A1M111 / C2M041

Master of Social Sciences in Therapeutic Play and Well-Being
(1.5-year Full-time / 2-year Part-time)

Programme Code Venue Programme Leader
A1M111 (One and a half-year Full-time)
C2M041 (Two-year Part-time)
Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University Dr. CHUNG Ming Yan, Louisa

Programme Aims

The MSocSc(TPWB), targets students who plan to pursue careers in the field of therapeutic play. The programme will provide students with advanced theories, knowledge and practical experiences in therapeutic play skills. It covers essential elements ranging from health assessment and analysis, etiology and treatment in well-being, and counselling skills to the latest technologies in the promotion of therapeutic play. Graduates are expected to pursue a career in play and well-being promotion for populations varying from community clients to clinical patients. The proposed programme will enhance the service diversities in physical and mental well-being education and rehabilitation, and address the urgent community needs of improved public health by providing trained professionals specialised in therapeutic play.
 
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:
  • Critically examine the development of therapeutic play for children;
  • Demonstrate understanding of up-to-date non-directive play principles and practice and develop research play tools relevant to children's well-being;
  • Devise comprehensive practice in therapeutic play to contribute to good well-being and apply related strategies in school health;
  • Develop scientific and evidence-based strategies to conduct research related to therapeutic play and well-being; and
  • Formulate and apply adapted interdisciplinary teaching strategies for play therapy and well-being in different settings.
 
 

Programme Features

The graduates of MSocSc(TPWB) will be awarded a Master of Social Science in Therapeutic Play and Well-Being and Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills, which accredited by the Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK) and graduates will be registered by the Professional Standard Authority (PSA).
 

Programme Structure

The MSocSc(TPWB) comprises 24 credit points (cps) with three core courses (9 cps) and three elective courses (9 cps). Students are required to further complete a total of 100 hours of practicum (6 cps) with satisfactory feedback (i.e., grade “Pass” or above) for graduation.
 
Applicants who are Certified Practitioners in Therapeutic Play Skills / obtained Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills or equivalent, can apply for credit transfer.

Domain Credit Points (Cps)
Core Courses (3 courses) 9 cps
Elective Courses (3 courses) 9 cps
Practicum 6 cps
Total cps 24 cps

 

Programme Curriculum

Three core courses enable students to practisepractice safely and effectively using therapeutic play skills in a variety of settings and to provide emotional support for individual children.
 
Students will choose three electives from a pool of nine elective courses offered across the three faculties of the EdUHK, which serves as a stepping-stone for them to pursue further studies in other disciplines (such as music therapy; creative writing therapy; psychology).
Course Title Cps
Core Courses
Orientation to Setting Up Play Practice Using Non-Directive Play Therapy 3
Using Symbolic Play Therapy Tools and Metaphor Safely 3
Using Expressive Arts Therapy to Reach the Unconscious 3
Elective Courses (choose 3)
Mindfulness 3
Child and Adolescent Health Education 3
Stress and Coping 3
Therapeutic Use of Music and Imagery 3
Musicking for Life and Well-being 3
Creating a Musical Third Space in School 3
Therapeutic Narrative Studies 3
The Linguistics of Happiness 3
Writing the Authentic Self 3
Practicum
Therapeutic Play Skills 6

Disclaimer - Any aspect of the course and course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by unforeseeable circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

 

Entrance Requirement


  1. Applicants should normally hold a recognized Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, nursing, education, social work, health-related programmes, or other equivalent qualifications;
  2. Applicants whose entrance qualifications are obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfil one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements;
     
    - Overall score of IELTS 6.0#^ (academic version); or
    - TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based test)#^; or
    - Band 6 in the Chinese Mainland's College English Test (CET) (a total score of 430 or above and the test results should be valid within two years); or
    - Grade C or above in GCSE / GCE OL English; or
    - Other equivalent qualifications.
     
    # The results of IELTS/TOEFL provided should be within two years (i.e., for the 2025/26 intake, the IELTS/TOEFL test must be obtained on or after 1 Jan 2023); and
    ^ The results of IELTS/TOEFL should be “taken in test centres” (i.e., tests taken online such as IELTS indicator/IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Editions are NOT accepted).
     
