CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
Master of Social Sciences in Psychology (MSocSc Psychology)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€21k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time/combined)Study Duration
- Weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons/eveningsClass Schedule
- Applied Psychology Stream or Education StreamSpecializations
- Eligible for graduate membership of the Hong Kong Psychological SocietyProfessional Recognition
- 30 credits minimumCredit Requirement
- Rolling application reviewApplication Process
This Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) in Psychology program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than psychology. It aims to equip you with a strong foundation in psychological principles, analytical skills, and research expertise. The program prepares you for advanced professional training or a career in psychology and related fields. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership in the Hong Kong Psychological Society.
Curriculum
The MSocSc Psychology program requires a minimum of 30 credit units. Students will complete common core courses and then specialize in either the Applied Psychology Stream or the Education Stream.
- Year 1 (Full-time) / Years 1-2 (Part-time/Combined)
- Perception and CognitionSS5750
- Life Span DevelopmentSS5752
- Advanced Social PsychologySS5753
- Biological Basis of BehaviorSS5756
- Personality Theories and AssessmentSS5757
- Psychological Research Design and AnalysisSS5783
- Capstone Project in PsychologySS5799
- Dissertation (Optional, replaces Capstone Project)SS5798B
- Applying Psychology to Contemporary IssuesSS5755
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental DisorderSS5782
- Advanced Health PsychologySS5791
- Psychological TestingSS5794
- Learning and BehaviorSS5751
- Educational PsychologySS5758
- Educational Assessment and EvaluationSS5759
- Special Topics in Psychology of EducationSS5763
Careers
Graduates are prepared for further postgraduate studies (e.g., MPhil, PhD) in psychology or professional training programs in clinical, educational, occupational, or counseling psychology. Those specializing in the Education Stream may be qualified to teach in inclusive settings.
- Researcher
- Psychologist (Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Counseling)
- Teacher (in inclusive settings)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- The tuition fee for international students is HKD 190,000 per academic year. Non-local students should also budget for acceptance fees and accommodation costs.
- How long does the Master of Social Sciences in Psychology program take to complete?
- The program can be completed in 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time/combined study.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSocSc Psychology program?
- Applicants need a recognized bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong or an overseas institution recognized by CityUHK, or an equivalent qualification. Prior knowledge in psychology or relevant work experience is an advantage.
- What English language proficiency scores are required?
- Applicants need a TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or an IELTS overall band score of 6.0. CET-6 scores of 450 are also accepted. Note that specific versions of TOEFL/IELTS are not accepted.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for further postgraduate studies or professional training in various psychology fields like clinical, educational, and occupational psychology. They may also be qualified to teach in inclusive settings.
- When is the application deadline for the MSocSc Psychology program?
- The application deadline is 31 May 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is recommended.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA recognized bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong or an overseas institution recognized by CityUHK, or an equivalent qualification. Prior knowledge in psychology or relevant work experience is an advantage. Applicants without prior psychology background may consider introductory courses like SS1101 Basic Psychology.
TOEFL79 (Internet-based)
IELTS6.0 overall
CET-6450
TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. Applicants with an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 may be required to pass an interview for English proficiency. Home Edition, MyBest Score, Indicator, One Skill Retake, and Online versions of TOEFL/IELTS are not accepted.
Fees
Tuition (international)HKD 190,000 per academic year
Tuition (home)HKD 47,000 for 2026/27 academic year (subject to annual review)
LivingHKD 50,000 – HKD 60,000 per academic year (estimated)
Tuition fees are subject to annual review. Non-local students also need to consider acceptance fees and accommodation costs.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the general university entrance requirements and the specific academic and English language requirements for the MSocSc Psychology program.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all necessary academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency test results, and any other supporting documents as required.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form and submit it along with the application fee before the deadline. For non-local students, the application fee is HKD 450 for up to 3 program choices.
4. Application ReviewApplications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted for assessment, particularly for English proficiency.
5. Receive OfferSuccessful applicants will receive an offer letter, which may include details of any entrance scholarships awarded.
6. Accept OfferIf you accept the offer, an acceptance fee is required (HKD 15,000 for non-local students), which will be credited towards your tuition fee.
Accreditation
Upon completion, students are eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
The tuition fee for international students is HKD 190,000 per academic year. Non-local students should also budget for acceptance fees and accommodation costs.
How long does the Master of Social Sciences in Psychology program take to complete?
+
The program can be completed in 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time/combined study.
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSocSc Psychology program?
+
Applicants need a recognized bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong or an overseas institution recognized by CityUHK, or an equivalent qualification. Prior knowledge in psychology or relevant work experience is an advantage.
What English language proficiency scores are required?
+
Applicants need a TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or an IELTS overall band score of 6.0. CET-6 scores of 450 are also accepted. Note that specific versions of TOEFL/IELTS are not accepted.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for further postgraduate studies or professional training in various psychology fields like clinical, educational, and occupational psychology. They may also be qualified to teach in inclusive settings.
When is the application deadline for the MSocSc Psychology program?
+
The application deadline is 31 May 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is recommended.