Master of Social Sciences in the field of Criminology
The Master of Social Sciences in the field of Criminology [MSocSc(Crim)] is the first and long established postgraduate criminology programme in Hong Kong. It offers a professional qualification for practitioners in criminal justice and related fields, and provides a foundation for advanced research degree studies in the discipline. Offered since 1986, the programme is designed for people:
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Who intend to start or already have a career in the police, the law, corrections, non-governmental organisations and related agencies;
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Who want to complement their skills through the academic study of crime and criminal justice;
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Who work in government, commerce, security and risk management, journalism, teaching, and other areas where a knowledge of criminology would be professionally helpful;
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Who wish to increase their technical and conceptual skills through an advanced university education;
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Who wish to pursue research studies in criminology.
On completion of the programme, students should:
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Be able to apply a social-sciences approach to the study of crime and deviance;
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Be able to understand a variety of contemporary developments in criminology and related social-policy issues;
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Have possessed professional knowledge of the role of social sciences, including law and psychiatry, in understanding crime and criminal justice;
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Be equipped with the theoretical and practical skills to investigate these core areas within criminology.
Mode of attendance
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Full Time (one year, with classes on evenings and occasionally weekends)
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Part Time (two years, with classes on evenings and occasionally weekends)
Medium of instruction
English
Entrance requirements
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Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree, or another qualification of equivalent standard, preferably with a major in the social sciences, humanities, law, education, business, or management disciplines. Alternatively, they should have relevant working experience in the criminal justice system, social-welfare agencies or in other work with offenders.
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Candidates will possibly be required to pass a written test and a face-to-face interview, and if necessary, a language test will be scheduled to assess their English proficiency.
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You may need to satisfy visa restrictions (for non-local applicants) and English language requirements.
For study commencing in academic year 2024/25, the programme tuition fee is HK$172,000. Payments are split into two instalments over one year (full-time study), or four instalments over two years (part-time study).
Tuition fee
Prof Peng Wang
Programme director
Email: msscrim@hku.hk
General enquiries
This Masters programme was an eye opening experience that provided me with detailed theoretical knowledge in understanding crime and criminal justice.
— Deborah, Alumna of Criminology
This course gave me new knowledge and academic insights, revolutionising my appreciation of crime problems and complementing my professional career.
— Emily, Alumna of Criminology
Student experiences
Compulsory courses
Courses
Courses offered vary each year based on availability of teachers and student demand. Please see the MSocSc regulations and syllabus for definitive course options and requirements.
See full details of the programme structure and requirements.
Elective courses
Final year (compulsory)
Important dates
Applications period: normally mid-December to February each year
Programme commencement date: early September following close of application period
Apply
Click here for online application
Applications Deadline (2025/26):
Full Time: 12:00 noon (GMT +8), February 3, 2025
Part Time: 12:00 noon (GMT +8), February 3, 2025
All applications will be reviewed by our panel, and the shortlisted candidates will receive an update and/or invitation to interview within one month, after the application deadline.