Page 203 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Counselling & Psychology

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. In 2021, the Master of Social Sciences in Play Therapy
(MSScPT) was accredited under the Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) Status at Hong
Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) Level 6 in Counselling and Psychology and is
registered under the Qualifications Register of HKQF. The first cohort commenced study in
September 2022.

The Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) 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 Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology programme aims at equipping
students with core competencies in Psychology. The body of knowledge surrounding the study
of Psychology is founded in systems, theories and empirical research. The programme
therefore encompasses not only a study of the systems and theories of psychology, but also
the protocols, ethics, skills and techniques of empirical research. It places substantial emphasis
on the development of research competence. This stimulates students to think critically and
creatively, and provides a solid foundation from which they can develop their further interests
in Psychology. It is designed to give students sufficient grounding in the core areas of
Psychology to qualify them for direct entry into any career potentially open to Psychology
graduates in both the private and the public sectors. For those aspiring to further their education
upon graduation, this programme will qualify them for postgraduate training in Psychology in

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