Hong Kong is a rapidly developing society and young people have always been our central focus. Government policies in education, health, social welfare and labour have been laid down to prepare for positive future development of adolescents. However, there are still many youth problems in the community. That is why we need trained personnel in youth work to assist our young people in an era of rapid changes.

Youth and social services in Hong Kong are delivered by a team of professionally trained personnel who help the needy to cope with life transitions and challenges, and this programme is specially designed to meet that need. Po Leung Kuk, with its well-established reputation and tradition in social service in Hong Kong, has much to offer in support of students’ practical training in the field.

Programme Aims and Features

The programme equips students with the basic competencies in understanding the character of social welfare services users and young persons, analyse their needs and problems and identify the appropriate strategies for delivering services and rendering help. Students will develop a professional understanding of the social welfare service sector while the programme will enhance their social awareness, analytical abilities, communication proficiency, and workplace performance. In addition, this programme provides students with a broad-based foundation in Social Sciences to prepare them for higher level studies in related disciplines.

Opportunities for Further Studies

Graduates are eligible for admission to the bachelor's degree programmes in Social Sciences or other relevant disciplines offered by local as well as overseas universities, including Bachelor of Social Sciences offered by The University of Hong Kong.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this programme will be able to undertake a wide range of jobs in children and youth services, community services, family services, career guidance and social security services, in both the government and non-government organisations.

2-year Associate Degree Programme (Direct Entry to Year 1)

HKDSE

• Level 2 or above in 5 subjects^# (including Chinese Language and English Language);

Applicants whose HKDSE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Associate Degree Programme should apply for admission to the Certificate in General Studies Programme.

OR

HKALE

• Pass in one AL subject or two AS subjects in the HKALE; and three passes in HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language, or equivalent;

Applicants whose HKALE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Associate Degree Programme should apply for admission to the Foundation Programme.

OR

• Hold a recognised Pre-Associate Degree / Foundation Programme qualification; OR
• Hold a recognised post-secondary certificate or diploma.

^#Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application.
The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
“Attained with distinction” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2.

Certificate in General Studies Programme^ / Foundation Programme

Certificate in General Studies Programme^:
HKDSE

• Level 2 or above in English Language and any three other subjects^# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above;

OR

• Level 2 or above in English Language and any two other subjects^# (which may include Chinese Language); in any event Chinese Language must be at Level 1 or above; and at least 8 points^@ in the best three subjects.

Foundation Programme:
HKCEE

• Three passes in the HKCEE* PLUS Level 2 / Grade E or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the HKCEE, or equivalent;

OR

• Completed Project Yi Jin with satisfactory results.

^ Subject to EDB approval.

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but are aged 21 or above and have relevant working experience will be considered by the College.
 

Foundation Programme*

• General English I & II
• Foundations of Chinese Language
• Mathematics and Statistics for Daily Life Applications
• Computer Studies
• The Process of Design
• Popular Culture: Identities and Institutions
• Ethics and Society
• The Science of Everyday Life
• Individual and Society
• Multiple Intelligences and Competencies

Associate Degree Year 1

• General English III
• English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part I
• Putonghua
• Elements of Logic and Critical Thinking
• Introduction to Multimedia / Introduction to Information Technology
• Quantitative Analysis I
• Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies
• Appreciating Social Research
• Foundation Psychology
• Principles of Sociology
• Fundamentals of Management in Organizations

Associate Degree Year 2

• English for Academic and Professional Purposes Part II
• Advanced Chinese Language
• Contemporary World since 1945
• Hong Kong and Chinese Societies in Transition
• Food and the Body
• Introduction to Social Welfare in Hong Kong
• Introduction to Social Work
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• The Youth-at Risk and Delinquents
• Counseling Skills
• Adventure-based and Experiential Learning
• Practicum