Programmes - HKU SPACE Community College
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Social Sciences Social Sciences

Associate of Social Sciences

Sociology

Programme Code: AD 119 3416 6338 2305 5315 asocsc@hkuspace.hku.hk
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QF Level: 4
QR Registration No.: 08/001726/4
Registration Validity Period: 01/09/2008 to ongoing

Application Code 報名編號 : AD119

Associate of Social Sciences
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It is believed that change and volatility are essential elements of life in the globalised world. To thrive in this fast-changing, unpredictable environment, it is essential to develop one’s ability to cope with, and even foresee, the challenges. Knowing oneself and others, mastering the logic underlying change, and understanding its consequences are how we could find our niche and prosper in society. It is to this end that the programme of Associate of Social Sciences (ASocSci) has been developed to build a gateway to the academic and professional world.

Programme Aims & Features

The broad-based curriculum covers major social sciences disciplines, such as political science, psychology and sociology. The programme focuses on enhancing students’ understanding of human social interaction, social groups and the logic underlying social change. Students will be trained to evaluate social phenomena objectively, scientifically and critically as social scientists. The programme aims at developing students’ social consciousness, international awareness, critical and logical reasoning ability, and self-learning ability.

 
Psychology and Wellness Theme
This theme provides knowledge and skills of maintaining psychological and behavioural well-being. Major perspectives on psychological and behavioural health will be introduced. After studying courses within this theme, students are expected to be able to analyse factors affecting individual’s psychological well-being.
 
Government and International Studies Theme
Social Sciences students who choose to study this theme will be introduced to basic concepts and theories of politics. Students are trained to explain and analyse political issues with different political concepts and theories.
 
Social Welfare and Social Administration Theme
The theme aims at helping students to examine the roles of social welfare services and social policies in promoting human well-being. Students are trained to critically analyse social problems, social service and social policy with various psychological, sociological and political theories.
 
Sociology Theme
Students of this theme are trained in sociology traditions. This theme aims to develop students’ critical, analytical thinking in analysing the society and social issues with different sociological perspectives.
 

Opportunities for Further Studies

2022 Overall Progression Rate: 89%
UGC-funded Bachelor’s Degree Programmes: 78%

Some of our graduates/students are admitted to UGC-funded degree programmes every year. The list below shows the programmes that our graduates/students of recent years have articulated to*:

The University of Hong Kong
BA
BASc Social Data Science
BEd Early Childhood Education & Special Education
BNurs
BSocSc
BSW
              
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
BA
BA Anthropology
BA Cultural Management
BA Cultural Studies
BA History
BA Linguistics
BA Philosophy
BA Religious Studies
BNur
BSc Community Health Practice
BSc Exercise Science and Health Education
BSc Gerontology
BSc Public Health
BSocSc Gender Studies
BSocSc Geography and Resource Management
BSocSc Global Studies
BSocSc Government and Public Administration
BSocSc Psychology
BSocSc Social Work
BSocSc Sociology
                    
City University of Hong Kong
BA Chinese & History
BA Creative Media
BA Media & Communication
BA English
BA Linguistics & Language Applications
BA Translation & Interpretation
BBA Management
BSc Biomedical Sciences
BSc Environmental Science & Management
BSocSc Applied Sociology
BSocSc Asian & International Studies
BSocSc Criminology & Sociology
BSocSc Environmental Policy
BSocSc Psychology
BSocSc Public Policy & Politics (Housing & Urban Studies)
BSocSc Public Policy & Politics (Political Science)
BSocSc Public Policy, Management, & Politics
BSocSc Social Work
BSocSc Sociology
          
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Broad Discipline of Computing
BA (Hons) Applied Ageing Studies and Senior Management
BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences
BA (Hons) Social Design
BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration
BA (Hons) Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship
BA (Hons) Social Work
BASocSc (Hons)
BSc (Hons) Investment Science & Finance Analytics
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
BSc (Hons) Nursing
             
Hong Kong Baptist University
BA (Hons)
BA (Hons) English Language & Literature and BEd English Language Teaching (Double Degree)
BA (Hons) History
BA (Hons) Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
BComm Journalism Major (International Journalism)
BSocSc (Hons) China Studies - Sociology
BSocSc (Hons) Communication - Film & Media Arts
BSocSc (Hons) European Studies - German Stream
BSocSc (Hons) Geography
BSocSc (Hons) Global & China Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Government & International Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Psychology
BSocSc (Hons) Social Policy
BSocSc (Hons) Sociology
BSW (Hons)
             
