Ans: Your application will be initially reviewed, but a final decision will not be made until we have received all your supporting documents.

Ans: With effect from the academic year 2007-08, the regulation concerning the official transcript (with a complete record of courses attended and examination results) of all tertiary level studies governed by the Graduate School is stated as below:

(i) Non-CUHK qualifications: Photocopies will not be accepted. Applicants should complete the “Transcript Submission Covering Sheet” and send it to their universities to apply for transcripts. Transcripts should be returned directly to relevant Divisions in sealed envelope. Certificates and transcripts, which are not in English or Chinese, should be accompanied by a certified translation in either English or Chinese.

(ii) CUHK qualifications (Bachelor’s or higher degrees): Photocopies of transcripts issued by CUHK are accepted, but Academic Reports will NOT be accepted. Applicants should first complete the “Transcript Submission Covering Sheet” and attach it to the transcript copy. Please return the transcript copy to the relevant Divisions directly. CUHK students with other qualifications not awarded by CUHK are required to follow the requirement listed in (i). The University reserves the right to require applicants to submit the original transcript if deemed necessary.

Ans: It is acceptable as long as it is sealed. Please be reminded of writing to “M.A. Sociology”, your name and application numbers on the envelope.

Ans: We only accepts transcript copies with formal university stamps. You can put the transcript into an official envelope provided by your university, then request your university to impose an endorsed stamp on the seal. Please be reminded of writing to “M.A. Sociology”, your name and application number on the envelope. You send the relevant materials to us altogether.

Ans: Recommendation letters may be submitted in alternative formats; however, they must be authored by referees and accompanied by their signatures on the seals. Applicants are requested to send the sealed recommendation letters to us along with the other required materials. Referees are expected to complete the online form within 30 days; failure to do so will result in the system being locked. In the event that a referee is unable to submit the recommendations within the specified timeframe, a request for an extension of the deadline can be sent to SociologyMA@cuhk.edu.hk. It is important to note that if recommendation letters have already been submitted by the referee through our online system, there is no need to resend them by mail.

Ans: We do not have specific requirements on the referees. We suggest you invite referees who have sufficient knowledge on your career or academic background.

Ans: You can use either Chinese or English for the recommendation letters. However, a 500-word English Personal Statement is required.

Ans: You may discuss your reasons for applying to this programme, your expectations of the study, your professional interests and goals, among other topics.

Ans: Apart from academic performance, the Selection Panel will consider the work experience, professional qualifications, etc of an applicant when granting an admission.

Ans: We will review all applications with full coverage on official transcripts and two confidential recommendation letters, after each round of the submission deadline. The final admission result will be announced in May.

Ans: No. The whole admission process ends in late May.

Ans: After the online application process begins, we will review the applications regularly. Once we have downloaded the application form and supporting documents from the application system, the applicants’ accounts will be locked, and they will not be able to make any changes or upload any additional documents. If you need to update any personal information or submit further supporting documents, please send them via email to SociologyMA@cuhk.edu.hk.

Ans: No, it is not possible. The M.A. program opens for applications each year in October and closes in February of the following year. Students who are admitted commence their studies in September.

Ans: The assessment method is subject to each course design. It may include group discussions, term essays and projects, tests and examinations.

Ans: No, graduation thesis is not required.

Ans: When you have completed all programme requirements before the normative study period, you should complete the “Application Form for Shortening of Normative Study Period” and return it to our office for our further processing. Upon the recommendation of the Programme Director and the Division Head, and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, the date for your completion of the programme will be advanced. The maximum period to be shortened should not be more than 1 year (i.e. 2 teaching terms). However, please note that the tuition fee will not be reduced and the applicant still needs to pay the full tuition.

Ans: You can submit your application for unit exemption to the Division. We will consider each case individually. For the application, you shall submit a completed online form, including the relevant course outline and the grade you attained.

Ans: Our programme is not yet recognised under CEF scheme. However, you can apply for tax relief to the Inland Revenue Department.

Ans: According to the Education Bureau, there is no specific requirement of the qualification of a high school liberal studies teacher in Hong Kong. Below is information from the Bureau for your reference, “Teachers from all disciplines with a liberal mind and an extensive reading habit are basically suitable for teaching Liberal Studies.”

Ans: Due to the current shortage of hostel spaces at the University, on-campus accommodation cannot be provided for students enrolled in self-financed taught programmes, including ours. However, students will have access to off-campus housing information on the Non-local Students Support website, managed by the Office of Student Affairs (https://lces.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/non-local-services/info-sessions/). This information will cover rental accommodations in relevant districts, transportation options, important considerations for tenancy agreements, and other useful resources. Additionally, a forum for students to exchange housing information and experiences will be available on the site.

Ans: Our programme does not provide admission scholarship. For the scholarship, we offer for academic excellence award, please read the information here.