MA in Psychology
This programme aims to provide university graduates who did not major in psychology an opportunity to pursue graduate studies in psychology. This conversion programme would prepare eligible candidates a solid foundation in psychology for future pursuit of various professional and research postgraduate programmes in psychology in Hong Kong.
Applications for 2027/28 will be processed on a rolling basis. Please send us all required documents as earliest as possible.
Graduates of this Programme should:
- Acquire a foundation in psychology with a strong theoretical and empirical understanding of psychology theories and methods.
- Be able to communicate and apply their knowledge in real life situations
- Be able to design and conduct psychological research
Applicable to students admitted in 2023-24 and thereafter
The programme takes one year in full-time mode or two years in part-time mode.
Students are required to complete a total of 30 units following either the Research stream or the Applied stream.
The Research stream includes 8 required courses (24 units), and an independent study (6 units).
The Applied stream includes 8 required courses (24 units), an elective course (3 units), and a capstone project (3 units).
Requirement Type | Research Stream (30 Units) | Applied Stream (30 Units) |
|---|---|---|
Required Core Courses | 8 Courses (3 units each):
| 8 Courses (3 units each):
|
Research / Capstone | 1 Independent Study (6 units):
| 1 Capstone Project (3 units):
|
Electives | None required | 1 Elective Course (3 units) from:
|
There are three consecutive terms (including Summer Term) each academic year. Most classes are held in the evenings on weekdays while a few might be delivered on weekends if needed. Courses in Summer Term will be delivered twice per week over 6-7 weeks.
All classes will be taught in English.
General qualifications required by the Graduate School
Possess a Bachelor’s degree (NOT majoring in psychology) from a recognized university
A personal statement in English (word limit: 400 words) stating how a study in psychology contributes to your career development or personal growth
Application Instruction: Applicants are required to indicate your choice of study stream (Research Stream or Applied Stream) (Subject to University Approval) in the box of “Field of Study” in online application system. Otherwise, your application will not be proceeded.
*Required Documents for admission
Selection
The final deadline for applications is December 1, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please ensure to upload all required documents to online application system. Only applications with all required documents will be reviewed.
Outstanding candidates with excellent academic achievements and qualifications may be considered for direct admission to the programme without an interview.
Candidates shortlisted for further consideration will receive an email invitation to attend an admission interview. The interview may be conducted at various stages of the admissions process. Specific details regarding the interview, including its date, time, and format, will be communicated directly to shortlisted candidates in due course.
Result
Applicants may login at Application for Admission to Postgraduate Programmes and check the application results in “View Application Result” section.
If applicants do not receive any information from the Division by July 2027, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Students may apply for a course and unit exemption for a maximum of 4 courses (12 units), which they have completed under prior postgraduate or equivalent programmes. Courses completed under undergraduate programmes may also be considered. However, only up to 3 units may be exempted by using undergraduate courses in advanced level.
No replacement for the exempted courses is required.
No adjustment on tuition fee will be granted.
To complete the programme, a student must achieve a minimum grade of “C-” in the courses taken during the study which will be counted towards the total number of units required for graduation.
Any student fails to achieve this, he/she will have to re-take the same course(s) in another term when the course(s) is(are) offered again and pass it(them) with a “C-” or above grade. Students are allowed to re-take each failed course only once.
Students who complete this Programme with a first degree in another subject are regarded as possessing an education comparable to that of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology in Hong Kong.
This programme is designed to take the place of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology Programme, which has been offered by the Department since 1993. Upon successful completion of the programme requirement, graduates will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of The Hong Kong Psychological Society and other psychological professional bodies.
For the past years, many of our graduates could successfully get into the postgraduate research and professional training programmes in psychology (e.g. Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, M.Phil. /Ph.D. in Psychology) and become professional psychologists in the field. Many other graduates also apply their knowledge in psychology and research in their profession.
Mr. Kris CHOI
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2018/19)
I am
very honored to receive this prestigious award as a recognition of my hard work in this program. Commencing a part-time master degree while doing a full-time job was much challenging and energy-draining than I ever expected, but it was overall an intellectually stimulating and rewarding journey when looking back. This course broadened and deepened my psychological perspective in understanding human and mind. It also entailed a rich exposure to a wide range of literature as well as extensive training in first-hand independent research, critical thinking, and argumentation skills, which are all very applicable to my current job as a practicing health professional. Its teaching quality is good, and most professors are well-published researchers and experienced teachers who deliver information very clearly in their areas of expertise. They are supportive, enthusiastic about their disciplines, committed to excellent teaching, and prepared to guide students to think logically and scientifically. The course experience, which unfolded naturally as the program progressed, encouraged an opportunity for self-reflection, rendering a personal space for re-examining own inner materials as well as better self-understanding. I also made good friends who share similar interests, values, and aspirations with me. I have grown both professionally and personally at CUHK.
Mr. Arsum WONG
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2019/20)
Life is not easy, and that is why studying psychology has its values. Psychology is an 
angle. Through which you see things clearly so you could act wisely. This programme not only equips you with essential psychological theories but also fosters you to think like scientists. And the chance to work closely with an eminent scholar helps you to appreciate what you have studied. These, with the support of great teaching assistants, build fundamental capacities for you to pursue personally meaningful objectives.
