Prospective Students

Stories from Jacqueline SHIN (from Korea), Isler Mustafa (from Holland) and Jason TUNG (from Taiwan).

Jacqueline Shin (2015 entrant; Current major programme: Economics)

Isler Mustafa (2016 Graudate of Comptemporary China Studies (Social Science))

Jason Tung (2016 Graduate of Journalism and Communication) 

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Living in this ever-changing era, it is important to be resilient and open-minded. Social Science students are equipped with adaptability alongside multiple perspectives to keep abreast of the world. Besides, most teachers who I encountered in this Faculty are very nice and passionate about their work. I can always learn a lot from them. Practically speaking, the flexible curriculum allows students to go on overseas exchange easily. During the second semester of my third year, I went on exchange in the Netherlands, where I can study interesting courses about Dutch culture and other European societies. It is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

I joined CUHK as a Social Science Broad-based student. After a year of exploration in the Faulty, I decided to take Economics as my major because I could take a wider perspective in examining society and human behaviour. Economic theories offer me a framework to better understand the real world. CUHK Economics also provides a lot of practical opportunities to students such that we can apply models learnt in class in the reality.

During my four years in the university, internship experience was the most valuable. I conducted a reconciliation exercise and a regulatory review in my half-year internship at HSBC and this provided me opportunities to interact with the senior management of HSBC. With my data analytical skills learned in classes, I picked up my work rapidly and efficiently. Then, during my internship at Swire Resources, I learnt to perform sales trend analysis and interpret data. The internship experience has definitely enriched my working knowledge and soft skills for my future jobs.

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Puzzled and dazzled by the overwhelming university and programme choices, I struggled to find one that attracted me most after graduating from high school. Fortunately, Social Science Broad-based programme at CUHK has allowed me to explore different Social Science disciplines before deciding my path. I feel thankful for the professors and senior students who shared their experiences generously during orientation camp, tea gatherings and academic counselling sessions.

The Faculty is keen on introducing extra-curricular exposures to support students’ all-round development. I was invited to be the master of ceremony at the Faculty’s Appreciation Achievement Award Celebration. Although I was not experienced in public speaking, I was greatly supported to sharpen my communication and facilitation skills. The Faculty has also been very helpful in guiding me along the application process for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship. I feel very thankful for their assistance because the prestigious scholarship has provided me with a platform to interact with other talented and socially-minded scholars. Overall, my freshman year has been a great adventure that taught me to be curious and courageous.

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How should my university life be like? Well, there is no “model answers” which applies to all university students. The luckiest thing I have ever done is joining the student society of Social Science (Broad-based). I might probably be regretting now if I didn’t join it. It was sad when learning that society members would join different majors for year 2 study. However, knowing that we can all pursue our own goals cheers me up. There are a lot of activities organized by the societies of other Social Science majors. The one that I found remarkably fun was a dodgeball game. Although it was just a typical game, playing with friends made everything enjoyable. It is not necessary to complete a checklist to make you a university graduate. Simply give everything a try and you will be surprised!

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It was my honour to have been admitted to the Faculty of Social Science at CUHK. Time flies. It is now my second year. I still remember how complicated I felt after the DSE and JUPAS results were released. As a visually impaired student, I was so anxious about the uncertainties that may occur in the new phase of my life. I worried I couldn’t catch up with the schoolwork and enjoy my university life as much as normal students do. I knew, in the university, learning attitude and lifestyle vary from one student to another, which is exactly a microcosm of a pluralistic society. So, instead of worrying and comparing with my fellows, I determined to make good use of all the opportunities given to me and get to know what a person I am and want to become within these few years.

The advantages of broad-based admission have long been known. There is one point that I would like to highlight which was also the main reason I put Social Science as my first priority. That is, except for two specific majors, there are no strict requirements when students declare their majors. I can freely explore my interest without pressure and can spend the remaining time on adaptation.

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After finishing my first year as a Social Science Board-based student, I was particularly interested in the multi-disciplinary subject of Urban Studies as it is a subject adopted social science methodology in exploring the urban realm with the backup knowledge from Architecture, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography and any other subjects that could be related. I felt very grateful in studying at the Urban Studies Programme of the Faculty of Social Science, CUHK, not only because learning process has equipped me the essential ability of critical thinking and active learning, which encouraged me to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge with a full scholarship; but also because the excellent supports, amazing opportunities and incredible resources that I had access to during my study journey. I would encourage you to consider Urban Studies at the Faculty of Social Science if you ever want to explore the knowledge and extend your potential.

