Postgraduate Programmes
Admission schedule (2025/26 Cohort)
Information Seminar
The information seminar had been held at 19:00 (HKT) on 17 January 2025 (Friday) in Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Please click HERE for the powerpoint of the information seminar.
| Title of Award: | Master of Social Sciences in Counselling Psychology |
| Mode of Attendance: | Full time/Part time |
| Intake Quota per Annum: | 30 |
| Duration of Programme: | Full time: 2 years (4 semesters & 1 summer term) Part time: 4 years (8 semesters & 2 summer terms) |
| Programme Director: | Dr. Muriel LIN |
| The total number of credits required for graduation: | 63 |
| Total Tuition Fees: | $163,800 (i.e. $2,600 for one credit) |
| The First Semester | |||
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| Code | Course | Credits | |
| CP514 | Psychotherapy I | 3 | |
| CP516 | Research Methods in Counselling Psychology | 3 | |
| CP519 | Assessment and Evaluation for Counselling Psychology I | 3 | |
| CP522 | Professional Practice and Ethical Issues in Counselling Psychology | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 12 | ||
| The Second Semester | |||
| Code | Course | Credits | |
| CP515 | Psychotherapy II | 3 | |
| CP520 | Assessment and Evaluation for Counselling Psychology II | 3 | |
| CP517 | Cultural and Individual Diversity | 3 | |
| CP524 | Internship | 3 | |
| Clinical Practicum I (Take one of the following laboratory courses) | 3 | ||
| CP500 | Play Therapy | ||
| CP501 | Solution Focused Brief Therapy | ||
| CP502 | Client-Centred Therapy | ||
| CP503 | Cognitive Behaviour Therapy | ||
| CP504 | Psychodynamic Psychotherapy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | ||
Programme structure (Remarks)
| Clinical Seminars* | ||
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The four clinical seminars provide specialty knowledge on how to work in different settings. It is a unique opportunity to learn more advanced clinical techniques and interventions as applied to specific populations. They combine both conceptual and practical understanding of how to put counselling psychology techniques into practice according to the different contextual needs. |
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| Internship and Externships** | ||
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Students are required to work two full weekdays per week (Monday to Saturday) in both Internship and Externships. |
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| Skills Labs | ||
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Skills labs are offered for those who want to enhance their practical skills in using counselling psychology techniques. This is an almost entirely practice-based experience conducted in a small group setting to provide hands-on guidance, direction, and demonstration. |
General Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Master of Social Sciences (Counselling Psychology) Programme MUST either
1. be in possession of a Bachelor's degree with first or second class honours in Psychology from a recognized local or overseas university OR
2. be in possession of a Bachelor's degree with first or second class honours in fields other than Psychology, AND have completed a post- graduate conversion programme in Psychology (e.g. Master of Social Sciences in Psychology etc)
Applicants are subject to English writing tests, and are required to attend individual and group interviews.
Specific Requirement
Successful applicants who meet the general requirements stated above are conditionally admitted into the programme, subject to completion of an introductory course in Counselling Psychology offered between end of May and early July.
Language Requirement
As the primary language of instruction in the programme is English, applicants whose entrance qualification is issued by an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should also fulfil the following minimum English proficiency requirement:
- Overall score ≥ 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (academic); or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (internet-based test) or 250 (computer-based test); or
- Other equivalent qualifications that are acceptable to the university, including degrees from a recognised English medium institution in good standing.
Admission schedule (2025/26 Cohort)
Application Procedures
Online Application
Click here to access the online application. Please read the notes carefully before completing the online application form.
Please read the online application guide for reference: hksyu_applicants_user_guide_en.pdf
Please prepare the following items for application:
- A Photocopy of HKID Card or other identification document
- A recent, colour, passport-size photo (i.e., approximately 40mm (Width) x 50 mm (Height) showing a full frontal face with clear facial features
- Photocopies Graduation Certificate(s) and/or Degree Certificate(s) of your undergraduate/postgraduate studies
- Official transcripts from post-secondary institutions/universities attended
- Online authentication from China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) (if applicable)
- Copy of TOEFL / IELTS / GRE score report
- Personal Statement and CV (Please state your language proficiency)
- 2 Referee Reports to be completed online
- Copies of certificates of professional qualifications (if applicable)
Notes for official transcripts:
- Official transcripts are to be sent from post-secondary institutions/universities attended Please send this form (Transcript Request Form (pdf version/ doc version) to your appropriate officer of institution from which the transcript is requested.
- Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate studies should be directly sent to the Department of Counselling and Psychology in a sealed envelope from the issuing universities. Please send the above Transcript Request Form to your appropriate officer of institution from which the transcript is requested.
- For top-up degree holders, transcripts of sub-degree programme should also be provided
- HKSYU graduates are not required to request transcripts from the Registry. However, copies of transcripts should still be submitted.