  3. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. 

 

Credit Transfer

  • Applicants who are Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills / obtained Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, or are Certified Play Therapists obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy approved by Play Therapy UK (PTUK) within 5 years, can apply for credit transfer for the core courses and credit exemption for the practicum.
  • Applicants who are Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills / obtained Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, or are Certified Play Therapists obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy approved by Play Therapy UK (PTUK) over 5 years, can apply for credit exemption for the practicum.

 

Duration and Mode of Study

The programme may be completed in one and a half-year full-time or two-year part-time. According to the standard of Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK), the core courses will be held from 9:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday, over 2 consecutive weeks in each block of teaching. Elective courses/other courses in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/ evenings, weekends, and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University with possible scheduling of combined classes for programmes / courses of  different modes of study (including full-time and part-time). 
 
 

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction is English. Chinese will be used as the medium of instruction for course(s) as appropriate.
 


Career Prospect

The MSocSc(TPWB) prepares students to serve the public and private sectors varying from healthcare, and education to community/social services. The programme will enrich students’ child mental health support interdisciplinarity. Given the increasing demand for therapeutic play and well-being, the MSocSc(TPWB) will endow high employability to graduates. Graduates will find a wide range of career pathways, such as employment in applying therapeutic play and well-being, etc. Since maintaining well-being is also an urgent issue in the school setting, this programme provides added value for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), school social workers, counsellors or teachers in areas of well-being promotion by equipping them with therapeutic play skills to work with students.
 
Graduates may continue to pursue further studies if they wish to obtain professional recognition as a play therapist.
 


Tuition Fee

HKD$168,000
 


Enquiries

Admission Enquiries Tel: (852) 2948 6886 Email: tpgadmission@eduhk.hk
Programme Enquiries Tel: (852) 2948 7679 / 2948 8746
Whatsapp: (852) 57814125
WeChat ID: MSocSc_TPWB 
Email: msstpwb@eduhk.hk
Apply Now
Online Application: https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/online/
Taught Postgraduate Programmes – FAQs: https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/FAQS/
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in this website is correct. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and the University reserves the right to make amendments to any information contained in this website without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.

Any aspect of the course and course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by unforeseeable circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
 
Important Note
EdUHK, has not collaborated with any agency in Mainland China or Hong Kong on admission, and does not encourage students to entrust their applications to any third-party agents and we always contact applicants directly on updates regarding the applications. You must complete and submit your own application via the EdUHK online admissions system and provide your own personal and contact details. Please refer to the official EdUHK channels, such as programme websites and the admissions system, for the required information to complete your application.

Dr. TSE Choi Yeung, Andy

Associate Professor & Acting Head of Department
Research interests:
Andy’s primary research interest lies on the motor learning and impact of physical activity on psychological, cognitive and physical well-being in children with autism spectrum disorder.  He is also interested in motor development and the effect of free-play on overall quality of life in typically developing children. He recently initiates a new research project on the investigation of free-play participation among school-aged children. His research goal is to propose a lighthouse parenting strategy as a reasonable approach to build success among children.

Dr. LEUNG Ka Man, Carman

Associate Professor & Associate Head of Department (Research and Development)
Qualifications
B.Sci.(University of Hong Kong); M.Soc.Sci. (Hong Kong Baptist University);
MSci. (Boise State University); Ph.D. (Hong Kong Baptist University)
 
Areas of Teaching
Volleyball; Sport management; teaching and coaching in Physical Education
 
Research Interests
Older adult, children, environmental correlates to physical activity (especially walking),
light volleyball, sitting light volleyball (adapted physical activity), Esports, Physical activity promotion, physical activity measurement

Dr. CHOW Chi Ching, Gary

Assistant Professor & Associate Head of Department (Learning and Teaching)
Research interests:
Sports recovery;
Postural control and sports;
Rugby Science;
Sports training invention;
Technology in Physical Education;
Generic skills and sports participation

