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The part-time Higher Diploma in Social Work awarded by the Hong Kong College of Technology is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Social Worker.
Programme Features
Featured Modules
Articulation Path
Graduates may apply for the following bachelor's degree programmes：
Careeer Prospects
Graduates are qualified for registration as Registered Social Worker and apply for Social Work Assistant or equivalent positions at Social Welfare Department, social welfare agencies or NGOs.
Every student is required to complete 820 hours fieldwork practice (100-hour pre-placement workshop and 720-hour fieldwork experience) at 2 different social welfare organizations. The scope of fieldwork placement covers a broad range of services, including children and youth service, rehabilitation service, elderly service, family and child welfare, community development. Through fieldwork placement, students can put their social work values, knowledge and skills into practice and obtain valuable work experiences.
Part Time
Face to face
September 2026
1 With effective from 2024/25, 'Attained' in 'Citizenship and Social Development' (equivalent to 'Level 2' for the HKDSE subject 'Liberal Studies' before 2024/25), or the attainment of 'Level 2' in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as meeting the general entry requirements.
2 'Attained' level of Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is accepted as Chinese Language qualification for the admission, but it is not considered as an elective subject.
3 With passes in Chinese and English languages in either HKCEE or HKDSE (Level 2) or equivalent public examination.
Year 1: $54,131 Year 2: $59,829 Year 3: $74,074
The tuition fee above is under 2026/27 Cohort.
Will I be eligible to become a registered social worker after completing this programme?
Yes, you can become a Registered Social Worker (RSW). This programme is recognized by the Social Workers Registration Board. Graduates are eligible to apply directly to become a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Generally speaking, graduates start their career development at the rank of Social Work Assistant (SWA) when entering the profession.
What is the medium of instruction for this programme?
The programme is primarily conducted in Chinese. It is currently the only social work programme in Hong Kong accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and the Social Workers Registration Board that is taught in Chinese. The curriculum is designed to allow students to learn in their native language, enabling more effective absorption of professional knowledge and its application in local and cross-border services, while also placing emphasis on English language training.
Does the programme include an internship? What are the internship hours?
Yes. The programme provides a total of 820 hours of fieldwork training (including a 100-hour pre-placement workshop and 720 hours of fieldwork placement). Students will be placed in two different types of service units (including community development services, rehabilitation, elderly care, youth, and child and family services, etc.) and will translate theory into practice and gain practical experience under the guidance of supervisors.
What qualities are required to be a social worker?
What is the demand for social workers in Hong Kong in recent years?
There is a persistent shortage of social work manpower in Hong Kong. One reason is the increasingly complex challenges facing society, including a rapidly ageing population, rising mental health needs, changes in family structure, and the diversification of social service demands. Graduates can consider working as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) or in related positions in government departments (such as the Social Welfare Department), statutory bodies (such as the Hospital Authority), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), private institutions, charitable groups, and district organizations, assisting in promoting social development and improving people's livelihood.
Can I progress to a bachelor's degree after studying this Higher Diploma?
Yes, HKCT offers a "2+2 Articulation Pathway". Graduates who meet specific requirements and pass the admission interview can be admitted to the "Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Social Work" programme at HKCT Institute of Higher Education with senior year entry (i.e., direct entry into Year 3). This means you can complete both the Higher Diploma and the Bachelor's Degree in just 4 years.