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The social science broad-based program gave me the opportunity to explore different areas of the faculty. Unlike others, this program offers one more time to wisely choose the major and make sure that it corresponds to one's expectations.

Although I knew that I wanted to major in psychology, I believe that taking courses in communication, economics as well as urban studies in my first year helped broaden my knowledge. I got to understand how all these fields are interconnected and complementary. This made me realise that there are many social variables that I need to take into account in any psychological analysis or study.

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Social Science adopts a more humanistic approach towards the society on how we debunk concurrent events happening in the society. I chose the Social Science broad-based admission because I wanted to explore and try out different disciplines. The programme allowed me to understand the foundation and functions of a society from different perspectives. In Year 2, I declared Journalism and Communication as my major because I was fascinated by the mission of journalists which is to uncover social issues and problems. I have joined Dancing Society in CUHK, and participated in events such as joint-U mass dance, annual performance and so on. Last year, I became a committee member in the Dancing Society, also called “Sheung Jong (上庄)”. People in CUHK are friendly and caring. I can pursue my academic study as well as my hobby in CUHK. I felt very blessed to be studying here.

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I had no idea which major to choose when I was in secondary six, but I was interested in different social phenomena. Hence, I chose the Social Science broad-based admission line. The University offers a high degree of freedom, in which I can discover new opportunities through numerous extracurricular activities. By taking various courses offered by different departments in Social Science, I explored the diversities and the characteristics of different disciplines, which not only helped me to decide my major of study but also prepared me for a fruitful journey in the remaining three years of undergraduate study.

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During the year in Social Science Broad-based Admission, apart from exploring different subjects, there were also many opportunities in the university for me to try new things. Learning how to make decisions becomes important. Through studying courses offered by different departments, joining the executive committee of Social Science Student Society and participating in various activities, I am grateful that I have enriched my knowledge, enhanced my interpersonal skills and expanded my horizons.

Besides, Social Science Broad-based Admission has allowed me to discover more about myself and the world, not just wider but also deeper. Different people have different university lives, and I love and treasure mine.

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I was unsure of my own interest when I applied for the university because I was deeply interested in both Sociology and Journalism & Communication. The former applies sociological theories to analyze social phenomena, whereas the latter gives me the sight of a journalist to understand the society. Therefore, I chose Social Science broad-based admission line. This scheme allowed me to take courses from both disciplines freely without committing to a major programme during my first year. This helped me to understand the difference between the two disciplines and confirm my genuine interest. Without having this opportunity in the first year, I would not be so determined to study Sociology because of the doubt I had.

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“Free choice” is the most distinctive and advantageous feature of the broad-based admission. Back in Secondary 4, I had already decided I should study Architecture; yet when facing the real JUPAS application form, I was not immune from anxiety and hesitation

Fortunately in the previous year, I could take courses from five departments of the Faculty; after thoroughly reviewing myself, I realised that no other subject suited me better than Architectural Studies did. If I had not been admitted through the broad-based admission line, I would have always wondered about “what if I hadn’t chosen Architecture…” This year as a Social Science Line student has no doubt reinforced my determination in studying Architecture, and it would keep me going in face of all the hardships that might come along.

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In the first year of university education, I have tried many things that I have never tasted in secondary school. Being unsure of my own interests, I decided to explore in different social science subjects by getting admitted to the broad-based admission line. Learning was not only about depth, but also the breadth. I could freely take whatever courses that I liked during my first year, and through which I came to discover where my real interests lie. 

I was a committee member of the Social Science student society, and I got to know about my weaknesses through working with different people. I also enjoyed organizing activities and having overnight meetings with my friends – it’s simply passionate and romantic.

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When I was in S6, I had no idea about my future job and found difficulties in choosing my major. Eventually I chose Social Science in JUPAS. In Year 1, I was able to learn more about various fields in the Faculty of Social Science through studying courses offered by different majors. This certainly helped me evaluate myself and choose the major to pursue in the following years.

Moreover, I became one of the committee members of the Social Science student society. This has improved my ability of time management and communication skills. I also got to know a group of good friends while being part of the student society.

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