory exploration of the major theoretical perspectives and practice approaches of social casework. Key contents include an introduction to working with individuals, which encompasses an overview of counseling theories, ethical practices, and individual work as an empowering practice. The course delves into various methodologies, such as psychosocial and psychodynamic approaches, as well as person-centered therapies, cognitive-behavioral approaches, solution-focused therapy, transactional analysis, and narrative approaches. Practice tutorials provide opportunities for simulated situations and exercises to develop relevant skills. The total teaching hours are structured across various parts, with specific allocations dedicated to each approach and topic, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field. | 2 units |
SOWK 3049 Theory & Practice in Social Work: Individual (II)* This course provides an introductory exploration of the major theoretical perspectives and practice approaches of social casework. Key contents include an introduction to working with individuals, which encompasses an overview of counselling theories, ethical practices, and individual work as an empowering practice. The course delves into various methodologies, such as psychosocial and psychodynamic approaches, as well as person-cantered therapies, cognitive-behavioural approaches, solution-focused therapy, transactional analysis, and narrative approaches. Practice tutorials provide opportunities for simulated situations and exercises to develop relevant skills. The total teaching hours are structured across various parts, with specific allocations dedicated to each approach and topic, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field. | 2 units |
SOWK 4006 Comparing Social Welfare in Global and Chinese Contexts This course offers an overview of social welfare in Chinese societies, comparing it with the diverse conditions and practices in other countries, particularly Asian countries. It starts with an examination of ideologies, social structures, and political governance in China and other nations. The development and evolution of social welfare systems are explored, focusing on civil affairs, welfare institutions, and social organizations. The roles of NGOs, regional, and global actors in providing welfare services are discussed, along with the development, types, and challenges of social security systems. Community work and services, including the roles of street offices and residents' committees, are analyzed, as well as community building initiatives. The course also covers the development and indigenization of social work practices, supervision, and the issues and challenges faced by the profession. Finally, current issues such as unemployment, migrant populations, and social inequalities across various Asian countries are examined. | 2 units |
SOWK4008-9 Field Practice II This is the second supervised field practice in the programme of study. It usually requires two days per week and takes place during the fourth year of the programme. The field practice component includes hands-on experiences in various social work settings, where students engage in direct service with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Activities involve conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, participating in case management, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Students also take part in supervision sessions, reflective practice discussions, and workshops focused on specific skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and cultural competency. Additionally, they document their experiences through reflective journaling and may engage in community outreach initiatives. | 10 units |
SOWK 4018 Integrative Tutorial 7 (operational issues in contexts A) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series, concentrating on the skills and knowledge essential for addressing diverse and critical issues in the social work profession. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 4019 Integrative Tutorial 8 (operational issues in contexts B) This course is part of the integrative tutorial series and build upon Integrated Tutorial 7. It wih further expand students’ understanding of the skills and knowledge essential for addressing diverse and critical issues in the social work profession. The series consists of small group discussions designed to help students assimilate knowledge from a diverse array of related courses. Led by staff members from the Department of Social Work, these tutorials provide a platform for students to digest and integrate their learning effectively. | 0.5 units |
SOWK 4898-9 Social Work Honours Project The objectives of the Honours Project are to provide students with an opportunity to integrate social work theories and methods into their personal and professional orientation. These may include demonstrating originality, creativity, analytical skills, and problem-solving competence, and applying their knowledge and fieldwork experiences to the project. | 3 units |
* Six practice tutorials will be organized through the year across individual work, group work and community development.
