The Master of Social Sciences in Behavioral Health program at the University of Hong Kong offers an interdisciplinary learning environment for professionals in healthcare and human services. It focuses on exploring holistic solutions to complex issues in frontline services by integrating scientific rigor with traditional Eastern and Western health philosophies. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop integrative healthcare and wellness promotion practice models, catering to the needs of patients and service users. Emphasis is placed on personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of human conditions through the exploration of personal and workplace experiences. The program is designed to provide systematic and comprehensive training in behavioral health with a solid, culturally relevant, and holistic orientation. It welcomes healthcare and social service professionals, as well as individuals aspiring to develop evidence-based and integrative models of holistic wellness. The curriculum combines traditional wisdom with current scientific knowledge, introducing culturally sensitive intervention approaches to enhance body-mind-spirit well-being at individual and community levels.
The program requires students to complete 4 compulsory courses, 4 elective courses, and either a practicum or a dissertation. Classes are typically held on weekday evenings and occasional weekends. Students may also substitute up to two elective courses from other Master of Social Sciences programs if they are relevant to behavioral health and meet the credit requirements.
If your qualification is from a university where the language of instruction is not English, you must meet the English language requirements. For IELTS and TOEFL, tests taken from the 2026 intake onwards must be within two years prior to September 1 of the admissions year.
Application fee: HKD 600 (non-refundable). Caution money: HKD 350.
You need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with preference given to candidates with at least two years of relevant work experience. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through IELTS (minimum 6.0 overall, 5.5 in subtests), TOEFL (80+), GCE O-Level/IGCSE (Grade C in English Language), or Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language (Grade C).
The program is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study.
The tuition fee for the one-year full-time program is HKD 250,000 per year for all students.
Applications are submitted online through the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission system. You will need to create an account, complete the form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents like transcripts and diplomas.
The curriculum requires completion of 4 compulsory courses, 4 elective courses, and either a practicum or a dissertation. Classes are typically held on weekday evenings and occasional weekends.