Diploma in Social Work

This course has been renamed from Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) to Diploma in Social Work - this is to reflect, more accurately, the focus on preparing students for a fulfilling social work career in the social service & healthcare sectors.

About the Course

Play a major role in creating a more cohesive and caring community as a social work associate. Learn about the principles and practices of social work, and develop helping skills and intervention techniques to work with clients. You will also gain skills to handle casework, programme planning, community practice and project management through field placements and various community service projects and initiatives.

What You'll Study

Year 1

Core Modules

Introduction to Social Work and Ethical Issues [60 hours]

This module provides students with a broad understanding of the Social Work profession and the role in which the profession plays in the social service system. It examines the values, principles and purpose of Social Work, and highlights the different types of social services in Singapore. Students will be introduced to the code of professional ethics issued by the Singapore Association of Social Workers, and other ethical values and principles guiding the work of social service professionals. As an integral component of the module, field visits to various social service and welfare agencies in Singapore will be arranged for students to know more about social work and social service delivery on the ground.

Introduction to Psychology [30 hours]

This module will acquaint learners with the fundamental principles and key concepts in the field of psychology and its implications on human behaviours. Learners will be presented with a sampling of the major areas in psychology and its implications to healthcare delivery. Learners will explore the study of human beliefs, emotions and behaviours and relate to their personal as well as professional lives. Upon completion, the learners will be able to articulate a broad overview of the field of psychology and appreciate the relevance of psychology in everyday life.

Introduction to Sociology [30 hours]

This module provides an introduction to the sociological concepts and perspectives used to explain and analyse the broad socio-cultural context of society, and their application to the social work setting.

Communication and Personal Effectiveness [45 hours]

Communicating well is a vital life skill, benefitting all aspects of our lives from professional life to social gatherings. It is thus important to be proficient in both written and oral communication. This module will enable learners to communicate effectively in different settings and on different collaborative platforms. There will be opportunities to practise and deliver various types of presentations, competently handle questions, and effectively incorporate verbal and non-verbal elements when speaking. Learners will also acquire media and information literacy and be able to produce clearly written and well-structured reports, proposals and meeting minutes, following standard citation and referencing guidelines.

Self-Awareness and Resilience [30 hours]

This module guides learners in exploring topics such as personal values, beliefs, thoughts, emotions, strengths, weaknesses and family of origin, and how these factors impact their personal and professional development. Through a deeper understanding of oneself, learners are empowered to develop a higher level of emotional resilience and positive outlook in life. This will better prepare them to handle the complexities and sensitivities of client issues in social work practice.

Basic Counselling Skills [60 hours]

This module offers learners an introduction to counselling. Learners will be equipped with fundamental skills to conduct interview sessions and engage clients from diverse backgrounds. They will learn about the counselling process as well as the common models of counselling. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the self of the counsellor.

Contemporary Social Issues [60 hours]

This module examines social issues and problems faced in society from a sociological perspective. Learners will explore and understand the historical, economic, political and socio-cultural factors surrounding these issues and problems as well as attempts to solve or address them.

Human Development Over the Lifespan [60 hours]

This module covers the scope of human development from birth to old age. It will examine major developmental theories from a lifespan perspective. Specifically, learners will look at physical, cognitive, social, psycho-emotional and moral development from the view point of the helping profession

Groupwork Facilitation and Intervention [60 hours]

This module aims to equip learners with knowledge of group dynamics, group processes and stages of group development. It seeks to help an individual to develop skills in group facilitation and intervention. Emphasise will be placed on the application of theoretical concepts to assess, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate group work practice.

Case Work and Care Planning [60 hours]

The emergence of multi-stressed families within our society presents challenges to the Social Work practitioner in supporting clients in a holistic and integrated manner. This module introduces learners to the fundamental principles of case management and care planning. It will examine the case management model which encompasses these stages: assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation and termination. Learners will be equipped with the skills to accurately assess clients’ problems and effectively identify specific interventions to enhance clients’ well-being. Besides, learners will also learn the techniques of report writing, case documentation and recording.

Fundamentals of Innovation and Enterprise [45 hours]

Learners will develop attributes that are pervasive and synonymous with being innovative and enterprising for career and life. Through this module learners will develop positive practices when working with data, propose ideas using user-centric approaches and design processes, determine and locate resources, and leverage collaborative practices to formulate solutions.

Working with Families [45 hours]

The module offers learners a broad framework towards understanding the family as a system. Through exploring diverse family structures, the needs of the family at different stages and the interactional dynamics of a family system, learners will explore assessment and plan effective intervention strategies when working with families, using practice models in a multi-disciplinary integrated approach.

Working with Children [45 hours]

The module aims to provide learners with the knowledge base and intervention skills to work with children using integrated practice models in a multi-disciplinary approach. Learners will explore issues and legislation related to child such as adoption, neglect and abuse, as well as preventive and protective provisions for our young clients.

Working With Youth [45 hours]

The module aims to provide learners with the knowledge base and intervention skills to work with youths in a multidisciplinary, integrated approach. Learners will understand adolescent development theories, as well as explore issues and legislation related to youth welfare. Learners will explore assessment tools for youth-at-risk as well as preventive and protective provisions for adolescent clients.

