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Programmes

Counselling

Associate of Applied Social Sciences inCounselling

Programme Code

  • HP815 Year 1 & 2, Associate Degree (AD)

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

  • Equip students with a broad-based Social Sciences education and a solid foundation in the core areas of counselling;
  • Emphasises the application of knowledge in counselling theories and interventions in various settings, such as community organisations, schools, and healthcare facilities;
  • Increases students' awareness of their identities and acquires interpersonal communication skills.

 

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
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Bachelor of Social Science
  • City University of Hong Kong
    Bachelor of Social Sciences

*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.

 

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.

Effective from 2025-26 Academic Year:

 

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
 

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.