aster of Arts in

Guidance & Counselling

54047-GCF(Full-time)/GCP(Part-time)

2017 - 2018
PROGRAMME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The programme aims to develop students competence and resilience as reflective practitioners in guidance &
counselling. Students will learn to proactively respond to the challenges and changes posed by society as
professionals. Students will be facilitated to integrate theories and practice, to generate new theoretical and
practice insights for continuing professional development and to evolve their own personalised approach to
practice.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Students with Diverse Background

The programme has attracted students with a broad range of backgrounds including teachers, social workers,
student counsellors, medical and health care professionals, and human resources management personnel. The
programme contents are considered relevant and helpful in addressing the needs and problems in their
workplace.

Flexible Learning Path

Students will be allowed the flexibility to choose their own individualised learning paths according to their pace
and interests. The majority of subjects will be taught in the weekday evenings or weekends. Some of the
subjects would be offered during summer term. Students enrolled in the full-time or part-time mode of study, if
taking the intensive study path, may complete this programme in 1 year (3 semesters) or 2 years (6 semesters)
respectively. The maximum duration for study is 6 years.

Integrating Theory and Practice

During the course of study, students will be equipped with the knowledge to make integrative linkages between
classroom learning and direct field practice. At the final phase of the programme, each of the students will
choose to pursue either the Practicum Option or the Research Option, aiming to advance students critical
reflection on their current practice and the development of personalised approaches to professional practice.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

a) A recognised Bachelors degree or its equivalent;

b) Preference will be given to applicants who are teachers, social workers, counsellors or human resources
management personnel and who are involved in guidance work or related areas.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

This programme has been fully accredited by the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA).
Graduates are eligible to apply for their membership.

Graduates of the Practicum option will fulfill 50 supervised practice hours recognized by HKPCA as its partial
requirement for Certified Counsellor.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

To be eligible for this award, students must complete 5 Required Core Subjects, 3 Elective Subjects, and pursue
either the Practicum Option or the Research Option.

Students who have successfully completed 21 credits including 5 Required Core Subjects and 2 Elective
Subjects can exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling.

Subjects on offer may be drawn from the following subject list. Students will receive a precise list of subjects
upon the commencement of each academic year.

List of Subjects *
Required Core Subjects Advanced Human Behaviour and Social Environment
Individual and Group Counselling Skills Workshop
Social Context and Ethics
Social Policy Analysis and Social Accountability
Theories and Models of Counselling
Practicum Option Counselling Practicum
or Integrative Project
Research Option Practice Research
Elective Subjects Assessment and Instructional Strategies for Children and Youth with
(any 3 subjects) Specific Learning Disabilities
Brief Therapy
Career Counselling: Theories and Practice
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention
Counselling Assessment and Measurement
Delinquency and Family
Evolution in Family Therapy: Structural and Systemic Approaches
Family Violence
Guidance and Counselling for Students with Special Needs
Narrative Therapy
Psychopathology: Holistic and Humanistic Orientations
Practice Research
Workplace Counselling

* The subjects offered may be altered at the discretion of the Department.

 Programme Code
Mode of Study
Normal Duration
Credits Required for Award
Programme Leader
: 54047-GCF(Full-time) / GCP(Part-time)
: Mixed-mode
: 1.5 years (Full-time) * / 3 years (Part-time)*
: MA (30); PgD (21)
: Dr LAM YEUNG Kit Sum, Syrine

*Students who undertake more subjects per semester, may complete this programme in 1 year (Full-time)
or 2 years (Part-time).

APSS WEBSITE

www.polyu.edu.hk/apss

ONLINE APPLICATION

www.polyu.edu.hk/study

APPLICATION PERIOD

22 November 2016 to 30 April 2017

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Interviews with shortlisted candidates and offers to qualified
candidates start from December 2016. Applicants are advised to submit their applications as early as possible.

ENQUIRY

Please contact Programme Staff at 2766 5761 or email to sspg@polyu.edu.hk for enquiries.