Ms. Kelly WONG
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2020/21)
“Your hearts a weapon the size of your fist.” I like how this quote highlighted the power of our minds. It was a fulfilling year in CUHK to study human mind and behavior in scientific manners. In particular, I enjoyed the experience of working with well-published scholar to develop an independent psychological study from scratch. It was a huge sense of achievement to have finished that in parallel to other theoretical courses within a year. I am also glad to meet friends from diverse backgrounds. They inspired me to think in new perspectives when we were exchanging ideas in our group projects. In this master’s program, it was more than the study of psychological theories and scientific methods, it was also a chance to broaden our horizons, and an opportunity to understand ourselves.
Ms. Tina CHAN
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2020/21)
I am very impressed by the professionalism and passion of the teachers in the Psychology Department. Doing the Master's degree in Psychology is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Intimidated by the Biological Psychology class at first since I was an Arts student, but my worries were quickly shed away by the teacher who was able to explain neuroscience in the most engaging and interesting way. I also highly appreciate the freedom and autonomy I have had in doing group projects in different courses and my independent study. All the teaching staff were so supportive. Thank you so much for the marvellous learning experience!
Ms. Fei Nga HUNG
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2022/23)
It has been a fulfilling experience of delving into the intricacies of human mind. Inspiration of diverse psychological perspectives enhances my critical thinking to understand affect, behaviour and cognition from multiple facets. Apart from intellectual stimulation, this journey also offers opportunities for reflection on existential values. Psychology is not only about knowing others, but also about self-exploration. “We are just like bacteria inhabiting on a piece of dust.” This fascinating motto reminds me the importance of self-care, the wisdom to be open-minded and go with the flow, and the freedom of living in the moment and finding peace amidst the turbulence. I feel so fortunate to meet many like-minded companions to share the bittersweet experiences and overcome the challenges during the study. Seizing this opportunity, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to the professors, teaching assistants and friends I met in this programme for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this enlightening learning journey.
Ms. Icy CAI
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2022/23)
It has been a fulfilling experience to join this program and I feel like I could think from a psychologist’s perspective, even if only on a rudimentary level. You will never cease being inspired by the depth and complexity of the human mind, not to mention the inner strength that got fueled up, allowing more introspection and self-exploration to happen. I love how this program integrates self-reflection, independent learning, and knowledge exchange on a group scale. This year-long academic journey has enlightened me on the value of human vulnerability and how it can lead to greater self-awareness, compassion, and stronger connections with others. You will not only be trained up to understand human beings in a systematic and abstract way but also have meaningful takeaways through many encounters with your fellows, teachers, and professionals from diversified backgrounds. Hope you enjoy it, as I do!
Ms. Agnes LAU
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2023/24)
Reading through a psychological lens is fascinating. My key takeaway from the MA programme has been the transformative perspectives I have gained on understanding human behaviors and life experiences. The psychological theories and knowledge I have learned empower me to analyse our feelings, thoughts and behaviors, linking them to our past experiences and the broader cultural and social contexts. I particularly enjoy connecting these insights to real-life situations and engaging in discussions with others about my findings. Studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds has also fostered stimulating exchanges of knowledge and perspectives, enhancing our discussions and making the learning process more engaging. This journey has been a rewarding and intellectually fulfilling experience.
Mr. Hermes CHUANG
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2024/25)
I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious scholarship in recognition of my dedication and hard work over the past two years. Pursuing the Master of Arts program in Psychology while working full-time was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This program equipped me with invaluable knowledge and research skills that broadened my understanding of how the mind works, enriching my professional knowledge as a practicing social worker. I am sincerely grateful for the unwavering support and guidance I received from the teaching staff. In particular, the teaching assistants were exceptionally supportive, the consultation sessions consistently inspired me to adopt new perspectives, transforming textbook knowledge into an intellectually stimulating and reflective learning experience.
Being a part-time student was far from easy - dragging a tired body back to campus after a full day’s work for another three-hour evening lectures while managing coursework and examinations, was a true test of resilience. Yet, this program offered more than just academic knowledge, it provided a space for self-understanding and personal reflection. I believe that the knowledge, resilience, and self-awareness cultivated here will empower its graduates to achieve success in their endeavors.
Ms. Raina TSUI
Scholarship Award for Master of Arts in Psychology (2024/25)
Joining CUHK’s MA in Psychology has been an incredibly rewarding journey. The programme’s seamless blend of theoretical insight and practical application has deepened my understanding of human mind and behaviour. Esteemed professors here have brought complex ideas to life with clarity and enthusiasm, illuminating dynamic discussions that hone my critical thinking. Independent research has empowered me to tackle real-world challenges with analytical rigor, while collaborative projects with like-minded peers from all walks of life have broadened my perspectives and forged lasting connections. Beyond the classroom, this programme has opened a powerful window into self-discovery, redefining my academic and professional pursuits as well as empowering personal growth. All in all, this journey has opened doors to the wildest dreams I hold and awakened my boldest aspirations, igniting my passion and equipping me to shape a meaningful future and a better world!