Hong Kong Shue Yan University Ranked 13th Nationwide in Psychology by Research.com

Global academic platform Research.com has placed Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) 13th nationwide in the field of Psychology in its 2024 rankings of top universities by academic discipline.

The rankings assess universities based on the impact of their research, using factors such as the volume of publications and citation quality to evaluate scholarly influence. The list is intended to highlight leading academic research trends and foster collaboration between the academic, business, and policy communities worldwide.

Professor Calvin YU Kai-ching, Head of the Department of Counselling and Psychology, said this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the department and will serve as a catalyst for continued progress.

Professor YU credited the department’s strong reputation to its accomplished faculty, including two faculty members who were listed among the World’s Top 2% of Scientists globally in 2023. These distinctions have helped raise the profile of the department, which excels in areas such as neuroscience, developmental psychology, and mental health and counselling.

On the curriculum side, Professor YU noted that the department’s programs are firmly rooted in psychology, providing a deeper academic foundation compared to institutions that offer solely counselling-based training. “A solid grounding in psychology is critical for students looking to pursue careers in law enforcement, counselling, and beyond,” he said.

Currently, the department offers eight programs, with plans to introduce two new ones next year: the Master of Social Sciences in Adversity and Trauma Psychology, and the Bachelor of Social Science in Investigative and Forensic Psychology. “Both are designed to meet the growing demand,” he added.

Looking ahead, the department plans to expand its offerings in emerging areas such as the Psychology of Cybercrime and Forensic Psychology, aligning its focus with pressing societal challenges. Professor YU said the department is dedicated to enhancing its research output and quality, with aspirations for even higher rankings in the future. Plans to upgrade the department’s research facilities are also underway to support more cutting-edge projects.