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Programmes

Counselling

Associate of Applied Social Sciences inCounselling

Programme Code

  • HP001 Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS)
  • HP815 Year 1 & 2, Associate Degree (AD)

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.

2-year Associate Degree Programme

  • Obtain Level 2 or above in 5 subjectsincluding English Language and Chinese Language# in the HKDSE Examination; OR
  • Hold a recognised Diploma in Foundation Studies programme; OR
  • Hold a Diploma Yi Jin; OR
  • Hold a Diploma of Applied Education; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.
​Applicants whose HKDSE results do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Associate Degree programme should apply for admission to the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme.

 

Diploma in Foundation Studies Programme

  • Obtain Level 1 or above in English Language and Chinese Languagein the HKDSE Examination, AND at least 6 points+ in the best 5 subjects*^§; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.
 
 
 

Mature Students

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications, but are aged 21 or above and with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.

 

*Applicants are allowed to use not more than 2 Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows: 

“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above;
“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and 
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.

#ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

§ If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the requirement will be “Attained” for the subject.

^ If the candidate has attempted less than 5 subjects but obtained 6 points or above, the application will still be considered.

+ Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.

Effective from 2025-26 Academic Year:

 

Diploma in Foundation Studies

  • General English I & II 
  • College Speaking / Introduction to Information Technology and AI
  • College Writing / Grammar for College Studies
  • Foundations of Chinese Language*
  • Chinese Language Enhancement*
  • Basic Mathematics
  • Elements of Business 
  • Multiple Intelligences and Competencies
  • Understanding Hong Kong Popular Culture

 

Associate Degree Year 1

  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I
  • Quantitative Analysis I
  • Information Technology Fundamentals
  • Advanced Chinese Language*
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning in Discipline-based Studies
  • Social Problems in Contemporary Societies
  • SELF-Exploration & Enrichment
  • Principles of Sociology
  • Foundation Psychology
 
 
 

Associate Degree Year 2

  • English for Academic Purposes II
  • English for Arts and Humanities
  • Health, Technology and Society
  • Representation of People in Popular Art Forms
  • Practical in Group Counselling
  • Counselling Techniques and Ethics
  • Counselling in the Society
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Personality and Individual Differences
  • Counselling Skills
 
 
 

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded an Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Counselling, students should:

  • obtain 60 credits (i.e. 240 QF credits) of courses as prescribed in the Years 1 & 2 curricula of the programme for which they are registered;
  • achieve a Cumulative GPA of 1.7 or above;
  • obtain Grade C- or above in all core English courses; and
  • obtain a pass for the course “CCSA8004 – China’s Development, Hong Kong and the National Security Law”

 

 

Award

Successful completion of this programme leads to the "Associate of Applied Social Sciences in Counselling" awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

 

The College reserves the right to make modifications to individual courses on a need basis.

* Non-Chinese speaking students or students who have not received sufficient training in the Chinese language may apply for exemption from the Chinese course(s), and alternative courses may be assigned.