The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at the City University of Macau is a distinguished institution that emphasizes teaching, research, and application. It has distinctive disciplinary characteristics and outstanding development advantages. The faculty adheres to the philosophy of “Promoting Digital Humanities, Strengthening Social Development” and is committed to cultivating well-rounded talents with professional competencies and comprehensive qualities. It provides students with a solid platform, broader perspectives, and ample possibilities for individual growth. The faculty strives to promote research and application in the field of humanities and social sciences in Macao and the Greater Bay Area.
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Diverse Curriculum Setting with Distinctive Features
FHSS offers a variety of degree programs, including Applied Linguistics, Applied Psychology, Cultural Industries, Social Work, English Studies, and Portuguese Studies. These programs cover the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Following the philosophy of whole-person education, the faculty provides general education courses for all students.
In response to societal needs, the faculty offers practical courses and has established the Foreign Languages Education and Research Center to support language teaching and research. The Bachelor of Arts in English program emphasizes both language skills and specialized learning, allowing students to choose between secondary English education or Chinese-English/English-Chinese translation. Similarly, the Bachelor of Arts in Portuguese program focuses on language skills and specialized learning, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese language and knowledge in fields such as law, economics, business, tourism, and accounting. These programs aim to enhance students’ employability and opportunities for academic pursuits.
The Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Applied Linguistics was introduced in 2023. These programs are the first of their kind in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. These programs emphasize on language proficiency, knowledge and applications of intercultural communications, aiming to develop graduates who can effectively utilize language and possess an intercultural awareness.
The Department of Innovative Social Work offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Social Work. The master’s program features distinctive specializations in gerontology and social service management, bringing new dynamics into the field of social work.
The Master’s degree program in Cultural Industries Management and PhD program in Cultural Industry Studies are the first and only programs of their kind among local higher education institutions. These programs aim to develop students’ abilities in cultural industry planning, management, and marketing, with a focus on the development and utilization of cultural resources. The programs encourage critical thinking and strive to shape innovative research paths and methodologies. The faculty has established the Comprehensive Laboratory for Cultural Industries in Professional Teaching and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which optimizes teaching for courses such as cultural project management, cultural and festival event planning, and practice to enhance the quality of education.
The faculty has also established the Institute of Analytical Psychology, offering the Master’s degree program and the Doctoral degree program in Applied Psychology. The programs are taught and developed under the leadership of Prof. Shen Heyong, an internationally certified psychoanalyst and sandplay therapy practitioner accredited by the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) and the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST).
The faculty houses the General Education Department, which follows the philosophy of "whole-person education." Through the learning model of “core module + elective module + interdisciplinary module,” the department enhances students’ understanding and fosters their comprehensive development.
Integration of Theory and Practice, Empowering Industry-Academia Collaboration
The faculty emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and strives to create a learning environment where knowledge is applied. It actively promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and research, empowering students with practical skills and opportunities. The faculty has an extensive network of partners and collaborates with various local social service organizations and institutions in Macao, creating diverse learning and practical environments for students. The Department of Innovative Social Work collaborates with local and mainland social service organizations to deepen cooperation in research, public welfare, and other areas. Macau has around 200 private non-profit organizations that provide students with experiential services and practical learning opportunities, enabling them to apply their knowledge in practical work, gain practical experience, and cultivate them into innovative social work professionals.
In the field of cultural industries, the faculty focuses on the development of the Greater Bay Area, strengthens cooperation and exchanges with surrounding regions, and serves the cultural industry development of Macao and the Greater Bay Area. Leveraging Macao’s unique geographical location and resources, it steadily promotes innovative development in the cultural industry. Collaborative efforts with multiple universities and enterprises aim to cultivate versatile talents.
The degree programs in Applied Psychology emphasizes students’ solid theoretical knowledge in psychological analysis and professional skills in psychoanalytic practice. The faculty collaborates with international academic organizations such as IAAP and ISST to host high-level academic conferences, exerting a wide-ranging influence. The faculty and students at the Institute of Analytical Psychology participate in and promote the nationwide “Soul Garden” public welfare project, establishing over 80 service stations to provide community services to people in needs.
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Strong and Diverse Faculty Team with Advanced Pedagogies
The faculty boasts a strong team of professional educators with an international background. The teaching staff possess doctoral degrees from renowned institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Cambridge, Shanghai International Studies University, Beijing Language and Culture University, the University of Liverpool, and Macquarie University. They have published numerous papers in internationally recognized journals indexed by SSCI and SCIE and hold positions in various linguistics associations worldwide. With their wealth of teaching and research experience, they provide robust support for the development of the curriculum.
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Qualification Examination Empowers Career Advancement
As a crucial step in professional development, students from the Department of Innovative Social Work will be eligible to participate in the social work qualification examination set by the Social Workers Professional Committee of Macao SAR after graduation. Upon successfully passing the examination, they can register as professional social workers, which will greatly enhance their competitiveness in the workplace and open up more opportunities and space for their career development.
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Diverse Out-Going Exchange Opportunities through Extensive HEIs Collaboration
FHSS is dedicated to creating a global and diverse platform, providing students with a wide range of opportunities for domestic and international exchange programs. These programs offer valuable opportunities for students to explore different educational systems, embrace diverse cultures, and expand their academic horizons.
