Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work)

Course Introduction

The Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) aims to train Social Work Associates (SWAs) to meet the increasing manpower needs of the social service and healthcare sectors in Singapore. It also equips SWAs with the essential knowledge and skills to provide efficient professional service which supports the maintenance of best practices in welfare and case management, counselling and programme management.

Duration 

3 academic years on a full-time basis

Career Prospects 

The social service and healthcare sectors in Singapore offer rising employment opportunities given the greying population and an increasing demand for more family related services in the community. Social Work Associates are employed in a wide variety of social service settings such as:

• Educational (special schools, early intervention centres, etc)

• Community (family service centres, student care centres, elderly day activity centres, etc)

• Institutional and correctional (residential homes, half-way houses, boys/girls homes, prisons, etc

• Healthcare (hospitals, rehabilitation centres, day care centres, nursing homes, etc)

In addition, graduates of this programme may also take up the positions of programme executives, volunteer coordinators, home team officers, community development executives and welfare assistants.

With increasing demand for manpower in the social service sector, the opportunities for further training and development upon graduation are abundant. Graduates with good academic achievements may also pursue a degree in Social Work at universities such as NUS, UniSIM, Monash University, Griffith University, University of South Australia and University of the Sunshine Coast, among others.

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Course Aims

The course combines an integrated theoretical and practical approach to provide graduates with good quality educational and experiential foundation to become competent professionals in the social service and healthcare sectors. The diploma graduate would be able to:

• Examine current and emerging social issues and appreciate the implications of these issues for individuals, families and communities;

• Understand sociological and psychological theories and principles that underpin their interaction with individuals, families and communities;

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and helping skills to work with clients from different age groups and populations in the community;

• Use organizational skills in programme planning, project management and other functions within the social service organizations and step down care;

• Develop life skills such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving, self-initiated learning, team building and negotiation.

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Industrial Attachment

Students are attached to various social service agencies for industry experience during their second and third year of study. This industry attachment off campus will provide excellent opportunities to put acquired skills and knowledge into actual practice.

Students will learn to integrate theory into practice by observing and practicing skills and methods at an individual, group or community level. They will also have opportunities to work alongside other helping professionals like social workers, counsellors, and psychologists, among others.

The industry attachment comprises eight weeks in the second semester of Year 2 and twelve weeks in the second semester of Year 3 where students are expected to progressively demonstrate the ability to be a competent worker in the social service sector.

Key Contact 

Ms Jocelyn Tan
Course Coordinator
Tel: 6550 1427
Email: Jocelyn_Tan@nyp.gov.sg

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Sponsorships

Students who gain admission into the Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) may apply for training sponsorship offered by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). Upon completion of their studies, they will be gainfully employed at an NCSS Member Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) in the social service sector.

The training sponsorship package includes support of:

• Tuition Fees

• Other Compulsory Fees

• Allowance for Books and Reference Materials

For more information, please visit NCSS website.

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• NYP Social Work Facebook
  
  
• NCSS Website - Social Work Career
  
  
• MSF Social Worker Video
  
  
• MOH Care to Go Beyond: Medical Social Worker Video