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Master of Social Sciences (Career Counselling)

Introduction
This programme is operated by HKCT Institute of Higher Education.

The Master of Social Sciences (Career Counseling) programme is designed to strengthen the quality of career planning education and career counseling in schools and social services, it is the first master's degree programme in career counselling in Hong Kong.

This master's programme offers multiple graduation options (including master's degree, postgraduate diploma, and postgraduate certificate) at QF Level 6 of the qualification framework, providing students with advanced learning opportunities to acquire the professional knowledge and skills necessary for effective career counseling practice and to obtain professional certification. This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a general bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing careers in the social service field (such as social work, education, and counseling).
 
Programme Enquiry: WhatsApp
Professional Qualification

Graduates of the career counselling stream may apply for registration as Certified Counsellor with the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). 

Contents

Programme Features

A unique focus on social science theories and practice knowledge

(a) Critical understanding of mainstream social science theories
(b) A focus on practice and practice knowledge
(c) Situated learning tied to the context 
(d) Holistic understanding of professional practice

Flexible learning path with multiple exit points

  • A flexible learning path to accommodate students of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Students can choose to complete the Programme in 2 years on a part-time basis or 1 year on a full-time basis, and apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate according to their individual learning needs.
  • Graduation Requirements: Postgraduate Certificate (4 common core modules), Postgraduate Diploma (4 common core modules + 3 electives), Master (4 common core modules + 4 core modules in career counselling stream +2 electives).

English supplemented with Chinese as the Medium of Instruction 

  • English supplemented with Chinese is used as the medium of instruction that facilitates the best teaching and learning outcomes.

Practicum Opportunities

  • Provide 80 hours of career counseling practicum to allow students to combine theory and practice to improve their professional capabilities effectively.

Special offer of multiple scholarships

  • In order to encourage those interested in participating in social service, HKCT offers scholarships to newly enrolled students. A specific "CTIHE Scholarship" and "Community Services Scholarship" are established for eligible students.

Learning outcome evaluation

  • The main assessment methods are group discussion, report writing, and special articles without examination.

Featured Modules

  • Ethical & Legal Issues for Helping Professions#
  • Human Behaviour and Social Environment#
  • Research for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Human Service#
  • Social Science Perspectives on Practice#
  • Theories and Practice of Counselling
  • Assessment in Career Counselling
  • Career Counselling and Practice Skills
  • Career Counselling Practicum+

Electives

  • Social Welfare Policy in Hong Kong
  • Social Welfare Management
  • Innovation and E-practices in Human Service
  • Cognitive-behavioural Interventions
  • Schön and the Reflective Practitioner
  • Community of Practice
  • Group Counselling
  • Career Programme Development

#Common core modules for Master of Social Sciences.

  • Complete 4 common core modules to award a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules and any 3 additional electives to award a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules, 4 Career Counselling stream modules and 2 additional electives to award a Master of Social Sciences.

+For those students in the Career Counselling Stream who will not take the module “Career Counselling Practicum", they should take alternative module as a core module.

Programme Promotion Video
Master of Social Sciences
Graduation Path

Graduation Path

Graduates could pursue further study in Doctoral Degree in Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Career Path

These graduates could apply for posts of counsellor or career counsellor in schools, human services or private sectors.

Programme Details
Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2026

Entry Year

Year 1

Duration

1 Year

Location
HKCT Jockey Club Undergraduate Campus
HKCT Jockey Club Ma On Shan Campus
Entry Requirements
  • Holder of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, normally with at least Second Class honours; and
  • If the medium of instruction of the Bachelor’s degree is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent English Public Examination Score is required; and
  • Pass in admission interview.
Teaching Facilities
Group 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.
Interview Room
 
This Laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system that features one-way mirrors and 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 Sharings
Akina Wong
Balancing theory with practice, this programme features guest lectures from industry professionals who share their real-world experience and insights. This helps me understand the current industry trends and challenges, ensuring my learning is practical, relevant, and prepares me for the future of the sector.
Tuition Fees and Assistance

Total $120,000 (in 2 installments)

  • The above tuition fees are for local students in the 2026/27 academic year. For students applying for graduation with Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or studying on a per module basis, the tuition fee for each module is $12,000.
  • The tuition fee for non-local students is $152,550 (in 2 installments).

Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme

Scholarships and Grants

CTIHE Scholarship
Scholarship for Best Talents
Community Services Scholarship

QF Level
QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level：6
QR Registration No.：25/000370/L6
Registration Validity Period：1/9/2025 to 31/8/2028
Contact Information

Tel: 2265 6993
Email: mss@ctihe.edu.hk

What is Career Counselling?
Career Counselling is a helping profession designed to assist individuals with career planning and development. Through professional assessments, interviewing techniques, and activity design, counsellors help service users (such as students or job seekers) explore themselves, understand the workplace, and make appropriate career decisions. This field combines psychological counselling theories with practice, emphasizes professional ethics, and is eligible for accreditation by professional associations.

Can I obtain relevant professional qualifications after completing this programme?
Yes. Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for registration as Certified Counsellors with the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). This is also the 1st Master's programme in Hong Kong specifically designed to strengthen the promotion of life planning education and career counselling in schools and social service organizations.

What study modes are available? What if I cannot complete the Master's degree all at once?
The programme offers flexible learning pathways. Students can choose between Full-time (1 year) or Part-time (2 years) modes. Additionally, the programme features multiple exit points; depending on their personal learning needs, students may apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (upon completing 4 Common Core courses), a Postgraduate Diploma (upon completing 4 Common Core courses + 3 Elective courses), or the Master's Degree (upon completing all designated courses).

What are the medium of instruction and assessment methods? Are there any examinations?
The primary medium of instruction is English, supplemented with Chinese to achieve the best teaching results. There are no examinations in this programme; learning outcomes are assessed mainly through group discussions, written reports, and thematic papers.

Does the programme require a practicum?
Yes. The programme includes an 80-hour career counselling practicum, which is a necessary component for professional accreditation. Through the practicum, students can integrate theory with practice, effectively enhancing their professional capabilities.

What are the career prospects for graduates?

  • Certified Counsellor: Graduates can apply to the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA) to register as a Certified Counsellor, formally becoming a professional counselling practitioner.
  • Education Sector Professionals: This programme is specifically designed to assist teachers in tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and primary schools. Graduates, having acquired professional knowledge, will be able to provide career counselling to their students.
  • Social Services Sector: After completing the career counselling programme, social workers within their respective organisations can promote youth development or employee retraining initiatives.
Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.

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Programme Enquiry Application & Payment