Programme Requirements

Notes for elective subjects:

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

2) The other elective can be any of the following subjects:
a) Category A subjects (including Extended Part of Mathematics (Module 1 or Module 2));
b) Category C (Other Language) subjects.

Please refer to the following link for the details of General and Programme Entrance Requirements:

http://admissions.hkbu.edu.hk/ug/jupas_requirement

Remarks on other requirements:
Category B (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 https://sosc.hkbu.edu.hk/en/sosc/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. The Programme includes a study year abroad (i.e. in the 3rd year of study) in a French or German speaking country.

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 offers an immersive exploration of global politics and political science. It equips students with knowledge in key areas such as comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, geopolitics, public administration and policy studies. Our curriculum uniquely focuses on the politics of Hong Kong, Mainland China, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe, offering a global perspective that is both diverse and comprehensive. Students will also be trained in cutting-edge research methods and given the experience to conduct original research. Graduates will be well-prepared for global careers in public affairs, government, business, philanthropy, media, and international development. Our all-rounded curriculum ensures that students develop the critical thinking, analytical, and practical skills necessary for success in these fields.

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 comprehensive exploration of social relationships within global, regional, and local institutional contexts, underpinned by rigorous and cutting-edge data analysis and research methodologies. This programme is designed to cultivate students' ability in three areas: (1) understanding persistence and change in social actions and structures and how they relate to diverse social institutions; (2) fostering a critical comprehension of social values and meanings of social behaviors; and (3) nurturing the capacity to undertake rigorous research on pertinent social issues.

Transdisciplinary Second Majors / Second Majors

The University envisions the importance of transdisciplinary innovations in response to the global challenges and offers a flexible curriculum structure that is much more agile and fits the present and yet-to-known future needs. Students of designated programmes will have the opportunity to opt for a transdisciplinary second major (TSM) / second major (SM) on top of their major. TSMs are geared for particular talent needs in Hong Kong and prepare students to pool knowledge from disciplines to excel in multiple careers, whereas SMs prepare students to gain in-depth knowledge from another discipline to complement the first major. This approach equips students not only for their careers, but also the future development of their respective fields. Seven TSMs and two SMs will be launched in the 2025/26 academic year.  More details will be available in due course.

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 4 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 in Mainland China for the second-year students. Students may also choose between Global Work Placement and Summer Sojourn II in European countries during their third or fouth 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, and exchange with overseas agencies, firms and universities available from the University, Faculty, and Departments. 

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 NGOs, social marketing, social enterprises, data management, social research, journalism and media, social services, education, civil services, public relations, administrative management, and human resources management.

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

Remark

i. Subject to University annual review.