Master of Social Sciences in Counselling Psychology programme
Department of Counselling and Psychology
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
10 Wai Tsui Crescent, Braemar Hill Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel: 2104 8270
E-mail: mcounpsy@hksyu.edu
Scholarship & Fellowship
1. Postgraduate Research Scholarship:
- The “Postgraduate Research Scholarship” aims to attract students with strong academic backgrounds who have an avid interest in refining their research skills. Each year, a total of 15 scholarships @HKD20,000 will be allocated to this category. Awardees are expected to commit 200 hours to research activities as assigned by the Programme Director during their period of study at HKSYU.
2. Fellowship for Postgraduate Studies:
- The “Fellowship for Postgraduate Studies” aims to support outstanding final year undergraduate students in HKSYU to pursue postgraduate studies. Those successfully admitted into local full-time postgraduate programmes may be considered for this category. Each year, 10 scholarships @HKD10,000 will be allocated to this category.
For further scholarship and fellowship details, please click HERE
Benchmarking local and international associations' requirements for post-graduate degree completion
1) Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP), USA
2) American Psychological Association (APA) (Doctoral Level), USA
3) Australian Psychological Society (APS), AUS.
4) British Psychological Society (BPS), U.K.
5) Asian Professional Counselling and Psychology Association (APCPA)
6) Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA)
7) Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS)
Counselling Psychologist
Upon completion of our MSS Counselling Psychology Programme, members of Hong Kong Psychological Society will be eligible to apply for full membership of the Division of Counselling Psychology of Hong Kong Psychological Society.
To register as Registered Counselling Psychologist in Hong Kong, graduate membership of Hong Kong Psychological Society, full membership of Division of Counselling Psychology, as well as one year of post qualification experience in counselling psychology as accepted by HKPS are required.
- Computer-Assisted Data Analysis Laboratory (LG303)
- Cognitive Psychology and Vision Laboratory (LG215-6)
- Practice-Based Evidence Laboratory (LG301)
- Neuropsychology Laboratory (Neuromodulation Section) (LG304)
- Playroom (LG314)
- Child Development Laboratory (RLG303)
- Positive Technology and Virtual Reality Laboratory (RLG307)
- Neuropsychology Laboratory (Psychological Assessment Room) (RLG308B)
- Psychological Lab Studio of Art & Creativity (RLG309)
- Psychological Test Library (LG102)
- Student Learning and Development Laboratory (RLG305)
- Positive and Social Psychology Lab (RLG304)
- Neuropsychology Laboratory (High-Density Electroencephalography Section) (RLG308)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab (RLG308A)
- Play Therapy Research and Practice Laboratory (RLG306)
- Office for Postgraduate Interns (LG315B)
- Counselling Rooms (Lib105, LG211-214, LG315A, LG315C)
- Counselling and Research Centre Staff Office (CRC; LG233-235)
- Multifunctional Room (Lib101) and the Seminar Rooms (Lib103)
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Dr. LIN, Muriel Areas of Research Interests: |
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Dr. CHEUNG, Yim Yen Areas of Research Interests: |
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Dr. LI, Wang-On Alex Areas of Research Interests:
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Dr. CONNOLLY, Patrick Area of Research Interests: |
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Dr. FU, Wai Areas of Research Interests: |
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Dr. CHEUNG, Raysen Areas of Research Interests: |
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Dr. THOMPSON, Nigel Areas of Research Interests: |
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Dr. YUEN, Wing Yan Winnie Areas of Research Interests:
Dr. NGAI, Tsz-kin Joe Areas of Research Interests:
Dr. HARRISON, Mark G.
Assistant Professor Ed.D. in Developmental and Educational Psychology (The Education University of Hong Kong) School Counselling
Wellbeing in Schools
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| What are the differences between "Clinical Psychology" and "Counselling Psychology"? |
| The core difference between Clinical and Counselling Psychology lies in the practice orientation of the two disciplines. Clinical Psychology is based on the pathology model of human behavior. It utilizes the scientific study and application of Psychology for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development. On the other hand, Counselling Psychology is based on the wellness model of human behaviour. |
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Graduates from Clinical Psychology tend to deal with more severely disturbed patients, and in fact are trained to work in psychiatric settings. However, graduates in Counselling Psychology work with healthier and less pathological clients, and usually conduct more career and vocational counselling. |
| Do I need to find the placement myself for Internship? |
| No. Internship training is provided at the Counselling & Research Centre (CRC) of the University. CRC provides counselling services for students in the undergraduate programmes who are required to seek counsellee experience. CRC is also open to the public, and its services are used by several rehabilitative and mental health agencies. |
| How should we conduct the Externship? |
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Externships are arranged with students' choice of concentration and availability of places in mind. Students are advised to complete their three externships in two different settings so as to gain some variety in their learning experiences. However, in certain cases, students may be permitted to complete three externships in one setting, subject to the approval of their advisors and the Programme Director. |
| Can I apply if I only have an Honours Diploma in Counselling & Psychology? |
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Consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis to mature students with an Honours Diploma in Counselling & Psychology who have worked in the field of counselling for five years or over. |