Social Sciences Psychology & Counselling

Psychology is the study of human’s behaviour, performance, and mental operations. It also refers to the application of the knowledge, which can be used to understand social phenomenon, treat mental health problems, and improve education, employment, and relationships, etc. The subject lies at the intersection of applied, educational, and theoretical science.
 
The objectives of this short course are (1) to introduce participants to the field of psychology; (2) to describe how various psychological approaches contribute to our understanding of everyday life settings; and (3) to apply the knowledge from these studies to our own personal and professional lives.

Applied psychology is the use of theory and findings in psychology to solve practical problems in important areas of the human environment, including education, health, the workplace, and so on. This programme is designed to help participants apply cutting-edge theory to real-world situations. It is made up of different registered psychologists and other related specialists to deliver a powerful curriculum that explores a range of human behaviors, including how to motivate individuals and organizations, how to assess and improve performance and how to pursue healthy lives.

This Postgraduate Diploma programme caters for the teachers, therapists, social workers and health-related professionals, providing them with practical experience, systematic training and environment to the interested and qualified students to fulfill one quarter of the requirements to become a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

1. acquire initial skills in the use of music as a medium to stimulate positive health and educational changes in child clients;
2. be able to fulfil the task of a music therapist in training using basic methods; and
3. learn basic design and appraisal of therapeutic programme or approach within the appropriate ethical standards of practice for working with child clients.

The 18-month programme is designed as a professional training of counsellors who specialize in Buddhist Counselling.  It is a pioneering programme with vision and practicality that signifies the birth of a recognized profession of Buddhist Counsellors who have reached professional competence in the provision of individual and group counselling services, counselling visits, Buddhist homiletics, and meditation guidance in hospitals, homes for the aged, and other community settings.

Are you looking to enhance your career with valuable counselling skills? Do you want to gain deeper insights into yourself and others? Our Advanced Certificate in Counselling program offers you the perfect opportunity to achieve these goals.

This comprehensive course provides a solid foundation in counselling theories and techniques, preparing you for both personal growth and professional advancement. Many of our graduates have successfully pursued master's degrees in counselling and psychology, both in Hong Kong and internationally.

Would you like to be a psychologist? Would you like to learn more about yourself?

The Advanced Certificate in Psychology provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behaviours, We have supported many graduates of this course to pursue master's degree in psychology/counselling in Hong Kong and the rest of the world.

Some of the topics that you will learn in this course includes, 1) how people from different cultures react differently in negotiation, 2) how typical-developing children and children with learning difficulties learn differently, 3) the nature and definition of psychology. The modules will provide you with a general understanding of the discipline and better prepare you for advanced studies in psychology and other related disciplines.

This program offers students comprehensive training in social sciences, designed to foster both personal growth and career advancement. It provides a solid foundation in counselling or psychology, preparing students for advanced studies in these fields.

The Advanced Diploma in Applied Social Sciences features two specialised tracks: Counselling and Psychology. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded either an Advanced Diploma in Applied Social Sciences (Counselling) or an Advanced Diploma in Applied Social Sciences (Psychology), depending on their chosen track.

The Certificate in Positive Psychology introduces students to the core principles and concepts of positive psychology, exploring both its philosophical underpinnings and practical applications. Through this program, students will learn the research and practices that form the cornerstone of this field. By engaging in positive psychology exercises, participants can cultivate enhanced mental well-being while developing psychological resilience and personal resources.

The programme aims to introduce students to the professional terms and concepts consistent with the research literature in Applied Positive Psychology. It will also explore and encourage students to experiment on how to apply the fundamental core knowledge of character strengths, emotional intelligence, and growth mindset to unleash their potentials for personal growth and to facilitate positive relationships with others. Graduates who meet the criteria set by the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) may be eligible for professional membership in the association (https://ippanetwork.org/membership-overview).

On completion of the programme, students should be able to
 

1. critically analyse the theories and historical underpinnings of applied positive psychology;
2. describe the aims and scope of applied positive psychology;
3. evaluate the concept of character strengths and identify their own character strength; and
4. apply the principles, strategies and skills of applied positive psychology to enhance their mental health well-being.

The programme aims to introduce students to the professional terms and concepts consistent with the research literature in the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). It will also explore how to apply the fundamental core knowledge of autism, principles of ABA, commonly used intervention strategies, and ethics to support the learning of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. Upon completion of the programme, students may become qualified ABAT if they fulfil the requirements set by the Qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA). 

 

On completion of the programme, students should be able to

1. Explore the concept of autism spectrum disorder and apply principles of effective work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder;
2. outline continuous data collection techniques such as frequency recording, episodic severity, and duration recording;
3. explain discontinuous data collection techniques, such as momentary time sampling and partial interval recording;
4. summarise how graphs are used in behavioural support;
5. demonstrate implementation of behaviour support, stimuli control, and skill acquisition plans; and
6. demonstrate effective and ethical treatment of individuals with challenging behaviours.

This programme enables mental health practitioners to gain practical knowledge about the foundations, the basic philosophies, history of development and research evidence of Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy and its effectiveness. It integrates the mindfulness paradigm into mental health and explores ways to incorporate mindfulness into therapeutic work for clients with mental health concerns. By learning specific skills in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy, it promotes continuous professional development of students to apply this evidence-based intervention appropriately for helping people with different mental health issues. Finally, it allows reflective practice on the benefits and limitations of this approach and ethical concerns and risk management in its application.