Higher Diploma in Social Work

This programme offers comprehensive and professional pre-employment training for students aspiring to join the social services sector. The curriculum comprehensively covers core areas such as social work theory, practical skills, and professional ethics, nurturing students to become frontline professional registered social workers and building a foundation for their continuing education.

The programme combines theoretical learning with practical training and allows students to apply their knowledge in real social service settings through practicums, mastering professional skills such as case work, group work, and community work. As the only Chinese-taught social work programme in Hong Kong accredited by both the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and the Social Workers Registration Board, our Higher Diploma in Social Work programme facilitates students' confidence in absorbing and applying professional knowledge and skills to local and cross-border services through mother-tongue learning.

Programme Enquiry:

Professional Qualification

The Higher Diploma in Social Work awarded by the Hong Kong College of Technology is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Social Worker.

Contents

Programme Objectives

Facing the increasingly complex challenges facing Hong Kong society, including a rapidly aging population, growing mental health needs, evolving family structures, and diversifying social service demands, local social workers remain in short supply. To address the pressing need for professional social work talent in Hong Kong, the Higher Diploma in Social Work programme aims to cultivate registered social workers equipped with professional knowledge, practical skills, and a spirit of service and innovation.

The programme is dedicated to nurturing students to become professional social workers with a spirit of "People-oriented, Conscientiousness, Collaboration, Perseverance and Innovation". They will be equipped to respond flexibly to various social issues and the needs of diverse service recipients, including families and children, youth, the elderly, rehabilitation services, and community services. Through comprehensive professional training that closely aligns with the evolving needs of the industry, students of the Higher Diploma in Social Work programme will master the core values, theoretical foundations, and practical skills of social work. They will also develop abilities in multi-disciplinary collaboration, crisis management, and resource integration. Graduates will dedicate themselves to the social service sector, becoming vital contributors to promoting social development, improving people's livelihoods, and fostering a healthy society.

Programme Features

The only Higher Diploma in Social Work in Hong Kong is taught in Chinese and is accredited by the HKCAAVQ and the Social Workers Registration Board
Combination of formal curriculum, off-campus learning and skills/target-specific workshops to nurture students with social work values and enhance their commitment to the profession
Learning activities that facilitate students to understand, analyse and respond to the changing needs and development of the social welfare sector
The 820-hour internship (100-hour pre-placement workshop and 720-hour fieldwork experience) before official placement equips students with industry knowledge and skills to enrich competitiveness for employment
Provide many opportunities to join different academic and professional activities like Scholarship plus Leadership Training Scheme, Practice Seminar and Conference, Cross-disciplinary Visiting Programme etc.
Graduates are eligible to be recognised as "Registered Social Workers" (RSW) by Social Workers Registration Board
Cooperate with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises (HKGCSE) to provide the "Social Work and Social Entrepreneurship" elective subject for students who are interested in understanding social enterprises and social innovation
Chinese is the medium of instruction, with an emphasis on the training of English as well
Students who have completed this 2-year programme and fulfilled designated requirements will be eligible to receive admission offer of the 2-year CTIHE “Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Social Work” of senior-year entry (i.e. direct entry to the third year of the Programme)

Featured Modules

Sociology and Society
Introduction to Social Work
Psychology and Human Development
Social Welfare in Hong Kong
Generalist Social Work Practice I & II
Generalist Social Work Practice Skills Workshop I & II
Ethics and Professional Development
Social Work and Social Entrepreneurship
Programme Planning and Administration for Social Work
Basic Legal Knowledge for Social Workers
Integrated Social Work Practice

Graduation Path

Articulation Path

Graduates may apply for the following bachelor's degree programmes：

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Science in Community Health Practice, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences (Social Work / Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship) , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons), Hong Kong Baptist University
Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work, City University of Hong Kong

Careeer Prospects

Graduates are qualified for registration as Registered Social Worker and apply for Social Work Assistant or equivalent positions at Social Welfare Department, social welfare agencies or NGOs.

2+2 Articulation Scheme

Students who have completed the 2-year HKCT “Higher Diploma in Social Work” will be eligible to receive admission offer^ of the 2-year CTIHE “Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Social Work” of senior-year entry (i.e. direct entry to the third year of the Programme). It only takes 4 years for students to achieve both Higher Diploma and Bachelor Degree qualifications. The bachelor programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong at QF Level 5. Graduates can serve as Assistant Social Work Officer (ASWO) or equivalent. The starting salary for the government is at point 16 on the MPS (the starting salary is $36,850 and effective in April 2025).

^ Students should acquire designated academic result and pass an interview, and subject to the availability of the quota.

Internship

Every student is required to complete 820 hours fieldwork practice (100-hour pre-placement workshop and 720-hour fieldwork experience) at 2 different social welfare organizations. The scope of fieldwork placement covers a broad range of services, including children and youth service, rehabilitation service, elderly service, family and child welfare, community development. Through fieldwork placement, students can put their social work values, knowledge and skills into practice and obtain valuable work experiences.

