FAQ

  What is the Health and Social Services Management (HSSM) programme?

This programme aims to cultivate students' management, policy analysis, and innovation skills in the health and social services sector to address the increasingly complex needs of society.

  How does the HSSM programme differ from "Social Work" or "Public Policy"?

Unlike traditional social work programmes, HSSM focuses more on macro-level management, service planning and evaluation, and social enterprise innovation, rather than frontline clinical practice. Compared to general public policy, this programme concentrates specifically on the health and social services sector.

 What kind of student fits the HSSM programme well?

Students who are concerned about social issues, are passionate about service areas such as elderly care, healthcare, and rehabilitation, possess leadership potential, and are committed to improving the social service system.

What is unique about the HSSM programme at Lingnan University?

We emphasise a liberal arts education, close faculty-student relationships, offer abundant Service-Learning opportunities, and invite numerous former high-ranking government officials and industry leaders (such as Prof. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung and Prof. Patrick Nip Tak-kuen) as guest lecturers.

What are the admission requirements for applying through JUPAS?

The entrance requirement for DSE candidates is "33222". For more details, please visit HERE .

I am an Associate Degree / Higher Diploma graduate. Can I apply for Senior Year Entry?

Students who wish to be considered for admission should at least obtain a Sub-Degree awarded by a recognised post-secondary institution and fulfil the English Language Requirements. Final admissions decisions will be based on academic attainments, interview performance (if any), and other key supporting evidence. For other qualifications and English Language Requirements, please visit HERE for more details.

Is an interview required during the application process?

Only shortlisted non-local applicants will be invited for an interview (individual interview).

Besides academic results, what other qualities does the programme look for in applicants?

 The programme values experience in community service, extracurricular activities, and leadership, and encourages students to showcase these experiences in their Student Learning Profile (SLP).

What are the core courses of the programme?

The programme is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of health and social services. Core required courses cover several important areas, such as "Social Policy and Analysis," "Management of Non-profit Organisations," "Healthcare Systems and Policy," and "Research Methods for Social Services," to provide students with a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

Is "Service-Learning" mandatory? Where will students conduct their service?

 "Service-Learning" is a vital component of Lingnan University's liberal arts education and this programme, and all students are required to participate. It is not just a service activity, but a course that combines academic knowledge with community practice. Students will have the opportunity to serve in various organizations, applying what they have learned in the classroom to the real world. Service partners include non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social enterprises, elderly care homes, rehabilitation centres, and other community service units, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience.

Can I minor in another subject while studying HSSM?

Yes. According to the regulations of the Lingnan University Registry, students may register for one or two Minor Programmes in addition to their Major Programme.

Generally, a Minor Programme requires students to complete 15 credits of designated courses. Students can use the "free electives" credits from their major curriculum to take courses for a Minor Programme. The university offers a wide variety of minor options, such as "Psychology," "Marketing," "Accounting," "Public Policy," and "Translation," which students can choose based on their interests and career plans.

Interested students must register for their Minor Programme(s) by the end of the add/drop period in the first term of their final year of study at the latest. Successful completion of a Minor Programme will be indicated on the student's academic transcript upon graduation.

What are the typical career paths for HSSM graduates?

Graduates of the HSSM programme are equipped for a wide range of positions across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

Typical career paths include:

1.   Project Officer or Manager in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social service agencies.

2.  Operations or Programme Management roles within social enterprises.

3.  Administrative, executive, or policy research positions in public healthcare institutions (like the Hospital Authority) or government departments (like the Social Welfare Department).

4.  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer or related roles in private companies, helping to plan and execute community engagement and sustainability initiatives.

Can I become a Registered Social Worker immediately after graduation?

This programme is not a professional qualification programme for registered social workers. It is designed to provide broad knowledge in management and policy within the health and social service sectors. Graduates who are interested in pursuing a career as a Registered Social Worker can choose to enrol in a relevant Master of Social Work programme to obtain the necessary professional qualification.

In which directions can graduates pursue further studies?

The interdisciplinary training from the HSSM programme provides a strong foundation for a variety of postgraduate studies. Graduates can apply for master's or doctoral programmes in fields such as: Public Health, Social Policy, Gerontology, Public Administration and Management, Sociology, Counselling, and Health Management.

What is the annual tuition fee?

For the 2026-27 academic year, the tuition fees for UGC-funded programmes are as follows:

Local Students: HK$47,000 per year.

Non-local Students: HK$175,000 per year.

It is important to note that the tuition fee for local students is scheduled to be adjusted to HK$49,500 in the 2027/28 academic year. Tuition fees are typically paid in two equal instalments at the beginning of each academic term.

Are there scholarships specifically for HSSM students?

Yes, there are. The Department of Sociology and Social Policy Entrance Scholarship is awarded explicitly to exceptional incoming students who major in Health and Social Services Management, Sociology, or Social and Public Policy Studies. This scholarship is designed to recognise academic excellence and support students' transition to degree-level study.

In addition to this departmental scholarship, all applicants are automatically considered for a range of university-level scholarships based on their admission results, including:

Lingnan University Local Student Scholarships (for JUPAS): Awards ranging from HK$20,000 to a full-tuition scholarship are available based on HKDSE scores.

Lingnan University Local Student Scholarships (for Non-JUPAS): Scholarships are available for applicants with qualifications like IB Diploma, GCE A-Level, or SAT, with awards up to a full-tuition renewable scholarship.

Lingnan University Admission Awards (for Senior Year): One-off awards are available for senior year entrants based on their cGPA from a local sub-degree programme.

How much are the monthly living expenses in Hong Kong?

The estimated monthly living expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyle. The university provides the following table for general reference only:

It is also recommended that students prepare a budget of HK$4,500 - $5,000 to cover their expenses for the first month.