Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management)

Introduction
This programme is operated by HKCT Institute of Higher Education.

The Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management) part-time programme offers multiple graduation options (including master's degree, postgraduate diploma, and postgraduate certificate) at QF Level 6 of the qualification framework, providing students with advanced learning opportunities aimed at enhancing their professional knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration skills, and overall capabilities to improve the quality of social service management and administration. This programme is specifically designed for individuals who hold a general bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing careers in social service, helping them obtain further qualifications needed to enter the field.
 
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Contents

Programme Objectives

This Social Service Management programme aims to cultivate social service managers with a broad vision and professional capabilities. The programme will integrate knowledge of social science theories with management practices, enabling students to learn how to systematically plan, organise, lead and monitor social service organisations. The goal is for graduates to be able to efficiently and responsibly utilise public and non-profit resources, thereby enhancing social welfare and driving the sustainable development and social impact of social services.

The part-time Master of Social Sciences (Social Service Management) programme is dedicated to developing students' diverse and advanced management skills. The programme will teach students how to analyse social policies, assess service needs, and formulate long-term organisational development strategies; how to develop resources, effectively lead service teams, and establish human resources systems; and how to establish mechanisms for quality assurance and outcome evaluation. Through this systematic training, graduates will be equipped with the leadership skills to lead social service organisations in fulfilling their professional mission, responding to challenges, and pursuing sustainable development in complex social environments.

Programme Features

A unique focus on social science theories and practice knowledge

(a) Critical understanding of mainstream social science theories
(b) A focus on practice and practice knowledge
(c) Situated learning tied to the context 
(d) Holistic understanding of professional practice

Flexible learning path with multiple exit points

  • A flexible learning path to accommodate students of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Students can choose to complete the Programme in 2 years on a part-time basis or 1 year on a full-time basis, and apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate according to their individual learning needs.
  • Graduation Requirements: Postgraduate Certificate (4 common core modules), Postgraduate Diploma (4 common core modules + 3 electives), Master (4 common core modules + 4 core modules in career counselling stream +2 electives).

English supplemented with Chinese as the Medium of Instruction 

  • English supplemented with Chinese is used as the medium of instruction that facilitates the best teaching and learning outcomes.

Prepare for future study and employment

  • Prepare for future social service management and administration positions
  • Improve your opportunities of becoming a registered social worker and be able to study for a local or overseas Master of Social Work (MSW) programme in the future. By exempting credits, you can obtain professional qualifications in a shorter time.

Special offer of multiple scholarships

  • In order to encourage those interested in participating in social service, HKCT offers scholarships to newly enrolled students. A specific "CTIHE Scholarship" is established for eligible students.

Learning outcome evaluation

  • The main assessment methods are group discussion, report writing, and special articles without examination.

Featured Modules

  • Ethical & Legal Issues for Helping Professions#
  • Human Behaviour and Social Environment#
  • Research for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Human Service#
  • Social Science Perspectives on Practice#
  • Social Work as a Profession
  • Social Welfare Policy in Hong Kong
  • Social Welfare Management
  • Innovation and E-practices in Human Service

Electives

  • Theories and Practice of Counselling
  • Assessment in Career Counselling
  • Career Counselling and Practice Skills
  • Cognitive-behavioural Interventions
  • Schön and the Reflective Practitioner
  • Community of Practice
  • Group Counselling
  • Career Programme Development

#Common core modules for Master of Social Sciences.

  • Complete 4 common core modules to award a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules and any 3 additional electives to award a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sciences.
  • Complete 4 common core modules, 4 Social Service Management Stream modules and 2 additional electives to award a Master of Social Sciences.
Programme Promotion Video
Master of Social Sciences
Graduation Path

Graduation Path

Master of Social Sciences graduates could pursue further study in Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes in local and overseas universities for professional social worker registration or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Career Path

Master of Social Sciences graduates could apply for non-social work managerial posts in NGOs, such as the newly set up District Services & Community Care Teams, or social work managerial posts (if the graduate has already obtained a social work degree) in NGOs or managerial posts in the organizations providing social services in the private sectors.

Programme Details
Mode of Study

Part Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

September 2026

Entry Requirements
  • Holder of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, normally with at least Second Class honours; and
  • If the medium of instruction of the Bachelor’s degree is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent English Public Examination Score is required; and
  • Pass in admission interview.
Teaching Facilities
Social Work Practice Centre
 
This laboratory is equipped with a professional audio-visual system, which can be used for live recording of classroom demonstrations and student practical exercises. The system supports synchronous online and in-person teaching, enabling teachers to facilitate class discussions and provide feedback to the students.
Social Work Skills Laboratory
 
This laboratory is equipped with an audiovisual recording system that features one-way mirrors and multiple cameras for students to record their practical work sessions from different angles. The recordings can be replayed to encourage discussions between students and the teachers, which helps enhance learning effectiveness.
Student Sharings
Joyce Zhu
Studying alongside classmates from diverse professions—like social workers, care workers, and research assistants—was invaluable. In group projects, we all contributed the unique 'language' of our industries, allowing us to see the same case study from multiple angles. This transformed my understanding of 'social services' from a simple term into a truly multifaceted concept.
 
Tuition Fees and Assistance

Year 1: $60,000 Year 2: $60,000

  • The above tuition fees are for local students in the 2026/27 academic year.
  • For students applying for graduation with Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or studying on a per module basis, the tuition fee for each module is $12,000.
Scholarships and Grants

CTIHE Scholarship

QF Level
QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:6
QR Registration No.:25/000371/L6
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2025 to 31/8/2028
Contact Information

Tel: 2265 6993
Email: mss@ctihe.edu.hk

What are the benefits of mastering social service management knowledge?
The benefit lies in effectively integrating resources and improving service quality and efficiency. Through functions such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, it systematically solves social problems and meets the needs of service users. Simultaneously, it cultivates professionals' strategic thinking, resource utilization, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately achieving the goal of promoting social well-being.

  • Enhancing macro-management and decision-making capabilities
  • Optimizing organizational operations and resource utilization
  • Establishing professional teams and assessment mechanisms
  • Facilitating career development and promotion

What are the admission requirements for this programme?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university (generally requiring at least Second Class Honours). If the applicant's Bachelor's degree was not taught in English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent public English examination results are required; applicants must also pass an admission interview.

Is a background in social work mandatory to study the Social Service Management programme?
Not necessarily. Although many students are registered social workers hoping to transition into management through further study, these types of programmes usually welcome applicants without a social work background.

  • For those without a social work background: The programme provides an entry point into management in the social service sector (NGOs), such as positions in administration, project planning, fundraising, or community liaison.
  • For current social workers: The programme focuses on supplementing "management" skills (such as financial management, human resources, and strategic planning), which are areas less covered in traditional social work training.

What study modes are available? What if I cannot complete the Master's degree all at once?
The programme offers flexible learning pathways. Students can choose between Full-time (1 year) or Part-time (2 years) modes. Additionally, the programme features multiple exit points; depending on their personal learning needs or work commitments, students may apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (upon completing 4 Common Core courses), a Postgraduate Diploma (upon completing 4 Common Core courses + 3 Elective courses), or the Master's Degree (upon completing all designated courses).

Is this programme suitable for working professionals? How long is the study period?
It is very suitable. This is a part-time programme with a study period of 2 years, specifically designed to cater to the continuing education needs of colleagues working in the social service sector. The programme features multiple exit points depending on their personal learning needs or work commitments. Students may apply to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (upon completing 4 Common Core courses), a Postgraduate Diploma (upon completing 4 Common Core courses + 3 Elective courses), or the Master's Degree (upon completing all designated courses).

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.