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 2022/23 will be processed on a rolling basis. Please post us all required documents as earliest as possible.
- 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
To be eligible for the award, students are required to complete a total of 27 units, made up of 24 units for successful completion of academic subjects and one independent study (i.e. 3 units)
List of Required Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit |
| PSYC5110 | Statistics and Research Design in Psychological Science | 3 |
| PSYC5120 | Psychological Testing and Measurement | 3 |
| PSYC5130 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5140 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5150 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5160 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5170 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5190 | Personality Psychology | 3 |
* Course Descriptions
List of Elective Courses
Students are required to select one from the following:
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit |
| PSYC5210 | Independent Study in Cognitive Science | 3 |
| PSYC5220 | Independent Study in Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC5230 | Independent Study in Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC5240 | Independent Study in Mental Health | 3 |
* Course Descriptions
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 5-6 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 toyour career development or personal growth
No replacement for the exempted courses is required.
In case the student is unable to achieve a “C-” or above grade for any of the 9 required/elective courses taken, 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.
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.