Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Social Policy (International)
Department of Sociology and Social Policy

Admission Information

The IMCSP programme is primarily designed for:

  • Graduates with degrees in social policy, international development, sociology or other social sciences

  • Professionals whose work is directly related to social policy analysis, design, advocacy and delivery

  • Graduates and professionals from other backgrounds and who seek to join a career in social policy analysis, design, advocacy, and delivery

Programme Brochure
admission

To be eligible for entry into this programme, candidates should have:

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary institution; or equivalent qualifications and experience, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis; and
     

  • An applicant whose degree or, exceptionally, an alternative qualification deemed equivalent from a tertiary institution is not using English as the medium of instruction (MOI) for the programme should obtain: 
     

    • a minimum score of 79 in TOEFL Internet-Based Test1; or

    • a band score of 6.0 or above in IELTS1; or

    • a minimum score of 450 or above in College English Test Band 6 (CET-6), with proof of competency in spoken English2; or
    • an equivalent score in a recognized test; or
    • an equivalent qualification to prove his/her English language proficiency, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

1 For IELTS and TOEFL qualifications for admission purpose, the University only accepts results of tests that are conducted at a test centre and within the validity period, viz. 2 years, from the time of submission of an admission application for the specific intake cohort.

 

2 For CET-6 results submitted for admission purposes, the University accepts only those obtained within the five-year validity period, counted from the date of submission of the admission application for the specific intake cohort. Applicants must also demonstrate competency in spoken English through an oral interview conducted by the Program and/or obtain grade B or above in the CET-6 Speaking English Test.

To apply to the IMCSP programme, you are required to submit the following application materials through the online application system: 

 

  1. A completed application form 
  2. A personal statement of no more than two pages A4
  3. Two recommendation letters (in a sealed envelope addressed to the IMCSP programme office) 
  4. Copy of academic certificate(s) 
  5. Copy of academic transcript(s) 
  6. Copy of English language proficiency result(s) 
     

The IMCSP Programme Office will conduct interviews with all applicants before making a formal offer for admission. Applicants will enjoy admission preference if they previously studied relevant Social Sciences courses or possess work experience in social policy formulation, execution or analysis.

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The IMCSP programme tuition fee from AY2027-28 is HK$160,000. 

 

An application fee of HK$400 will be charged upon completion of an online application. The application fee is non-refundable and non-referable. 

 

You will also be expected to take care of additional expenses including accommodation, travel to and from Hong Kong, a graduation deposit (HK$600) and Hong Kong Immigration visa charges (HK$700, if applicable). For a useful summary of things to consider when coming to Hong Kong for postgraduate study, you may consult: http://www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk/en/.

For 2027-28 Intake: 1 Aug 2026 – 15 June 2027 (Non-local),  1 Aug 2026 – 31 July 2027 (Local)