Department of Social Work Master of Social Sciences in Social Work

1. Department of Social Work Master of Social Sciences in Social Work June, 2007

2. Introduction • The MSocSc in Social Work Programme* aims at training professionals qualifying for recognized social work qualification (RSW)+ at Master’s degree level. It is a part-time programme designed for Bachelor’s degree graduates who would like to pursue a career in social work. In line with the tradition of the Department of Social Work of the Hong Kong Baptist University, the Programme is developed out of a mission to train social work professionals with a commitment to promoting social justice and the social work profession.

3. Rationale for the Course • Meeting needs of the professional community: social workers registered at a sub-degree level to pursue a study leading to a degree social work qualification • Offering one more choice of first-level master degree training to non-social work degree holders • To further actualize Department’s mission to provide quality social work education

4. Course aims • Designed for Bachelor’s degree graduates who would like to pursue a recognized social work qualification (RSW) at a Master’s degree level. • Preparing students for reflective professional practice in social work

5. Objectives • To educate graduate students to achieve the academic and professional qualification that is considered eligible for registration as Registered Social Workers (RSW)+ in Hong Kong on the basis of a recognized social work degree; • To develop competent professionals who are critical, reflective and capable of generic social work practice and competent to face the challenges confronting social work in the changing society.

6. Outcome Goals Upon graduation, the graduates are expected to be: • Able to assess changing social needs and societal context and practice in line with the values and the ethical principles of social work; • Able to demonstrate the ability to integrate theory and practice, acquire new theories and innovative practice, and show a commitment to life-long learning and professional development; • Capable of critically evaluating professional activities and service programmes and advocate for appropriate welfare and service reforms; • Sensitive to and reflective of the power, diversity and social justice in social issues, social work practice and social policy; and • Able to transfer social work knowledge and skills in one’s own profession other than social work.

7. Admission requirements To be eligible for admission, an applicant: • Should posses a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, or a qualification that is deemed to be equivalent; • Should pass an interview conducted for admission purpose. • Applicants admitted without prior learning in sociology and psychology have to attend introductory courses on these subjects.

8. Admission requirements • Priority will be given to applicants with RSW qualification (registered on the basis of a recognized social work sub-degree) or with social sciences background at undergraduate level.

9. Number of students admitted • To have an annual intake of 25 to 40 students

10. Basic structure** • To graduate, students should successfully complete 37 units. This should comprise one 4-unit, five 3-unit, one 2-unit social work courses(21 units), one 3-unit social work elective (3 units), three 1-unit integrative tutorials (3 units), and two 5-unit fieldwork placements (10 units). ** subject to the Qualification Recognition Review of the Social Workers Registration Board

11. Programme Structure**

12. Social work courses (21 units) 1. Society and Social Policy 3-unit 2. Human Development and Cultural 3-unit Differences 3. Social Work Theory & Practice I 3-unit 4. Social Work Theory & Practice II 4-unit 5. Management in Human Service 3-unit Organizations 6. Research and Programme Evaluation 3-unit 7. Social Work, Law and Social Justice 2-unit

13. Social work elective (3 units) 1. Social Work with the Elderly 2. Social Work with Youth 3. Social Work with the Mentally Disordered 4. Social Work with Disadvantaged Groups 5. Special Topics in Social Work 6. Narrative Approach to Counselling 7. Social Work Project

14. Integrative tutorials (3 units) 1. Social Work Integrative Tutorial I 2. Social Work Integrative Tutorial II 3. Social Work Integrative Tutorial III

15. Fieldwork placements (10 units) 1. Fieldwork Practice I 2. Fieldwork Practice II

16. Integrative tutorials • Discussing and integrating what students have learned from the classes and from their real life scenarios in a small group setting; • Including seven 3-hour sessions with prescribed themes for each semester in Year 1 study and first semester in Year 2 study.

17. Fieldwork placements • Developing student’s knowledge and skills with emphasis on the synergy and integration of theory and practice relevant to practice in a board range of social work settings; • Enhancing professional development and self-growth.

18. Fieldwork placements • Each student will be placed in two different social work agencies in the first year and the second year of their studies; • With prior approval of the Department, a student may undertake one of the placements in his/her employing social services agency; • There will be a total of 800 placement hours, plus 100 pre-placement hours, and each student is expected to take at least one concurrent placement, while the other one can be a concurrent or block placement. • Overseas placement opportunities are available with requirements specified by the Department.

19. Teaching Schedule

20. Teaching Schedule * Only students who take block mode of fieldwork or overseas placement are eligible to take the elective course in semester two.

21. Staff resources • 14 full time faculty plus a team of experienced and qualified part-time fieldwork supervisors • Most full-time faculty members have taken up important positions in the social welfare field, and offered their services in government committees. The faculty team can get hold of the most updated policy development and practice scenarios in the professional community and the society at large. • All of the part-time fieldwork instructors are RSWs with at least 5 years of post- social work qualification experience, and have a higher degree in social work or related disciplines. • Both local and overseas guest speakers and academics with relevant expertise are available.

22. Uniqueness of the Programme • Social work education with a Christian heritage • Emphasis on values cultivation, appreciation of diversity and promotion of social justice • Focus on integrating theory and practice, critical reflection and research ability • Educating competent, reflective and critical minded practitioners • Small class size facilitating teacher-student interaction and class learning • Strong academic and personal guidance support from the Department and the alumni community • Completing the programme in two calendar years, including two summer terms

23. Tuition Fees • $84,200 for 2 academic years and • $26,500 for 2 fieldwork placements • By four instalments

24. Application Procedure • Programme brochure and application forms are available from : Office of Graduate School Hong Kong Baptist University • On-line application www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ar/admissions/post.htm

25. Thank you!