Social Work Major Elective Courses (Total: 18 units) | Units |
---|---|
SOWK 1006 Human Development through the Life Span The course includes a comprehensive examination of human development across the lifespan, focusing on the interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. It covers various developmental theories, key characteristics, and challenges associated with different life stages, as well as the importance of professional intervention in addressing specific developmental issues. The content also encourages personal reflection on individual growth and development. | 3 units |
SOWK 1015 Social Dimensions of Human Societies The course covers basic concepts and knowledge of human societies, with an emphasis on sociological perspectives and urban social issues. It includes insights from various sources, such as agency versus structure, micro versus macro dynamics, and local versus global contexts. The content encompasses an interdisciplinary understanding of everyday life experiences in human societies, examining different aspects and processes while addressing social issues. It specifically focuses on the relationships and dynamics between individuals, groups, and society within urban and cosmopolitan settings, particularly in the context of Hong Kong. | 3 units |
SOWK 1017 Psychology of Positive Living The course delves into the basic concepts and knowledge of the psychology of positive living, focusing on the scientific study of various aspects of human functioning such as behaviors, thoughts, emotions, learning, and personality, alongside factors that enable individuals to flourish and achieve positive living. It encompasses two main parts: an introduction to the basic concepts and knowledge of psychological studies on human functioning, and an exploration of the key concepts and knowledge of positive psychology. Key components covered in the course include positive emotions, resilience, creativity, character strengths, and overall well-being, all based on the principle that people desire to live happily and contribute to making the world a better place. | 3 units |
SOWK 3018 Social Work Research This course provides an overview of social work research methodologies, emphasizing the design and implementation of research projects. It covers the philosophy of social inquiry, research ethics, and the nature of research as scientific inquiry. Key topics include deductive and inductive research, research problems and questions, and principles of reliability and validity. The course also explores quantitative methods, such as various designs, descriptive analysis, inferential procedures, and statistical software, as well as qualitative methods like naturalism and grounded theory, including coding and data analysis. Lastly, it discusses evidence-based practice and the evaluation of social welfare programs. | 3 units |
SOWK 4005 Administration in Human Service Organizations The focus is on studying selective organizational theories with the aim of fostering a general understanding of human service organizations. Another objective is to help students to comprehend the process, function and skills of management in these agencies. Case studies are used to illustrate the application of administration in social welfare agencies especially in the Hong Kong context. | 3 units |
SOWK 4007 Families and Social Work This course builds on the foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills for working with families as provided in earlier theory and skill courses. The students will examine the development stages of families and problems that families may encounter. The role of social workers in family services will be examined and family policies and services will be analysed with particular reference to the local context. | 3 units |
SOWK 4205 Disadvantaged Groups and Social Work This course delves into the intricate dynamics of social disadvantage and oppression, beginning with an exploration of key concepts such as social division, structured inequality, and marginalization. It then critically examines various theoretical frameworks, including structural-functional, liberal-individualist, Marxist, feminist, and post-structural/postmodernist perspectives. The course also addresses the lived experiences of disadvantaged groups, such as migrants, marginalized youth, the poor, LGBTQI individuals, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Finally, it focuses on developing anti-oppressive social work practices, covering structural social work, empowerment practices, critical social work, anti-oppressive strategies, and the ethical considerations involved. | 3 units |
SOWK 4206 Older People and Social Work This course provides students with an understanding of the ageing process and its implications for social work practice. Social deprivation and difficulties faced by older people will be explored, especially in the local context. The existing health and social care policies and services for the older people in Hong Kong will be critically examined. This course also introduces different social work intervention approaches to working with older people. | 3 units |
SOWK 4207 People with Mental Health Problems and Social Work This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of a range of theories on the scope and causes of mental illness. Different approaches to working with people with mental health problems and their families will be discussed. Existing local policies and legislation pertaining to mental illness will be critically examined. Methods of assessment, intervention and prevention, especially from a social work perspective, will also be explored. | 3 units |
SOWK 4215 Youth and Social Work The objectives of this course are to review contemporary theories and perspectives for understanding youth with particular reference to the socio-economic and political context of Hong Kong, critically examine the discourses on specific dimensions of youth in Hong Kong, and examine and evaluate selected youth services and approaches to youth work with a review to promoting positive changes. | 3 units |
SOWK 4216 Gender and Social Work This subject encompasses perspectives of feminisms and intersectionality in social work practice, critically examining gender and sexuality issues within social work and social welfare. It emphasizes understanding the principles and strategies of feminist social work and their application with women, men, and LGBTQ groups in the local context, providing knowledge and skills essential for practicing feminist social work. | 3 units |
SOWK 4225 Data Methodology in Social Sciences Research This course covers the basic concepts, approaches and methods in social science using linear modeling methods. The course comprises of seminar and lab sessions. Each class will start with a seminar when the instructor to discuss related concepts and students will be required to participate in discussion. Then, the class will move into the lab session when students are either required to present their own research ideas or practice statistical skills using the software SPSS. Students will have to complete weekly lab assignments. Final paper involves the generation of a publishable manuscript based on students’ research area of interests. In the first part of the course, student will learn how to construct their own conceptual model and specify hypotheses based on existing theories and literatures. In the second part of the course, students will identify a secondary data set related to their conceptual models and learn about data management skills. In the third part, students will learn about the concepts and lab skills of bivariate analysis. The fourth part of the course covers introductory concepts and lab skills of multiple regression. Last, students will have the opportunity to learn about manuscript writing and consult the instructors regarding their paper. | 3 units |
SOWK 4226 Career Facilitation and Counselling This course covers the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate life and career development, focusing on career counselling competencies such as helping relationship building, application of career counselling concepts, and assessment in career planning. It addresses working with diverse populations, utilizing technology in career planning, and achieving work-life integration. Additionally, the course explores holistic perspectives in career development across different life stages, navigating complex life and work environments, examining local and global career trends, and considering concerns related to diversities and multiculturalism in career facilitation and counselling. | 3 units |
University English | 6 units |
University Chinese | 3 units |
Healthy Lifestyle | 2 units |
The Art of Persuasion | 2 units |
SOSC Common Core | 4 units |
Foundational Courses - History and Civilization | 3 units |
Foundational Courses - Values & the Meaning of Life | 3 units |
Foundational Courses - Quantitative Reasoning | 3 units |
Interdisciplinary Thematic Courses - Science, Technology and Society Interdisciplinary Thematic Courses - Sustainable Communities Interdisciplinary Thematic Courses - Culture, Creativity and Innovation | 6 units |
GE Capstone | 3 units |
University Life | 0 unit |
TOTAL | 35 units |
Note: This curriculum structure will begin in 2025, pending final approval.
