Page 216 - HKSYU Prospectus 2018-19

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2018-19

Department of Counselling and Psychology

In 2004, approval was given by the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation
(HKCAA) to offer a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) programme in Counselling and
Psychology, the first of its kind to be offered in Hong Kong. In 2007, approval was given by the
Programme Validation and Review Committee (PVRC) of HKSYU to offer a Bachelor of Social
Sciences (Honours) programme in Psychology, the fourth of its kind to be offered in Hong
Kong. In addition to the undergraduate programmes, the Master of Social Sciences in
Counselling Psychology programme was successfully validated by HKCAAVQ in March 2010,
and approval to offer the programme was received from the Executive Council in June 2010.
In 2012, the Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychology (PGDP) was validated by HKCAAVQ and
approved by the Executive Council for offering. In 2014, the HKCAAVQ validated the Master
of Social Sciences in Psychology to replace the PGDP, as well as the Doctor of Psychology in
Counselling Psychology and approved by the Executive Council for offering in January 2016
and September 2015 respectively.

The BSocSc (Hons.) in Counselling and Psychology programme is structured as follows.
During the first year, students devote their time to acquiring proficiency in the English and
Chinese languages and to grasp a fundamental understanding of the subject matter of
Psychology. During the second year, a solid foundation in Psychology continues to be built
alongside with an introduction to theories and skills in Counselling. In the third year, the
emphasis on Counselling and Psychology becomes more balanced with students being
required to take advanced courses in both Counselling and Psychology. In the final year, a
substantial amount of time is devoted to the Internship Programme for which students have to
spend two full days each week (or 50 days in the academic year) in the field as interns in
Counselling.

The BSocSc (Hons.) in Psychology programme aims at equipping students with core
competencies in Psychology, as well as ensuring that students become conversant with the
protocols, procedures, skills and ethics of psychological research. This emphasis on research
is both an important and distinguishing feature of the programme, as those delivering the
programme firmly believe that students of Psychology have a fundamental responsibility to
ensure that the body of knowledge in Psychology grows in breadth, depth and precision.

The MSocSc in Counselling Psychology is a professional degree that qualifies graduates
for registration with professional associations. The programme is designed to create a distinct
professional identity for Counselling Psychologists, and to contribute towards meeting
psychological needs within the community. The programme adopts a scientist-practitioner
approach, and is organized into the dimensions of knowledge, research and practice of
counselling psychology.

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