Lingnan University
BA (Hons) Chinese
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies
BSocSc (Hons) International Economy & Politics
BSocSc (Hons) Social & Public Policy Studies
BSocSc (Hons)
BSocSc (Hons) Health and Social Services Management
BSocSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Psychology Concentration
              
The Education University of Hong Kong
BA (Hons) Creative Arts & Culture - Music / Visual Arts
BA (Hons) Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
BA (Hons) Language Studies - English Major
BA (Hons) Liberal Studies Education
BA (Hons) Special Education
BEd (Hons) Chinese Language
BEd (Hons) English Language - Primary
BEd (Hons) Early Childhood Education
BEd (Hons) Geography
BEd (Hons) (Primary) - General Studies
BEd (Hons) Visual Art
BEd (Hons) (Secondary) History
BSc (Hons) Sport Sciences and Coaching
BSocSc (Hons) Global & Environmental Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Global & Hong Kong Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Greater China Studies
BSocSc (Hons) Policy Science & Management
BSocSc (Hons) Psychology
 

HKU SPACE International College

Graduates are also eligible to apply for admission to the full-time top-up degree programmes offered locally by HKU SPACE International College in collaboration with the following university:

University of the Arts London

Edinburgh Napier University

University of the West of England, Bristol

 

Career Prospects

The intellectual and analytical training provided by this programme equips students with competence in academic work and gives them a practical foundation in a range of skills which will be useful in careers in different sectors such as commerce, human resources, education,  government and public administration, as well as in professions like social work and social administration. 

 

*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.
GENERIC SKILLS
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I & II
  • Advanced Chinese Language
  • Information Technology Fundamentals
  • English for Arts and Humanities
  • Applied Statistics

Experiential Learning

  • Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies
SPECIALISM

Core

Year 1

  • Introduction to Political Science
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • The Basics of Sociology
  • Experiential Learning: Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies

Year 2

Common across all Themes

  • Introduction to Research Methods in Social Sciences

Psychology and Wellness Theme

  • Abnormal Psychology

  • Social Psychology

  • Life Span Development Psychology 

  • Introduction to Personality 

Government and International Studies Theme

  • Global Governance and International Organizations 

  • Introduction to Public Policy and Administration 

  • Introduction to Comparative Politics

  • Introduction to International Relations

Social Welfare and Social Administration Theme

  • Introduction to Counseling
  • Social Policy and Administration
  • Contemporary Social Work and Social Welfare
  • Ageing and Gerontology

Sociology Theme

  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Hong Kong Society: A Sociological Perspective 
  • Class and Inequality
  • Sociology of the Family

 

Core Curriculum Courses

 

  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning in Discipline-based Studies
  • Choose THREE courses from the Core Curriculum

Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment and resources available.

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HUI Hing Yee Bauhinia
  • 2015-16 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Gender Studies, Year 3
  • Other offer received: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration, Year 3
  • Other offer received: City University of Hong Kong, Public Policy, Management and Politics, Year 3

"If you fell down yesterday, stand up today." HKU SPACE CC is a place to offer you the second chance in pursuing your goal. The life as an associate degree student in CC was tough, but valuable. Studying in social sciences is a pathway to further investigate our society, as well as ourselves. I hope that all of you can enjoy the diversity of campus life in the coming year.

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CHAN Ngai Hang Antony
  • 2015-16 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Sociology, Year 3
  • Other offer reveived: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration, Year 3
  • Other offer reveived: City University of Hong Kong, BSocSc Public Policy, Management and Politics, Year 3

Facing the uncertainty was the most fearful thing for an individual. However, for the past two years, studying social sciences in HKU SPACE CC not only built up my fundamental knowledge on subjects like social policies and sociology, but also helped me gain insight to my prospects. With the numerous remarkable teachers, you will be able to learn much more than you would have imagined. So stop self-pity, go chase your dream, because your future is never truly set!

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LEE Ka Man Nancy
  • 2016-17 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Sociology, Year 3
  • Other offer received: City University of Hong Kong, BSocSc Public Policy and Politics, Year 3

I am fortunate to study social sciences in HKU SPACE CC, which motivated me to think outside the box. It changed the way I see the world, and guided me to explore different facets of the society and analyse social issues from multiple perspectives. The lecturers were all kind-hearted and willing to help. My classmates were friendly and self-motivated. Lastly, a friendly reminder to DSE students: Try to adjust your attitude when you first enter the college - don't see it as a failure, but an opportunity to grow!