Prof. CHENG Sheung-Tak

Chair Professor of Psychology and Gerontology
Research interests:
• Successful aging
• Elderly depression and suicide
• Dementia caregivers
• Social network
• Activity therapy

Prof. CHOW Hung Kay, Daniel

Chair Professor of Health and Sports Science
Research interests: 
Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, Sports Health, Christian Education

Dr. SUN Fenghua, Bob

Associate Professor
Research interests:
• Nutritional and metabolic aspects of exercise
• Exercise, nutrition and body weight control
• Physical activity, nutrition and health promotion

Dr. CHUNG Ming Yan, Louisa

Assistant Professor
Research interests:
• Eating behaviour modification,
• Teledietetics,
• Nutrition education and knowledge transfer,
• Physical fitness assessment in the community,
• Glycemic index,
• Exergaming for health

Dr. OR Pui Lai, Peggy

Assistant Professor
Research interests:
Infection control, Healthcare quality, school health, eLearning

Dr. WONG Ling Yu, Anna

Assistant Professor
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) in Music, University of Cambridge, UK
MA in Education (Psychology), Institute of Education, University of London, UK
PhD in Education, University of Cambridge, UK
 
Other Qualifications:
Training of Trainers Certificate in Advanced Community Music Leadership, Musicians without Borders, The Netherlands
Mental Health First Aid Instructor (2022-2023)
 
Areas of Teaching:
School mental health education and promotion; Healthy aging; Music, health, and wellbeing; Qualitative and mixed research methods
 
Research Interests:
Music for well-being; Music therapy research; Mental health education and promotion

Dr. WONG Ming Yu, Claudia

Assistant Professor
Qualifications:
BA (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University); MSc (University of Edinburgh)
MSc (University of Glasgow); Ph.D (Hong Kong Baptist University)
 
Areas of Teaching:
Swimming, Sport Psychology and Mental Preparation, Sports Coaching, Research Methods
 
Research Interests:
Youths, Older adults, Kindergarteners, Athletes, Self-care and Physical Activity, Self-compassion, Positive Psychology in Education and Coaching

Dr. ZHENG Chen

Assistant Professor
Qualification
Ph.D. (Education), The Chinese University of Hong Kong
M.Sc. (Exercise Science), The Chinese University of Hong Kong
B.Ed. (Sports Science), Beijing Sport University
 
Area of Teaching
Physical Activity for Health; Physical Activity, Health and Fitness in School Populations; Research Methods
 
Research Interest
Exercise Physiology
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Obesity, Aging, and Cardio-metabolic Health

Dr. KAM Wai Keung, Kevin

Principal Lecturer
Research interests:
Socio-cultural Studies in Sport and Physical Education, Curricular and Pedagogical Studies of Physical Education, Professional Development of PE Teachers, Physical Activity, Fitness and Health Promotion, Outdoor Adventure Education

Mr. CHAN Ching Yat, Roy

Senior Lecturer I
Qualifications
Master of Education, The University of Hong Kong
Master of Exercise Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Education (Hons.), The Hong Kong Institute of Education
 
Areas of Teaching
Sports and Exercise for Special Populations, Teaching Physical Education to Students with Special Needs, Theory and Practice of Team Ball Games, Theory and Practice of Racquet Games, Current Issues and controversies in Hong Kong School Physical Education
 
Research Interests
Adapted Physical Education, Physical Fitness of Person with Special Needs

Ms. KWOK Bo Ping, Eva

Senior Lecturer I
Qualifications:
M.Sc. (Nutrition, Food Science and Technology), CUHK
MSoc.Sc. (Psychology of Education-Credit), CityUHK
Certificate Course on Student Guidance and Discipline for Teachers of Secondary Schools (Distinction), CUHK
BEd. (Secondary Education), OUHK
BA (Work-based Learning Studies), Middlesex University, UK
ACTE (Home Management – Distinction), The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Teacher Certificate (Home Economics), Northcote College of Education
 
Areas of Teaching:
Curriculum Planning and Pedagogy in Home Economics/ Technology and Living Education, Theory and Practice of Culinary Skills and Needlework Skills, STEM Education in Secondary School Settings.
 
