香港理工大学

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes

This programme aims to equip students with a solid foundation and discipline-specific knowledge in social sciences and social work, a repertoire of professional competencies and skills, a firm commitment to securing social justice, a sense of ethical and social responsibility and a humanitarian orientation. Our graduates are competent in flexibly and creatively using information, knowledge, theories and resources.

Programme Characteristics

A strong social science foundation strengthens students' analytical ability and familiarises them with the economic, social and cultural contexts of social problems and social work intervention. Theory is integrated with practice. The programme recognises the need to develop not just students’ theoretical knowledge and skills, but also their ability to feel, empathise and appreciate.

The Department offers placement opportunities both in the Chinese mainland and overseas.

Curriculum

• Year 1 focuses on the theme of "becoming a social worker'" This year of study aims to impart the necessary professional attitudes, knowledge and competence to students. Besides the University’s Core Curriculum, students study common underpinning subjects to strengthen their knowledge of social science.
• Years 2 and 3 focus on the theme of "becoming a social worker in context'" Students are equipped with a wide range of social science and discipline-specific knowledge. They are exposed to various social issues and problems from a multi-dimensional perspective. At the end of this process, they are able to articulate the core values of social work and committed to promoting ethical and responsible social work practices.
• Year 4 focuses on the theme of "becoming a reflective social worker". This year of study helps students to integrate theoretical learning, practical applications and metatheoretical reflection on direct practice. By completing a Capstone Project, students are able to consolidate their undergraduate learning in preparation for becoming a professional.

Recognition and Prospects

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) as Registered Social Workers (RSWs).

Career Prospects

Graduates with this qualification are eligible for employment as Assistant Social Work Officers or the equivalent, and can be promoted to the position of Social Work Officer, Senior Social Work Officer or Chief Social Work Officer in Hong Kong.

They are also qualified to take up a variety of human service posts in other fields of the social services or in private organizations.