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KUM Hoi Chung Kelvin
  • 2016-17 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Sociology, Year 3
  • Other offer received: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration, Year 3

Life is like a journey. If you decided on the direction of your journey, you have to work towards the destination, no matter how long it takes. Yet, do not forget to enjoy the journey, and treasure the people you meet. HKU SPACE CC is one of the stations in my life journey. Good friends and great teachers are my greatest support whenever I need help. Every one of you can find your direction - enjoy your journey!

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HO Ka Yan Raina
  • 2016-17 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to City University of Hong Kong, BSocSc (Hons) Public Policy and Politics, Year 3
  • Other offer received: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Government and Public Administration, Year 3
  • Other offer received: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration, Year 3
  • Other offer received: City University of Hong Kong, BSocSc (Hons) Criminology, Year 3
  • Other offer received: Hong Kong Baptist University, Bachelor of Social Work

Studying social sciences at HKU SPACE CC trained me to review issues from different angles. Through discussions, projects and research, I developed the ability to think critically and independently. The theoretical and practical knowledge of social sciences helped me to deal with the real world challenges. Self-discipline, diligence, plan your time and work harder than before are required to get a good result. Grab the internship opportunities and join the leadership programmes provided by CC to train self-confidence and social skills.

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ZHANG Jiaqi Jackie
  • 2017-18 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Advancement to The University of Hong Kong, Bachelor of Social Science, Year 3
  • Other offer received: City University of Hong Kong, BSocSc Criminology & Sociology, Year 3
  • Other offer received: Hong Kong Baptist University, BSSc (Hons) Sociology, Year 3

The experience of studying in HKU SPACE CC was unforgettable. It was not only about gaining knowledge but also about knowing myself during these two years.

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WOO Chau Suen Amanda
  • 2017-18 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Offer received: Hong Kong Baptist University, Bachelor of Social Work (Hons), Year 3

Studying at HKU SPACE CC was an irreplaceable experience! You could concrete your dream, seek advice from lecturers and meet your best friends here. All you need to bear in mind is to believe in yourself and follow your passion. Every effort will be rewarded. You can do it!!!

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CHAN Hon Fai David
  • 2017-18 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Offer received: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSSc Sociology

Studying at HKU SPACE Community College, I experienced many things that I would otherwise not. CC gave me a brand new opportunity to delve into the subject that I was interested in. Besides, the Social Sciences discipline here let students explore different themes in year 1. This allowed us to make a more informed and knowledgeable choice before selecting the theme. Having undergone the 2 years of study, I would like to encourage you that: DSE IS MERELY ONE OF MANY WAYS. WHEN THERE IS HOPE THERE IS A WAY!

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WONG Oi Kuen Sandy
  • 2017-18 Associate of Social Sciences (Gerontology)
  • Advancement to The Chinese University ofOffer received: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BSc Geronotology, Year 3
  • Other offer received: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, BA (Hons) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management, Year 3

Studying in HKU SPACE CC is a great experience to me. I learnt a lot from the lecturers and classmates. Be hardworking and stay positive!

Choi Ho Man, Raymond
Choi Ho Man, Raymond
  • 2015-16 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Offer received: CUHK BSocSci in Sociology (Year 3)
  • Offer received: HKU BSoSc (Year 3)
  • Offer received: PolyU BA(Hon) Social Policy and Administration (Year 3)
  • Offer received: CityU BSocSci Public Policy and Politics (Year 3)

I believe that students can gain so much from studying at HKU SPACE CC, not just knowledge from books, but also the enthusiastic support and care from the lecturers. The most valuable thing at CC is the lecturers’ passionate teaching. They really teach from their heart, enabling us to study well, and helping us to achieve our lifelong goals, well-equipped to face a myriad of social challenges. I hope that you too can also discover your future here, and let HKU SPACE CC be the stepping-stone that leads you ever-closer to your dream!

Sze Kwai Fong, Jessica
Sze Kwai Fong, Jessica
  • Associate of Social Sciences

For me, HKU SPACE CC is generally regarded as a stepping stone to get into university. It provides me with profound acknowledgement on studying Social Sciences. Besides that, participating in different service trips and study tours that were held by Social Sciences domain have broadened my horizons and made me be more concerned about social issues in our society. These experiences are memorable; they turned me to become enthusiastic and passionate about studying social affairs. With these experiences, I have become well equipped to prepare for my university education. To be frank, studying in HKU SPACE CC is a journey but not a destiny. Let’s seize every chance and strive for excellence.

