UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
Master of Social Work
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€27k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Established in 1972Program History
- Eligible for HK Social Workers Registration BoardProfessional Recognition
- 2-year full-time or 3-year part-time studyProgram Duration
- 1000 hours field educationPractical Experience
- Focus on social justice and diversityProgram Mission
The Master of Social Work (MSW) programme at the University of Hong Kong aims to cultivate professional social workers dedicated to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations and fostering a just and caring society, both locally and globally. The curriculum equips students with the necessary values, knowledge, and skills to provide high-quality social services to individuals, groups, and communities in a competent, ethical, and humane manner. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and maintaining high professional standards upon graduation. The Department of Social Work and Social Administration has a long-standing tradition of social work education in the Asia-Pacific region, preparing graduates for diverse roles in direct practice, policy, research, administration, and community engagement. Graduates are eligible for professional registration with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board. The faculty is recognized for its research and practice expertise, focusing on serving underprivileged communities and improving quality of life through evidence-based practices and community collaboration.
Curriculum
The MSW program requires completion of a foundation core curriculum, a generalist stream curriculum, and 1000 hours of field education. Students can choose between a two-year full-time or a three-year part-time study option.
- Foundation Core Curriculum
- Social Policy and AdministrationSOWK6002
- Social Work ResearchSOWK6003
- Social Services ManagementSOWK6243
- Human Behavior and Social Environment ISOWK6303
- Human Behavior and Social Environment IISOWK6304
- The Law, Ethics and Social WorkSOWK6305
- Theory and Practice of Social Work – CaseworkSOWK6306
- Generalist Stream Curriculum
- Elective Courses (Choose 4)
- OR Two Elective Courses plus Dissertation
- Field Education
- Pre-placement Workshop
- Foundation Field Placement
- Advanced Field Placement
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Social Work programme are prepared for diverse roles within the social work profession. They are equipped to serve individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to contribute to policy development, research, and administration. The program aims to foster leaders in social work who can address contemporary societal challenges.
- Direct Practice
- Policy Analysis
- Research
- Administration
- Community and Organizational Change
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Social Work programme?
- You need a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience. If your prior qualifications were not taught in English, you must meet the University's English language requirements, such as a TOEFL score of 80 or above, or an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no subtest lower than 5.5.
- How long does the Master of Social Work programme take to complete?
- The programme can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. Both options include a foundational core curriculum, a generalist stream, and 1000 hours of field education.
- What are the tuition fees for the Master of Social Work programme?
- The tuition fee is HKD 250,000 per year for full-time study and HKD 125,000 per year for part-time study. This does not include the application fee or caution money.
- How do I apply for the Master of Social Work programme?
- Applications are submitted online through the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission system. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents like transcripts and diplomas within two weeks of submission.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the Master of Social Work programme?
- Graduates are prepared for diverse roles including Direct Practice, Policy Analysis, Research, Administration, and Community and Organizational Change. Graduates are also eligible for professional registration with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
Work ExperiencePreference given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience.
TOEFL80 or above
IELTSMinimum overall band of 6.0 with no subtest lower than 5.5
GCEGrade C or above
IGCSEGrade C or above
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above
If your qualification is from an institution outside Hong Kong where the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, you must satisfy HKU's English language requirements as listed. For IELTS and TOEFL, tests must be taken within two years prior to September 1 of the admissions year (for 2026 intake onwards).
Fees
Tuition (international)HKD 250,000 per year (1-year full-time), HKD 125,000 per year (2-year part-time)
Tuition (home)HKD 250,000 per year (1-year full-time), HKD 125,000 per year (2-year part-time)
LivingNot specified
Includes HKD 600 application fee (non-refundable) and HKD 350 caution money for full-time study. Part-time study has a HKD 300 application fee (non-refundable).
How to apply
1. Establish Your AccountRegister an account on the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission portal. You will need to provide your full name and a valid email address. If applying for multiple programs, use a new username for each.
2. Complete the Online Application FormFill in all required sections of the application form. The system may log out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so save your progress frequently. Preview your information before submission.
3. Pay the Application FeesSubmit the non-refundable application fee. Once paid, your application details cannot be changed. You will receive an acknowledgement email with your application number.
4. Provide Supporting DocumentsUpload or submit your supporting documents (transcripts, diplomas, certificates) via the admissions portal within two weeks after completing the application form and before the deadline. Documents not in English require a certified English translation.
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible for professional registration with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Social Work programme?
+
You need a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of related work experience. If your prior qualifications were not taught in English, you must meet the University's English language requirements, such as a TOEFL score of 80 or above, or an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no subtest lower than 5.5.
How long does the Master of Social Work programme take to complete?
+
The programme can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. Both options include a foundational core curriculum, a generalist stream, and 1000 hours of field education.
What are the tuition fees for the Master of Social Work programme?
+
The tuition fee is HKD 250,000 per year for full-time study and HKD 125,000 per year for part-time study. This does not include the application fee or caution money.
How do I apply for the Master of Social Work programme?
+
Applications are submitted online through the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission system. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents like transcripts and diplomas within two weeks of submission.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the Master of Social Work programme?
+
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles including Direct Practice, Policy Analysis, Research, Administration, and Community and Organizational Change. Graduates are also eligible for professional registration with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board.