Applied Social Sciences City University of Hong Kong

Overview

On successful completion of the Applied Social Sciences programme at City University of Hong Kong, students should be able to:

• evaluate major principles/theories in different disciplines in social sciences;

• demonstrate the ability to integrate major principles/theories in analyzing social problems;

• demonstrate the ability to design and conduct research in social sciences; and

• devise innovative practices in social sciences to real-life problems.

Careers

• Stream 1: Sociology

Sample areas of employment in applied sociology are, for example, in the following fields and organisations: private research and consulting firms, government and public sector organisations, political parties and interest groups, third sector and civil society organisations, marketing and advertising firms, public relations and media firms, social services agencies, and education sector. 

Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in sociology, psychology, social welfare and human services at the doctoral level.

• Stream 2: Criminology

Graduates in criminology could pursue a career in law enforcement/ disciplinary forces (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Correctional Services Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, and Hong Kong Fire Services Department), private security agencies (e.g. corporate security firms, threat assessment and management agencies, anti-fraud agencies, and private investigative agencies), and non-governmental organisations that serve the forensic and related populations (e.g. exoffenders, drug abusers, victims of crime, and at-risk youth). 

Graduates may also pursue postgraduate programmes in criminology, criminal justice, and other related fields (e.g. forensic psychology, law, and social work) at the doctoral level.

• Stream 3: Clinical Mental Health Practice

Students will be adequately equipped to work with a variety of people with mental health problems and needs. After graduation, students will be knowledgeable and skillful in making assessment on different mental disorders and provide professional support to people with mental health problems. 

Graduates may pursue a career in mental health care in a variety of service settings to promote the mental health of individuals, families and communities.