Research Interests:
Food and Nutrition, Students with Special Educational Needs

Dr. LOUIE Hung Tak, Lobo, MH

Senior Lecturer I
Qualifications:
Graduate Certificate in Sports & Recreation Management: Victoria University of Technology, Australia.
Doctor of Physical Education: Springfield College, USA.
Master of Science: Springfield College, USA.
Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Lauda): Springfield College, USA.
Advanced Teacher Certificate in Education (Physical Education): Grantham College of Education, Hong Kong.
Teacher Certificate: Northcote College of Education, Hong Kong.

Research interests:

Pediatric Exercise Science; Physical Activity; Outdoor Sports and Wilderness Experience

Mr. HO Yik Kiu, Kenneth

Senior Lecturer II
Qualifications:
Master of Art (School Improvement and leadership), The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Education (Hons.), The Hong Kong Institute of Education 
 
Areas of Teaching:
PES1272 Introduction to Practical and Theoretical Considerations in Sports Coaching
PES2164 Theory and Practice of Individual Physical Activities  
PES2174 Theory and Practice of Team Ball Games
PES3172 Fundamental Movement for Junior Primary School    
PES3178 Theory and Practice of Lifelong Physical Activities
PES3280 Pedagogy and Practice in Sports Coaching
PES4292 Internship
 
Research Interests:
Fundamental Movement
Handball
Learning and Teaching Strategies in Physical Education
Motor Learning
Sports Training
Sports Coaching
Technology in Physical Education

Ms. WANG Sha

Lecturer I
Qualifications:
B.Ed. (Beijing Sports); M.Ed. (Beijing Sports)
 
Areas of teaching:
Gymnastics, Aerobics, Dance and Tai Chi
 
Research interests:
Gymnastics and Aerobics

Dr. WONG Hoi Wai, Henry

Lecturer I
Qualifications:
Ed.D. (Physical Education and Sports Science), EdUHK
M.Sc. (Sports Medicine and Health Science), CUHK
B.Ed. (Hons.) (Physical Education), HKIEd
 
Areas of Teaching:
Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education, Sports Injury and Prevention, Human Anatomy, Sports Performance Analysis
 
Research Interests:
Motor Learning and Control, Teaching Pedagogy, Rasch Measurement, Educational Assessment

Ms. CHAN Ka Man, Carmen

Lecturer II
Qualifications:
  • MSocSc (Psychology) (Schools and Community Settings) (EdUHK)
  • Bachelor of Health Education (Hons) (EdUHK)
  • Certificate of Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (Level Two) (HKSSEP),

Areas of teaching:
Physical Fitness Education, Child and Adolescent Health Education
 
Research interests:
Physical health & mental health, karate-do
 
Others:
  • Member of the Hong Kong Psychological Society
  • Councillor of the Hong Kong Blind Sports Federation

Mr. SIU Ka Man, Tom

Lecturer II
Qualifications:
MSocSc (Sport and Leisure Management), HKBU
 
Area of Teaching:
Theory and Practice of Racquet Games, Analysis of Teaching and Coaching in Physical Education
 
Research Intertest:
Badminton, Sports Management

Dr LI Chung

Status and Qualifications:
Justice of Peace of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Adjunct Professor, Department of Health and Physical Education
The Education University of Hong Kong
(since 2015)

Appointment Period:
1 October 2021 to 30 September 2025

Ms CHING Tai Yin Patricia

Status and Qualifications:
Senior Nurse Adviser of Infection Control,
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital

Appointment Period:
1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024

Dr CHOW Pui Yu Lina

Status and Qualifications:
PhD, MEd in Teacher Education
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Health and Physical Education
The Education University of Hong Kong
(since 2015)

Appointment Period:
1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024

Dr CRUZ Alberto

Status and Qualifications:
Doctor of Education
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Health and Physical Education
The Education University of Hong Kong
(since 2018)

Appointment Period:
1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024