We are one of the leading sociology departments in the world, and we are consistently ranked among the top Sociology departments in Asia. The Department was ranked 24th in the world in 2024 (QS World University Rankings).
About us
We offer a range of innovative and engaging taught programmes, including undergraduate major/minor programmes in Sociology, Criminology and Media and Cultural Studies. Our taught postgraduate programmes provide intellectually stimulating advanced study in Criminology and Media, Culture & Creative Cities. We also offer MPhil/PhD programmes that develop outstanding independent researchers.
The Sociology department nurtures a culture of diversity and collegiality, with a strong interdisciplinary orientation grounded in critical theoretical approaches, qualitative methodologies and a holistic perspective on society and culture. Since the founding of the department, we have married the twin disciplines of Sociology and Anthropology, drawing on their commonalities and differences. Our Criminology and Media and Cultural Studies programmes have fostered deep ties with community actors engaged with social problems and cultural innovation in Hong Kong, China and Asia.
Our programmes are all directed towards fostering skills in research, critical thinking and the ability to understand complex social situations. Our graduates are highly regarded and currently occupy positions in leading local and international companies, government, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions.
Our faculty and research students also excel in producing excellent scholarly research in the social sciences. We are especially strong in areas such as civil society, crime, gender and sexuality, media and cultural studies, new social movements, and religion, with a focus on Asia, China and Hong Kong. We host the HKU Anthropology Research Network and also have strong links with the HKU Centre for Criminology.
We are also proud of our position in the community. Research, internships and visits with a range of local organisations form an integral part of our programmes. We regularly host public events, bringing the findings of our research and sociological thinking to a wider audience.
Our department was founded in 1967, at that time the first sociology department in Hong Kong, and affording it a pioneering position in developing the discipline in the region.