It has established a network of partner universities throughout China, including renowned institutions such as Xiamen University, East China Normal University, and Nanjing University. Additionally, collaborative relationships have been formed with internationally recognized universities overseas, such as the University of Coimbra Hanyang University, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. These partnerships facilitate students in developing an international perspective, enhancing their language skills, and fostering cross-cultural communication abilities.
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High-Level Academic Conferences Bring Together International Scholars for Academic Advancement
By establishing prestigious academic exchange platforms, FHSS attracts top scholars and experts from diverse backgrounds to engage in international academic cooperation and knowledge sharing. IT has successfully hosted the 28th International Conference of the International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies (IAICS), which focused on the theme of “Synergies in Languages, Professions and Heritages.” The conference attracted more than 150 scholars from over ten countries worldwide.
The university also places emphasis on academic exchanges in foreign languages. It has previously hosted the “2023 Global English Education China Assembly,” a three-day event featuring nine keynote speeches and 24 parallel sessions. Over 1,600 experts, scholars, and English teachers from over 20 countries and regions participated in the conference.
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Quality Education Yields Fruitful Competition Achievements
Students in English and Portuguese Studies have achieved remarkable success and recognition in various national and provincial-level competitions. Their outstanding performance demonstrates their strong language abilities. Faculty and students from FHSS also actively participate in cultural and academic competitions, showcasing their high academic level and professional competence.
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Shoulder Social Responsibilities, Nurturing Talent, Igniting Brighter Future
Through a diverse curriculum and educational activities, FHSS cultivates students with humanistic qualities such as caring, multiple-perspective thinking, and empathy. Extracurricular activities cover various aspects, including youth exchanges, student organizations, career planning, and professional workshops, which have received positive feedback from the public. FHSSS promotes student participation in community service activities, with a volunteer service hour exceeding 10,000 hours, reflecting their dedication and social responsibility. The student-led organization actively engages in various charitable activities and regularly organizes mental health events for the entire campus community, contributing to the well-being and mental health of students and staff. Through comprehensive cultivation, students are able to apply what they have learned and take on social responsibilities, making positive contributions to society.
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Let's see what the newcomers have to say about their learning experiences!
First-year student Luo Fan, Bachelor of Arts in English
"Olá, chamo-me Cláudia. I’m glad to be a part of CityU's Portuguese community. I have been learning Portuguese from scratch in a progressive manner in the classroom, and at the same time, I have been experiencing the rich Portuguese culture outside of class in Macao. I am getting more and more into learning Portuguese. The diverse cultural experience activities both on and off-campus have also broadened our horizons and enriched our experiences."
Second-year student Gao Yueying, Bachelor of Arts in English
"The design of the program is challenging and practical, helping us to strengthen our professional foundation. Competing in English competitions helped improve my language skills and gave me a deeper understanding of English language related culture. A variety of professional and academic activities have expanded my horizons and given me the opportunity to think about my career planning and future studies. Also, thanks to volunteer work opportunities, I’ve learned a lot about Macao’s culture."
First-year student Wang Yuqiao, Master of Cultural Industries Management
"During my time studying in Macao, I have experienced the vibrancy of young people through diverse and enriching student activities. I am enjoying the blending of different cultures in everyday life and have come to appreciate the power of cultures through the play of light and shadow. Here, I have gained a deeper understanding of the 'reading thousands of books' and 'traveling thousands of miles'."
First-year student Wu Ziming, Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics
"The Applied Linguistics Ph.D. program here has struck a nice balance – it's rigorous, yet there's this welcoming and open vibe. The faculty has been both knowledgeable and accessible, creating an environment that's intellectually challenging but also approachable. The diverse cohort of students brings a multitude of perspectives to classroom discussions, reflecting the global and interdisciplinary nature of applied linguistics. I also appreciate the resources and support here. It's clear the university is not just about graduating, but genuinely preparing us for bigger roles in the linguistics world."
First-year student Chen Qishi, Master of Social Work
"When I stepped into CityU again, I was a first-year master’s student in Social Work. The convocation, student orientations, academic lectures, engaging and interesting classes, and the caring and supportive classmates have all helped me adapt from undergraduate to graduate studies. They have made me look forward to my future as a master’s student and have strengthened my determination to pursue academic excellence."
First-year student Zou Yichi, Master of Applied Psychology
"Since starting my studies two months ago, I have been fully occupied, and the most profound impression on me has been a sense of novelty. This novelty lies in the campus with its classrooms, library, restaurants, activity centers, and platforms that provide us with a favorable learning environment. The campus offers a vibrant atmosphere for our academic pursuits. I was thrilled to take part in the solemn flag-raising ceremonies, lively Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, and informative popular science lectures, all of which contribute to the dynamic university life. At the same time, I have been actively participating in lectures, commuting to and from campus, engaging in topic discussions, and exploring different possibilities in my career development. By being exposed to a wide range of choices and having these diverse experiences, my future goals have become much clearer to me."
Explore humanities, pursue humanities!
Open for program applications! Join Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences!
- Bachelor’s degree programs: Social Work, English, Portuguese, Applied Linguistics
- Master’s degree programs: Cultural Industries Management, Applied Psychology, Social Work, Applied Linguistics
- PhD programs: Applied Psychology, Cultural Industry Studies, Applied Linguistics
