Create change with The Chinese University of Hong Kong

From Personal Calling to Professional Impact: Nurturing Hong Kong's Next Generation of Social Workers

The journey into social work often begins with a deeply personal spark – a desire to stand in the gap for those who find it difficult to advocate for themselves. For many, this calling is forged in the crucible of personal experience, a sentiment echoed by students like Cheung Yuet Sum.

During the intense pressure of public examinations, Cheung found herself navigating a challenging period. It was the unwavering support and guidance of a family member, a seasoned social worker, that provided the crucial lifeline she needed to persevere. This pivotal experience became a profound turning point.

Inspired by the strength of that support and the power of human connection, Cheung felt an undeniable pull towards social work. She subsequently enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science Programme in Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Department of Social Work, eager to acquire the skills to offer similar solace to others.

“I aspire to study social work to gain the necessary expertise and to provide essential support and companionship to individuals navigating difficult times,” Cheung shared, articulating a sentiment that resonates deeply within the field.

A Legacy of Service and Scholarship

With roots tracing back to 1964, the Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong boasts a rich history dedicated to cultivating excellence in professional and academic training. Its mission extends beyond education, aiming to advance the frontiers of knowledge in social welfare and significantly contribute to the social fabric and overall well-being of Hong Kong.

The curriculum is meticulously designed to foster independent and critical thinking, instilling a strong sense of professional ethics and a keen awareness of the complex, contemporary social issues that shape our communities. This approach ensures graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ethically grounded and socially aware.

Where Compassion Meets Real-World Application

The BSSc in Social Work programme is a dynamic fusion of rigorous theoretical coursework and immersive practical experiences. It masterfully integrates principles from sociology, psychology, and social policy, creating a holistic understanding of human behaviour and societal structures.

“Our programme is built on a foundation of social work values, seamlessly blending theory with practice,” explains Dr. Law Yee-man, Moon, highlighting the programme’s student-centric approach. “We emphasize student-oriented learning, small group teaching, and invaluable international exposure to prepare our students for diverse challenges.”

The ultimate aim is to nurture social workers equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to champion social inclusion, empower vulnerable populations, and drive meaningful, positive social change across Hong Kong and beyond.

Bridging Theory and Practice Through Immersive Placements

A cornerstone of the programme is its extensive placement experience, which includes vital agency visits and hands-on workshops. These opportunities are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of frontline social work.

All students are mandated to complete a substantial 900 hours of placement across two distinct social service agencies. A key requirement is that at least one of these placements must be undertaken within Hong Kong, ensuring a deep understanding of local contexts.

The second placement offers flexibility, allowing students to gain international experience, broadening their perspectives and exposing them to different social work models and cultural nuances. This dual approach ensures graduates are versatile and adaptable.

During her placement, Cheung worked closely with a mother experiencing significant carer stress. This profound experience offered her a crucial insight into the power of presence in social work. “This experience made me understand that sometimes the worker’s simple, consistent presence is enough to create meaningful change for clients,” she reflected.

With the dedicated mentorship and unwavering support of her instructors, Cheung’s confidence grew with each new frontline situation she encountered, solidifying her readiness for a career dedicated to helping others.

Global Perspectives, Local Impact

The programme’s commitment to providing diverse learning experiences extends far beyond Hong Kong’s borders. “Last year, we facilitated placements in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, and Singapore,” stated Dr. So Yuk Yan, the Undergraduate Admission Coordinator.

Complementing these placements are enriching study tours to destinations such as Japan, Vietnam, and Mainland China. These excursions offer students a unique window into how social work operates within varied social and policy landscapes.

“Observing social work practices in different environments helps students broaden their horizons and critically consider how innovative ideas from abroad can be thoughtfully adapted and applied back in Hong Kong,” Dr. So elaborated, underscoring the programme’s global outlook.

Upon successful completion of this comprehensive four-year programme, graduates are eligible to register as professional social workers with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board. This qualification opens a wide array of career avenues.

Graduates can pursue fulfilling roles in diverse settings, including hospitals, outreach teams, youth services, elderly care facilities, and even student counselling positions within educational institutions at all levels. Fieldwork experience is paramount, providing students with the practical grounding to assess their capabilities in supporting individuals and communities in need.

Nurturing Future Academics and Researchers

The department’s commitment to its students extends beyond undergraduate preparation, actively supporting those who aspire to continue in academia and contribute to the field through research. “Our faculty members are distinguished scholars at the forefront of research in areas such as children, youth, family dynamics, social policy, ageing and gerontology, and health and mental health disabilities, among others,” shared Professor Kim Minseop, Head of the Graduate Division.

“Regardless of their chosen specialization, we are dedicated to providing our postgraduate students with the highest caliber of supervision,” Professor Kim emphasized, ensuring a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for advanced study.

A Collaborative Path to Doctoral Success

Each PhD student is meticulously paired with a faculty supervisor whose research interests closely align with their own academic pursuits. This personalized approach ensures that students receive guidance from experts in their specific fields of inquiry.

“Concurrently, under the expert guidance of their supervisor, each student becomes part of a thesis panel,” Professor Kim explained. “This panel comprises faculty members who collaboratively provide regular, constructive feedback on the student’s research progress and thesis development.”

Beyond academic guidance, the department also offers invaluable mentorship on the realities of life as a researcher and provides insights into potential future career trajectories. This holistic support system prepares students for the rigors and rewards of an academic career.

Comprehensive Financial and Research Support

Embarking on a PhD is a significant undertaking, and robust financial support is a critical factor in enabling students to dedicate themselves fully to their studies and research. At The Chinese University of Hong Kong, all PhD students benefit from competitive stipends and a range of funding options designed to support their academic journey.

A key initiative is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council. This prestigious scheme aims to attract outstanding doctoral candidates from across the globe, fostering a vibrant international research community.

Even for students nominated by the university but not selected for the HKPFS, comprehensive support is guaranteed through the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme. This scheme provides a scholarship and a full research postgraduate studentship for the normative study period, ensuring financial stability.

Furthermore, all other PhD students receive a research postgraduate studentship, guaranteeing financial backing throughout their doctoral studies, irrespective of their initial funding pathway. This ensures that every student has the necessary resources to focus on their academic and research endeavors.

Cheng Yuhang, an HKPFS awardee pursuing his PhD in Social Welfare, attested to the transformative impact of this financial support. “The scholarship has provided me with the stability needed to concentrate entirely on my research by covering my living expenses in Hong Kong,” he shared.

“Moreover, departmental funding for academic activities has been instrumental, enabling me to attend leading international conferences, present my research findings, receive invaluable feedback from esteemed scholars, and forge collaborations with researchers worldwide,” Cheng added, highlighting the opportunities for global engagement.

Access to additional research funding empowers Cheng to independently manage his own projects. This includes the entire research lifecycle, from designing studies and navigating ethics approval processes to managing budgets, leading research teams, and conducting fieldwork in collaboration with community partners.

The “Research Postgraduate Student Grant for Overseas Academic Activities” provides a travel grant for all PhD students, which Cheng has utilized to participate in international conferences and advanced workshops. This grant is crucial for expanding his professional network and staying abreast of the latest developments in his field.

With this comprehensive support system in place, Cheng feels exceptionally well-prepared for a future as an independent researcher and is actively exploring postdoctoral opportunities abroad. The programme’s dedication to fostering research excellence is evident in the success and aspirations of its students.