Objectives

Graduates of this Programme should:

1. Acquire a foundation in psychology with a strong theoretical and empirical understanding of psychology theories and methods.
2. Be able to communicate and apply their knowledge in real life situations
3. Be able to design and conduct psychological research

Programme Structure

The programme takes one year in full-time mode or two years in part-time mode.

To be eligible for the award, students are required to complete a total of 27 units, made up of 24 units for successful completion of academic subjects and one independent study (i.e. 3 units)

List of Required Courses

List of Elective Courses

Students are required to select one from the following:

Class Delivery Mode & Duration

There are three consecutive terms (including Summer Term) each academic year.  Most classes are held in the evenings on weekdays while a few might be delivered on weekends if needed.  Courses in Summer Term will be delivered twice per week over 5-6 weeks.

All classes will be taught in English. 

Entrance Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree (NOT majoring in psychology) from a recognized university.

Course and Unit Exemption

Students may apply for course and unit exemption for a maximum of 4 courses (12 units), which they have completed under prior postgraduate or equivalent programmes. Courses completed under undergraduate programmes may also be considered. However, only up to 3 units may be exempted by using undergraduate courses.

No replacement for the exempted courses is required.

Scholarship

The Department of Psychology offers Scholarships to students with outstanding academic achievements.

Completion of Programme

To complete the programme, a student must achieve a grade of “C-” or above for each of the 9 required/elective courses taken.

In case the student is unable to achieve a “C-” or above grade for any of the 9 required/elective courses taken, he/she will have to re-take the same course(s) in another term when the course(s) is(are) offered again and pass it (them) with a “C-” or above grade. Students are allowed to re-take each failed course only once. Moreover, students are required to pass the CUHK IT Proficiency Test for graduation.

Students who complete this Programme with a first degree in another subject are regarded as possessing an education comparable to that of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology in Hong Kong. 

Career Prospect

This programme is designed to take the place of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology Programme, which has been offered by the Department since 1993. Students who complete this Programme are eligible for graduate membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) if they get hands-on experience in empirical research during their study and hence are qualified to apply for the professional and research postgraduate programmes in psychology in Hong Kong.

For the past years, many of our graduates could successfully get into the postgraduate research and professional training programmes in psychology (e.g. Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, M.Phil. /Ph.D. in Psychology) and become professional psychologists in the field. Many other graduates also apply their knowledge in psychology and research in their profession.