New Program for Fall 2025: HKU's Master of Social Sciences in Sociology to Open Soon

发布时间：Date: 2024-06-20 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

The Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong plans to launch a new Master of Social Sciences in Sociology program in September 2025, with applications expected to open in 2024. As the second orthodox sociology master's program in Hong Kong after CUHK, the curriculum will provide cutting-edge sociological theory and methodology training, aiming to cultivate talents with rigorous research and analytical skills. For applicants looking to enter the public or private sector or pursue a PhD, this is a highly valuable academic and career springboard, and the first-year intake may offer some "bargain" opportunities.

Leveraging the deep academic heritage of HKU's Department of Sociology, research areas cover diverse fields such as culture and media, gender studies, economic sociology, and Chinese and Southeast Asian societies. Given that HKU previously only offered criminology-related programs and CUHK's sociology program had high entry barriers, the new program fills a market gap, providing a better option for students interested in sociology. It is recommended to closely follow official application updates. For further graduate application questions, you can contact CheersYou（清柚教育） for one-on-one professional consultation and support.

Although applications for Fall 2025 have not officially started, new programs are already being prepared! The Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong plans to launch a new Master of Social Sciences program, namely Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) in Sociology, starting in September 2025 (applications open in 2024, exact date TBD). The curriculum will provide cutting-edge training in sociological theories and methods, aiming to cultivate talents with research and analytical skills to advance their careers in the public or private sector, while also preparing those who wish to pursue further doctoral studies. To learn more details and for more questions about graduate applications, you can also scan the QR code below for one-on-one consultation.

1. Definition of Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life and interaction. It advances this study in two ways.

First, as a way of seeing, sociology aims to go beyond commonsense beliefs about how human groups live and think. Sociology requires you to re-examine a wide range of social experiences: the way you were raised in your family, your education, the way you work and why, what politics means to you, what love means to you, why people form groups, why traditions persist, how nations emerge and dissolve, and so on.
Second, as a set of knowledge tools, sociology trains you to study social life in a rigorous and systematic manner. Through this, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in society than an untrained observer.

2. The Unique Position of Sociology in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, as a region that achieved urban economic growth against the backdrop of colonial rule and complex relations with mainland China, offers a unique research site for sociology. Sociological research in Hong Kong began in the 1960s, aiming to understand the impact and consequences of modernization on Chinese communities. Over time, Hong Kong's development model and the economic and governance crises brought about by globalization have provided rich material and challenges for sociological study.

3. Sociology Programs at Hong Kong Universities

Previously, only the Chinese University of Hong Kong offered an orthodox sociology program, while the University of Hong Kong only had criminology. Moreover, CUHK's sociology program had a high entry threshold. The upcoming Master of Social Sciences in Sociology at HKU will be the second orthodox sociology program in Hong Kong. Students interested in applying for sociology should definitely keep an eye on it, as there may be a "bargain" opportunity in the first year.

Official website link: https://sociology.hku.hk/taught-postgraduate/tpg-sociology

4. Predicted Curriculum

Since the 1970s, the Department of Sociology at HKU has offered full-time and part-time master's and doctoral programs. Its research areas are broad, including culture and media studies, anthropology, criminology, education, gender studies, economic sociology, and studies on Hong Kong society, Chinese society, Southeast Asian societies, etc. Therefore, sociology courses will likely include these foundational subjects.

5. Career Prospects

HKU sociology graduates have achieved successful careers in business, government departments, welfare organizations, educational institutions, police and correctional services, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, creative industries, and many other fields. Some graduates also choose to pursue further studies at HKU or overseas universities. Many former students have received scholarships at renowned institutions in the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada, making further study an excellent option as well.

For more admission cases and questions about studying abroad and graduate applications, you can also add the contact information of CheersYou（清柚教育） consultant below for details.