Programme Structure
The IMCSP programme is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time taught Masters programme.
As an IMCSP student you will graduate upon the completion of 30 credits.
Starting from the 2026-27 intake, the IMCSP students (who do not specialise in any concentrations) are required to complete:
5 core courses (15 credits), 1 required course (3 credits), 2 elective courses (6 credits) and 1 capstone project (6 credits)
For students specialising in the Social Research (SoR) concentration, they are required to complete:
5 core courses (15 credits), 3 elective courses (9 credits) and 1 capstone project (6 credits)
For students specialising in the Social Innovation (SoI) concentration, they are required to complete:
5 core courses (15 credits), 3 required courses (9 credits) and 1 capstone project (6 credits)
| Courses | Credits | IMCSP Parent Programme | SoR Concentration | SoI Concentration |
Term 1 | ||||
SOC501 Social Policy Analysis: Global Comparative Perspectives | 3 | Core Courses | ||
SOC504 Comparative Social Policy in Greater China and East Asia | 3 | |||
SOC505 Globalisation, Policy and Society | 3 | |||
SOC506 Policy Research and Evaluation Design | 3 | |||
SOC604 International Social Policy Symposium | 3 | |||
Term 2 | ||||
SOC601 Comparative Governance and Social Policy in a Global Context | 3 | Required Course |
|
|
SOC606 Comparative Research Methods in Social Policy | 3 | Any 2 Elective Courses
| Any 3 Elective Courses |
|
SOC607 Applied Survey Methodology | 3 |
| ||
SOC608 Qualitative Methods for Social Policy Analysis | 3 |
| ||
SOC617 Social Network Analysis (subject to senate approval) | 3 |
| ||
SOC618 Machine Learning with Social Data (subject to senate approval) | 3 |
| ||
SOC609 Social Entrepreneurship & Social Impact | 3 |
| Required Course | |
SOC610 Non-Profit Organisations & the Voluntary Sector | 3 |
| Required Course | |
SOC602 Dialogue with Policy Practitioners: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Required Course | |
SOC605 Comparative Social Policy Research Project | 6 | Capstone Project | ||
In accordance with the University's academic regulations, students must complete a total of nine courses, including one capstone project, amounting to 30 credits, and obtain a Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.67 or above for graduation.
Award
Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Social Policy (International)
Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Social Policy (International) (Social Research)
Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Social Policy (International) (Social Innovation)
Degree Classification
Distinction will be awarded when a student achieves a Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.50 or above and has fulfilled the requirements for graduation of a master’s degree programme.
| Degree Classification | Minimum Cumulative G.P.A. |
| Distinction | 3.50 |
| Pass | 2.67 |
Intermediate Award
For 2024-25 Intake and before:
Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Comparative Social Policy (International) if they complete five required courses with a minimum CGPA of 2.67 in the first term, and do not continue in the programme. Acceptance of an intermediate award implies an intention not to complete the final award.
For 2025-26 Intake and onwards:
Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Comparative Social Policy (International) if they complete five courses with a minimum CGPA of 2.67 and do not continue in the programme. Acceptance of an intermediate award implies an intention not to complete the final award.