社會工作學士(榮譽)學位課程旨在培養具有專業知識、技巧和價值的社工,使畢業生能秉持靈活、求是、創新、專業及關懷的精神,有效地迎合大眾對社會服務的需求。本系提供的社會工作學士(榮譽)學位課程獲國際社會工作專業機構認可,畢業生也可以在香港社會工作者註冊局申請成為註冊社工。
社會工作實習是培育社會工作者的重要組成部分,包括不同的實習領域,例如:家庭服務、學校社會工作、青少年工作、社區工作、復康服務、長者服務等。政府機構和非政府組織為我們的學生提供了實習場所,包括以下機構:
入讀社會工作學士(榮譽)學位課程需要同時滿足大學一般入學要求和本系要求。
通過大學聯合招生系統,以香港中學文憑考試成績報讀社會工作學士(榮譽)學位課程的基本入學要求如下:
(1) 英語: | 三級 |
(2) 中文: | 三級 |
(3) 數學 (必修部分): | 二級 |
(4) 公民與社會發展科: | 達標 |
(5) 兩科選修科目: | 三級 |
備註:以上入學要求會按實際情況作出修訂。
除擁有優異的學業成績,學系鼓勵同學積極參與課外活動,對社會工作有強烈的熱忱和在社會服務上有明確志向,並且具有相關義工或有償工作經驗。另外,價值觀、態度、人格、成熟度、自我認知、關心社會時事、分析和解決問題能力等個人素質會成為本學系考慮個別申請的因素。
高年級入學計劃是為合資格的申請者提供機會,直接入讀四年學士課程第三年級,對象是持有學士以下學歷的人士,為有興趣人士提供升學選擇。大學不設特定的GPA或其他考試分數的最低要求。誠然,因學額有限而競爭較大,參考過往獲取錄同學的成績,平均GPA為3.00或以上。
為適度減低高年級入學同學在一般學期時的學業負擔,並讓他們有機會參與各類交流計劃或實習訓練,我們鼓勵同學報名參與暑期課程。
有關活動詳情請參閱網頁 https://ar.hkbu.edu.hk/student-services/summer-programme
我們可能是1960年代第一個社會工作課程。自1990年代社會工作者註冊局的成立,香港所有的社會工作課程都有著相似的設計以滿足香港社會工作註冊局的要求。但我們也有著自己的特色。社會工作系雖然規模較小,但很溫馨。通過課堂、輔導小組、研討會及工作坊,師生緊密互動,碰撞出學習和智慧的火花。高年級學生幫扶低年級學生是我們一貫的優良傳統。無論是在讀生還是畢業生都有著強烈的團體意識和歸屬感。
根據1997年社會工作者註冊條例,社工系的畢業生已具備在本港註冊成為「註冊社會工作者」的資格。本系畢業生可在香港社會福利署或在非政府組織擔任助理社會工作主任一職。本系一直承諾致力於為香港社會培養忠誠、勤奮和深思熟慮的社工人才。他們當中許多人在各非政府組織和香港特區政府的社會福利署都擔任著高級職位。
學系不處理申請人的直接詢問。申請程序及錄取資訊均由大學教務處處理。詳情請參閱教務處網頁
http://ar.hkbu.edu.hk/pros/contact_us/
有關大學聯合招生(JUPAS)取錄資料,請參閱JUPAS網頁 https://www.jupas.edu.hk/en/programme/hkbu/JS2660/