Cheng Sum To, Tobi
Cheng Sum To, Tobi
  • 2014-15 Associate of Social Sciences (Sociology)
  • Offer received: HKU Social Sciences (Year 3) - CUHK Sociology (Year 3) - CityU Applied Sociology (Year 3) - HKIEd Global and Environmental Studies (Year 3)
  • Offer received: CUHK Sociology (Year 3)
  • Offer received: CityU Applied Sociology (Year 3)
  • Offer received: HKIEd Global and Environmental Studies (Year 3)

Studying in HKU SPACE CC was a wonderful journey. The knowledge I gain is new and interesting and can provide a foundation for further study. The experience in CC could enlighten my personal attitude no matter I can enter university or not. The social science programme is beneficial for students who are interested in society issues but not knowing which perspectives they can investigate. This is a fortunate for me to find my direction in HKU SPACE CC.

Chan Ho Sum Iris
Chan Ho Sum, Iris
  • Offer received: HKBU Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology, Year 3

“I am a loser; all my friends enter universities except me…” I held these beliefs when I entered HKU SPACE CC. I felt frustrated and lost to confront this unfamiliar environment. In fact, the result of public exam should not be the criterion to evaluate you and I. Everyone should have their unique values. Throughout two-year study of Social Sciences here, it would undoubtedly guide you to find out your values and the important things in your life. As long as you always hold the belief that takes everything seriously during the process, you will definitely gain a lot. Therefore, you can participate in different activities and meet new buddies so as to understand yourself deeply and concern about others. Try to perceive and respect everyone you meet as if how you expect others to treat you. Moreover, seeking help from the considerate lecturers of Social Sciences when you are facing difficulties. Linking up the knowledge learnt with your daily lives would seem more interesting and useful. Let’s look for your distinctive life values!

Chan Yuk Yu, Octopus
Chan Yuk Yu, Octopus
  • Offer received: HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences, Year 3
  • Offer received: PolyU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Mental Health Nursing, Year 1
  • Offer received: CityU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Applied Sociology, Year 3

請保持自信和開放的態度,趁著兩年時間好好重新認識自己、建立好屬於自己的價值觀。世界那麼大,除了做大學生,還有很多的路。HKU SPACE CC是一個提供很多升學就業機會的平台,請好好把握這些機會。若自覺是讀書的料子,請用盡全力專注學業,兩年內必定會有應得的回報。若發現自己並非讀書的料子,請盡快尋找自己的夢想和長處,向屬於自己的標竿直跑,不要浪費的時間。這就是我在HKU SPACE CC讀了兩年後的感想。

Li Suet Wing, Zoe
Li Suet Wing, Zoe
  • Offer received: HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences, Year 3
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology, Year 3
  • Offer received: HKIEd Bachelor of Social Sciences in Global and Environmental Studies, Year 3

If there is one word that can precisely describe my two-year journey here, this must be "FRUITFUL". When I first entered this community college, I was in a state of self-denial due to the failure in public examination. Fortunately, HKU SPACE CC has provided a platform for me to self reflect and rethink my life goal. I feel thankful to have met many kind and helpful lecturers from social sciences domain. They helped me to go through a myriad of difficulties such as assignments and university interviews. It is also important to have mutual support from HKU SPACE CC friends in this fruitful journey. Besides, I have changed my own mindset and leant to think critically towards everything. I was acting like a robot at my secondary school years, such as just following everyone without my own critical judgment. Through studying sociology, I am equipped to think bigger. Not only focus on the individual but also to be aware of the outside world. Just because one never experiences it doesn't mean the outside world doesn't exist. I never say studying associate degree is the end of the story. Instead, it is a brand new chapter. Remember to have faith and everything will work out.

Chan Ka Ki Helen
Chan Ka Ki, Helen
  • Offer received: HKU Bachelor of Nursing, Year 1

Studying in HKU SPACE Community College these two years, I become a confident and tough person. It provides me a great learning environment. Passionate lecturers offered consultations and tutoring which encouraged me to embrace challenges. Although it wasn’t an easy time, it is meaningful and fruitful time I have so far.

Cheng Hiu Nam Kasey
Cheng Hiu Nam, Kasey
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology, Year 3
  • Offer received: CityU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology, Year 3
  • Offer received: CityU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Applied Sociology, Year 3
  • Offer received: HKIEd Bachelor of Social Sciences, Year 3

Today’s failure doesn’t mean tomorrow’s failure. Never look down on yourself. I thought it was just a failure for me to enter HKU SPACE CC, especially when most of my friends entered a local university. To be honest, the life in HKU SPACE CC is quite hard and stressful as there are a lot of assignments and projects. However, you can discover your passion and future goal with the help of teachers and fellow classmates. Love what you do is always the first step and the key to success. From the various social sciences courses which you have not exposed before, you will discover that studying is no longer boring or rote memorizing. It can be full of fun as you realize that social sciences can be so close to your daily life. At last, whether you can get back to university depends on how much effort you put and how much you love the thing you are doing. So, just persist with your goal and believe in yourself, and then you will!

