Low Proportion of Social Science Students in Hong Kong's Eight Major Universities

According to statistics from the Education Bureau, among the 18,360 students enrolled in the first year of full-time undergraduate programs at Hong Kong's eight major universities in the 2020/21 academic year, only 1,836 students, or 10%, are studying social sciences.

Among the eight universities, Hong Kong Polytechnic University has the lowest proportion of social science students, at just 2%. Lingnan University has the highest proportion, at 20%. The other universities fall in between, with proportions ranging from 8% to 16%.

Professor Chi-yue Chiu, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, emphasized that social sciences aim to explore the "human condition" and that different disciplines approach social issues from different angles, ultimately promoting social progress. However, the Hong Kong government seems to have underestimated the value of social sciences.

Professor Shun-man Ho, President of Hang Seng University, stressed that to transform Hong Kong's education system, which is dominated by "utilitarian values," it is essential to develop humanities and social sciences, and to promote liberal arts education. Despite the high international rankings of many Hong Kong social science institutions, the mission, strategy, and disciplinary system of social sciences still require strengthening.