Programme Requirements

Notes for elective subjects:

1) One of the electives must be any Category A subjects including Extended Part of Mathematics (Module 1 or Module 2);

2) The other elective can be any of the following subjects:
    a) Category A subjects;
    b) Other Language subjects at Grade E or above.

Remarks on other requirements: 
Applied Learning subjects  will be considered in the admissions selection process.

Choices of Programme

• BSocSc (Hons) in European Studies – French/German Stream
• BSocSc (Hons) in Geography
• BSocSc (Hons) in Global & China Studies
• BSocSc (Hons) in Government & International Studies
• BA (Hons) in History
• BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology

For details of Programme assignment, please visit Faculty website at http://sosc.hkbu.edu.hk/bap/

Programme Description

Students who are interested in European Studies – French/German Stream, Geography, Global & China Studies, Government & International Studies, History, and Sociology will be considered for a joint admission.  Students will choose their Majors via internal application.

BSocSc (Hons) in European Studies – French/German Stream:
European civilisation is among the most influential in the world. The European Union has emerged as a major actor in world politics and economics; its growth and development are of vital global importance. Students will undergo rigorous training in French or German up to levels of academic and professional fluency. They may also be eligible for one of the double degree programmes with our European partners. By the time of graduation, students will have a firm knowledge of the European world and possess the communicative skills necessary for a future professional or academic career in the fields of European-Asian relations. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Geography: 
The Programme provides a solid training in geographical theories and methods, and helps students acquire the intellectual and practical skills to analyse, assess and interpret geographical information both independently and as part of a team. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of spatial order and the interdependence of different regions of the world, and a critical understanding of environmental and socio-economic development issues with a focus on global-local connections. The Programme also provides students with the ability to apply a variety of geographical techniques and methods to analyse and to interpret diverse people-environment interactions.  

BSocSc (Hons) in Global & China Studies:
The Programme trains students to explore the on-going transformations and engage with indigenous communities inside and beyond China. It highlights the situation of a changing China in the evolving world order. Students will study the socio-political, economic, environmental, and cultural processes of globalisation and the developments in China, and gain opportunities of language training and experiential learning in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas via international exchange opportunities. The Programme trains students to understand Hong Kong, China and the world in relational and comparative perspectives. It also cultivates cosmopolitan, intercultural citizens who think globally and act locally. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Government & International Studies:
The Programme provides students with a firm grasp of the different areas of political science including political sociology (e.g. political institutions, political culture and political behaviour), public policy, international relations, political economy, political theory and political thought and methodology. Geographically,  the Programme focuses on the politics of Hong Kong, Mainland China, the Asia-Pacific region and the European Union. The Programme seeks to sharpen the student’s awareness by incorporating a systematic, comparative and international dimension, drawing both on the European Studies and Global & China Studies Programmes.

BA (Hons) in History:
The Programme aims to help students develop a holistic perspective of history. It provides a balanced curriculum with equal emphasis on China and the global world. After completing the programme, students will possess a sound understanding of major events and movements that have shaped the growth of the human community, as well as the skills necessary to trace the historical roots of contemporary issues and to analyse worldwide the impact of individual events. Students will develop a critical and broadminded attitude toward the traditions and cultural heritage of different civilisations.

BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology:
The Programme offers a sociological approach to the study of social relationships in different institutional settings and at different scales with rigorous research methods. It aims to provide students with (1) knowledge of the persistence and changes in social structures and their relationships with various social institutions; (2) a critical understanding of social values and meanings of behaviour in different social situations; and (3) the ability to conduct independent research on social issues.

Student Learning Experiences 

BSocSc (Hons) in European Studies – French/German Stream:
European Studies is a global programme with a special emphasis on the French- and German-speaking world. In addition to the academic exchange and internship opportunities in Europe, it also offers numerous intercultural seminars, workshops, as well as international service-learning, career talks and visits in various European corporations and organisations, that operate in the Greater Bay Area and the Asia-Pacific. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Geography: 
The Programme attaches great importance to student learning experiences and strives to provide students with a wide range of fieldwork and practical training. Geography students will have opportunities to participate in local and regional field trips and subject-related fieldwork and practical work. In addition, a mandatory field camp of around 7 to 9 days is organised for Year 3 students in semester 2 of every year. The past field camps have been held in the U.S., Australia, Mainland China and Southeast Asia, etc. 

Besides, students will be able to participate in service-learning and interdisciplinary courses and projects and become responsible citizens with a global outlook. Students will examine social and/or environmental issues and leverage the geographical training to create possible solutions. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Global & China Studies: 
The Programme normally organises the Summer Sojourn I at Tsinghua University in Beijing for the second-year students. Students may also choose between Global Work Placement and Summer Sojourn II in European countries during their second or third year of study. In addition, the Programme encourages and facilitates students to join the internship programmes offered by the Social Sciences Faculty.  

BSocSc (Hons) in Government & International Studies: 
BA (Hons) in History: 
BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology: 

These Programmes offer the best student experience by enabling students to expand social network through interacting with students and academic staff from a variety of backgrounds, e.g. course-related and outside classroom learning organised by the Major Departments and/or student Societies. All Programmes also offers opportunities to participate in local and/or overseas internship such as Social Sciences Internship and USA Disney Internship Programmes, etc.  

All Programmes also offer opportunities to participate in local and/or overseas internship such as Social Sciences Internship and USA Disney Internship Programmes, etc. 

Career Opportunities

BSocSc (Hons) in European Studies – French/German Stream:
Multinational corporations; European government or business organisations (e.g. Consulates and Chambers of Commerce); media and communication; finance/banking; trading/merchandising; transport/logistics; retail; tourism, cultural and education sectors. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Geography: 
Commerce/finance, teaching/research, civil service, the media, tourism, administration/management, community/social services, and non-governmental organisations 

BSocSc (Hons) in Global & China Studies:
International business, trade and development, consultancy work, tourism, marketing, education and research, management, public relations, media and communication, international organisations, government agencies, NGOs. 

BSocSc (Hons) in Government & International Studies:
Civil service, media, local and international non-governmental organisations, social services, academic and commerce, district organisations, local and international think tanks. 

BA (Hons) in History:
Teaching, museum and archive work, civil service, cultural affairs, business, the media, publishing, or journalism.

BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology:
Careers in social research, journalism and media, social services, education, civil services, public relations, marketing, administrative management, and human resources management.

A substantial number of students continue on to postgraduate studies in Hong Kong and overseas.