Tsang Hin Shun Hinson
Tsang Hin Shun, Hinson
  • Offer received: HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences, Year 3
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology, Year 3
  • Offer received: CityU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Applied Sociology, Year 3
  • Offer received: CityU Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Policy and Politics, Year 3
  • Offer received: CityU College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Year 1

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”. If you are enthusiastic about your studies in Social Sciences, HKU SPACE CC will be a cornerstone for you to achieve your goal. In my 2-year “SPACE Journey”, I felt thankful that the courses did not merely enrich my knowledge, but more importantly they helped me understand the psychological and social development of myself. Although studying at HKU SPACE CC could be competitive and stressful, it is up to you to cherish this opportunity to achieve a fruitful college life especially while there are many considerate and supportive lecturers by your side.

Tsang Ying
Tsang Ying
  • Offer received: PolyU Social Policy & Administration (Year 3)
  • Offer received: CityU Applied Sociology (Year 3)
  • Offer received: HKBU Sociology (Year 3)

Because of failure in public examination, I had low self-confidence and no hope towards my future. However, I experienced a turning point here. I started to study hard with passion, to become a committee member and speak publicly, and to believe in my ability. Definitely, I experienced moments of sorrow and fear. However, when you work hard, focus on the goals and keep moving on with perseverance, what you receive is far more than what you expect. I cherish memories of studying here. This is a journey of a lifetime. Let’s study hard, work hard and play hard. Believe yourself and you can do it.

Vanessa Mok
Vanessa Mok
  • Offer received: PolyU Social Policy & Administration (Year 3)
  • Offer received: CityU Asian and International Studies (Year 3)

It was a memorable and good experience to study in the College. During these two years of study, I equipped myself with academic knowledge and presentation skills which are useful for further studies. With assistance and encouragement from lecturers and schoolmates, I was able to overcome all the difficulties, and this made studying enjoyable.

Serene Chung
Chung Wun Sin, Serene
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science
  • Offer received: PolyU BA in Social Policy and Administration

There are many inspiring lecturers in this programme. They like to interact with students during the lectures. More importantly, they are willing to answer students’ questions in detail as long as you are willing to take an initiative to communicate with them. Lastly, determination and hard work are definitely the keys to achieve one’s goal.

Lo Lok Man
Lo Lok Man
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science
  • Offer received: HKBU BSc in Sociology
  • Offer received: CityU BSc in Public Policy, Management and Politics
  • Offer received: PolyU BA in Social Policy and Administration

After the public examination, HKU SPACE CC offered a valuable second opportunity for me to strive for my dream to study at university. In these two years of college life, I benefited a lot and experienced personal growth. Although it was not an easy journey, hard work and effort would definitely be rewarded.

Lam Tan Ha
Lam Tan Ha
  • Offer received: PolyU BS in Investment Science

The mode of study in HKU SPACE CC makes a big difference from that of secondary school. It gives us the skills required for future progression to university education. Compared with the Form 6 students, we are more prepared for the needs of the university. Trust ourselves that we are not the losers!

Lee Ka Yee Patsy
Lee Ka Yee, Patsy
  • Associate of Social Sciences
  • Offer received: CUHK Sociology (Year 1)

After becoming a student of Social Sciences at HKU SPACE Community College, I can honestly say that I am glad that I failed HKALE. If I had been "lucky" enough to become a university student by the traditional route, I would currently be studying engineering and convincing myself that being engineer is well-paid and secure. However, I would never have had the chance to realize that my real passion lay in studying Social Sciences. After two years of study, the most important message I have received is to be curious and constructively critical. In doing so, I will gain academic advantages and bring benefit to my whole life.

Hollace Chai
Chai Hoi Lam, Hollace
  • Offer received: HKU Bachelor of Social Sciences
  • Offer received: CUHK Bachelor of Social Science
  • Offer received: CityU BSc in Public Policy, Management, and Politics
  • Offer received: CityU BSc in Sociology

I still remember what the CUHK professor told me during my admission interview, “We really adore students from your College as your peers showed extensive knowledge in the subject matter and can articulate their academic interest profoundly.”