DFS Application Code: HPDFS-COU
AD Application Code: ASSCOU
Our community is witnessing a significant increase in the awareness and concern surrounding mental and emotional health. The prevalence of mental or emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, has reached alarming levels. Many individuals are silently suffering, lacking access to the necessary support and resources they need.
Counselling plays a vital role in early intervention and prevention of mental health problems. By providing individuals with a safe and confidential space to express their thoughts and emotions, counsellors can identify and address issues before they escalate. The demand for counselling or helping services has been steadily increasing due to the alarming rise in mental and emotional problems. Individuals are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These issues are affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. The need for effective counselling interventions to support individuals in their journey towards mental well-being has never been more critical.
Programme Aims and Features
Programme Aims:
The Programme aims to provide a broad-based social sciences education and a solid foundation in the core areas of counselling, particularly in the theories of counselling, ethics, psychological assessment, technical counselling skills, and therapeutic techniques. Special emphasis will be given to the application of counselling theories and interventions in various settings, such as community organisations, schools, and healthcare facilities.
On completion of the programme, students should be able to:
- communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts;
- use information technology and quantitative/ numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
- analyse and integrate fundamental concepts and ideas across a broad range of core curriculum subjects and describe their relevance to human experiences;
- acquire a solid foundation of knowledge and skills as required for the pursuit of higher-level studies in Social Sciences;
- integrate ethical principles and professional codes of conduct while utilizing counselling techniques and skills in the applied context;
- apply individual and group counselling practices in diverse human service system.
Opportunities for Further Studies
UGC-funded Universities
Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes in Social Sciences or other related disciplines offered by local universities (including HKU).
The list below shows the degree programmes that our graduates may apply for further studies*:
- The University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Social Work - The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Social Science
BSSc Social Work - City University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Social Sciences
BSocSc Psychology
BSocSc Social Work
*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for the below degree programmes offered by other institutions:
Other Local Institutions
- HKU SPACE
- Part-time, 2-year, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Social Sciences, offered by Edinburgh Napier University (UK) in collaboration with HKU SPACE
Career Prospects
Graduates can take up positions in children and youth services, community services, family services, career guidance and social security services, in both the government and NGOs.