Welcome to the Department of Social Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University! At the Department of Social Sciences, our mission is to nurture critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens who are prepared to lead and innovate in a diverse and interconnected world. We aim to achieve this through a dynamic curriculum that is both comprehensive and adaptable, addressing the challenges of today and anticipating those of tomorrow.
Our department proudly offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of society and the aspirations of our students. At the undergraduate level, our Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours provides a diverse selection of streams (majors) including Ageing Society and Services Studies, Applied Economics, Applied Social Studies, Global and China Studies, and Politics and Public Administration. These programs are designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of social dynamics, policy implications, and global trends. In addition, our Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology offers streams (majors) in Psychology and Counselling Psychology, catering to students interested in the intricate workings of the human mind and those aspiring to impactful careers in mental health and community service.
Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning, we have also offered a double undergraduate degree program in collaboration with the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration. These innovative offerings allow students to graduate with double qualifications, enhancing their employability and breadth of knowledge. Our department also provides a selection of part-time distance learning undergraduate programs in Economics, Law Enforcement and Security Management, Public Administration, Psychology Studies, and Social Sciences.
For those pursuing postgraduate studies, we offer prestigious programs including the Master of Arts in Cultural and Heritage Tourism and the Master of Social Sciences. These programs are meticulously designed to advance students’ knowledge and skills, preparing them for leadership roles in academic, public, or private sectors. Our department is also proud to offer MPhil and PhD programs, fostering a vibrant research community that contributes to the field of social sciences. We actively encourage our students to engage in research that not only advances academic knowledge but also has an impact on society.
We believe that true learning extends beyond the classroom. Hence, our students enjoy a plethora of opportunities to engage in internships, field trips, service-learning projects, and study tours across the globe. These experiences are designed to enrich their understanding of social issues, enhance their cultural competencies, and prepare them for global challenges. Innovation in teaching is at the heart of our educational approach. For example, we have embraced Virtual Reality (VR) technology to simulate real-world scenarios, making learning more engaging and effective. This initiative has been supported by funding at around HK$2.4 million from the Education Bureau's Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS), underlining our commitment to innovative and quality education.
Our faculty members are the cornerstone of our academic community. Comprising about 30 academics from diverse fields within the social sciences, encompassing psychology, sociology, political science, public administration, economics, anthropology, and cultural studies. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their teaching. They are not only dedicated educators but also active researchers who significantly contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields. In January 2019, our Department successfully obtained a grant amounted at HK$5.7 million from the Research Grants Council to establish the Public and Social Policy Research Centre (PSPRC). The PSPRC aims to enhance the research capability of HKMU academics, particularly in the disciplines of economic, public policy and social policy. Our department thrives on collaboration both within and outside the academic sphere. We have established numerous partnerships with non-governmental organizations. These collaborations enhance our research capacities, strengthen our degree programs with an applied focus, and provide our students with work-based learning opportunities.
I encourage you to explore the opportunities that our Department of Social Sciences offers. Please visit our website, attend our events, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas for collaboration. Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, or a potential partner, we are eager to welcome you into our community and explore how we can work together towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Dr Terence Shum
Acting Head of Social Sciences and Assistant Professor