Programme Details

Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2026

Duration

24 Months

Location

HKCT Jockey Club Ma On Shan Campus

Entry Requirements

Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects¹, including Chinese Language² and English Language, and the performance in Applied Learning subjects would be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or
Holder of Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or
Holder of Diploma³ and- in the relevant discipline at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits; and
- learning contents covering Chinese and English Languages; or
Mature applicants of age 21 or above with 5 years’ working experience in human services; or
Equivalent qualifications;
AND
Pass the admission interview.

¹ With effective from 2024/25, 'Attained' in 'Citizenship and Social Development' (equivalent to 'Level 2' for the HKDSE subject 'Liberal Studies' before 2024/25), or the attainment of 'Level 2' in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as meeting the general entry requirements.
² 'Attained' level of Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is accepted as Chinese Language qualification for the admission, but it is not considered as an elective subject.
³With passes in Chinese and English languages in either HKCEE or HKDSE (Level 2) or equivalent public examination.

Teaching Facilities

Social Work Practice Centre

This Laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system and multiple cameras for hybrid learning and teaching support. The live streaming and recording of practical work sessions could facilitate class discussion and enhance both learning and teaching effectiveness.

Social Work Skills Laboratory

This Laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system that features multiple cameras for students to record their practical work sessions from different angles. The recordings can be replayed to encourage discussions between students and instructor which helps enhance learning effectiveness.

Student Words

Dickson

「Social work is a people-oriented profession. The teaching at HKCT emphasises the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and personal reflection, and our teachers proactively share their practical wisdom. During my studies, through their feedback and guidance, I truly understood what it means to influence life with life, which is a profound way of inspiring and making a positive impact. Serving as exemplary role models, they demonstrated the essential qualities and attitudes required of a social worker. These internalised values continue to support me both in my career and further studies, enabling me to consistently uphold my passion for serving the community.」

William

「HKCT's social work programmes excel at the integration of professional training and practical experience, which enabled me to progress from a part-time Higher Diploma to a Bachelor's degree, while developing perseverance and a passion for helping others. The guidance of experienced teachers and practicum supervisors equipped me to become an Assistant Social Work Officer after graduation. Daily in my practice, I put the philosophy of helping others into action, truly embodying the spirit of the helping profession. I am grateful for HKCT's inspiration and support, which has given me a profound understanding of the meaning of the helping profession.」

Tuition Fees and Assistance

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $83,640 Year 2: $100,368

The tuition fee above is under 2026/27 Cohort

Assistance

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) (Including Student Travel Subsidy(STS))
The Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)
Student Travel Subsidy

Scholarships and Grants

Community Services Scholarship
CT Entrance Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement
Scholarship for Best Talents

QF Level

The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.

QF level：4

QR Registration No.：12/000315/4

Registration Validity Period：1/9/2012 to 31/8/2029

Other Information

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this higher diploma programme:

FAQs

Will I be eligible to become a registered social worker after completing this programme?
Yes, you can become a Registered Social Worker (RSW). This programme is recognized by the Social Workers Registration Board. Graduates are eligible to apply directly to become a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Generally speaking, graduates start their career development at the rank of Social Work Assistant (SWA) when entering the profession.

What is the medium of instruction for this programme?
The programme is primarily conducted in Chinese. It is currently the only social work programme in Hong Kong accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and the Social Workers Registration Board that is taught in Chinese. The curriculum is designed to allow students to learn in their native language, enabling more effective absorption of professional knowledge and its application in local and cross-border services, while also placing emphasis on English language training.

Does the programme include an internship? What are the internship hours?
Yes. The programme provides a total of 820 hours of fieldwork training (including a 100-hour pre-placement workshop and 720 hours of fieldwork placement). Students will be placed in two different types of service units (including community development services, rehabilitation, elderly care, youth, and child and family services, etc.) and will translate theory into practice and gain practical experience under the guidance of supervisors.

What qualities are required to be a social worker?

Good Communication Skills: Ability to accept and build trust with people from diverse backgrounds and maintain effective interaction.
Professionalism and Attitude: Possess a passion for service and an innovative spirit, respond flexibly to social issues, and demonstrate the qualities of "perseverance in helping others" and "impacting lives with life."
Knowledge and Skills: Need to master the core values, theoretical foundations, and professional ethics of social work. This programme emphasizes an integrated approach, combining micro, meso, and macro intervention levels to comprehensively address the diverse needs in social work. Additionally, skills in inter-disciplinary collaboration, crisis management, and resource integration are required.
Recognized Qualifications: Must complete a programme recognized by the Social Workers Registration Board (such as this Higher Diploma programme) and successfully apply to become a Registered Social Worker (RSW).

What is the demand for social workers in Hong Kong in recent years?
There is a persistent shortage of social work manpower in Hong Kong. One reason is the increasingly complex challenges facing society, including a rapidly ageing population, rising mental health needs, changes in family structure, and the diversification of social service demands. Graduates can consider working as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) or in related positions in government departments (such as the Social Welfare Department), statutory bodies (such as the Hospital Authority), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), private institutions, charitable groups, and district organizations, assisting in promoting social development and improving people's livelihood.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.

Higher Diploma in Social Work

Mode of Study

Teaching Mode

Commencement of Study

Duration

Location

Entry Requirements

Tuition Fees

Assistance

Scholarships and Grants

QF Level

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