Complementary Electives

General Studies

General Studies

To provide you an all-rounded education, NYP offers General Studies Modules (GSMs). So besides taking modules related directly to your chosen diploma course, you will get exposed to areas beyond your usual field of study. Through a combination of prescribed and elective inter-disciplinary GSMs, you will gain interesting, practical knowledge that can be beneficial to you as you prepare for the world of work and life after graduation.

To learn more about the GSMs offered, click here

Year 2

Core Modules

Communication and Personal Branding [30 hours]

In today’s competitive environment, a strong personal brand sets one apart from others. In this module, learners will develop techniques to impress and persuade others to accept their ideas. They will also learn how to communicate effectively over e-mail. To support their job search, learners will use digital portfolios to showcase their abilities, as well as gain the knowledge and skills to promote their capabilities in their cover letters and resumes. They will also acquire skills to project themselves positively and for performing well at interviews.

Working with Older Adults [45 hours]

The module introduces a biopsychosocial approach in assessing and helping elders. Learners will be sensitised to the physiological and cognitive changes with ageing and examine strategies to promote active ageing in elderlies. Topics relating to common cognitive and emotional issues, suicide, elder abuse, caregiver issues and working with elders’ support systems are also discussed.

Working with Persons with Disabilities [45 hours]

This module provides an overview of working with clients with physical, intellectual, developmental, cognitive, speech or sensory impairments. It discusses assessment and intervention from the capability approach, highlights quality of life issues and explores various practice models at the individual, family, group and community levels.

Crisis Intervention [45 hours]

This module introduces learners to the theories and principles of crisis intervention. Students will be equipped with effective responding skills during a crisis situation relating to individual, family, group or community undergoing crisis. Students will also be given opportunities to learn from professionals dealing with crisis and trauma in different settings and understand an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach in intervention.

Introduction to Research and Statistics [45 hours]

In this module, learners will examine the nature and purpose of research in the helping profession. Learners will learn the process of conducting social science research, research ethics, reliability and validity issues in construct operationalization; and strengths and weaknesses of various research strategies and designs. These will not only help learners attain working knowledge in developing useful social science and/or social work research but will also allow them to be informed consumers of research work and articles.

Working in Healthcare Services [60 hours]

The module covers the psychosocial impact of illness on individuals and families. It explores the healthcare system and policies, as well as theoretical concepts related to health and health behaviour. Learners are equipped with direct practice skills to work with clients with medical issues and organisational skills to work with multi-disciplinary teams in a social-health integration approach and to navigate complex healthcare environments. An overview of common mental disorders across the human lifespan, as well as their signs and symptoms, will also be covered.

Working in Correctional Services [45 hours]

This module gives learners a theoretical and conceptual understanding of crime, criminal justice system and drug abuse in the local context. It introduces learners to rehabilitation of adult offenders in Singapore and covers both in-care and after-care rehabilitation options. Learners will gain knowledge about social work’s involvement in the criminal justice system, including the impact of incarceration on families and children. Learners will also be given opportunities to visit agencies that serve offenders and their families and be familiar with integrated community-based service models.

Field Placement I [360 hours]

In this module, learners are attached to social service agencies for their first field experience. Through the exposure to a wide range of client issues within the designated fieldwork setting, learners will reinforce their integration of social work theory into practice. With field supervision, they will also be given opportunities to handle social work tasks with greater autonomy and develop their professional identity and competence as a Social Work Associate, Youth Work Associate, Programme Executive, Volunteer Executive or Care Staff.

Diversity and Cultural Competence [45 hours]

Social work practice requires relating to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, families and communities, from diverse backgrounds and characteristics. This module aims to sensitise learners to appreciating the diverse populations in the local context and how it will influence one’s attitude and beliefs about clients. It seeks to facilitate reflection of the self, in the social work profession, to understand diversity and structural inequalities. Learners will also be given opportunities to visit agencies/cultural centres that serve diverse groups and to be exposed to the cultures, norms and beliefs of these groups.

Programme Development, Implementation and Evaluation [120 hours]

This module serves to help learners to learn how to design an effective program utilizing their knowledge and understanding of the current trends in the social service sector. It aims to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills in program development, budgeting as well as the various evaluation methods in determining the effectiveness of programs.

Volunteer Partnership [45 hours]

The module introduces learners to the importance of volunteers and the critical role volunteers play in the social service sector. Learners will be taught framework and skills of effective volunteer recruitment and management. Learners will be equipped with knowledge in recruiting, retaining, motivating and supervising volunteers, as well as in managing relationships of different stakeholders to be effective volunteer executives and managers.

Complementary Electives

General Studies

General Studies

To learn more about the GSMs offered, click here

Year 3

Core Modules

Field Placement II [480 hours]

In this module, students are attached to social service agencies or healthcare institutions for their second field experience. This placement marks the culmination of learning in the diploma course. Through the exposure to a wider range of client issues within the designated fieldwork setting, students will reinforce their integration of social work theory into practice. With field supervision, they will also be given opportunities to handle social work tasks with greater autonomy and develop their professional identity and competence as a Social Work Associate.

Final Year Community Practice [360 hours]

This module focuses on social work practice with communities. It provides an overview of community practice models, explores strengths and assets that exist within communities and examines strategies to engage communities effectively. Learners will apply fundamental principles in outreach, marketing, mass communication and event management to implement a successful community project.

Independent Project [150 hours]

Independent Project aims to provide learners with the opportunity to synthesise knowledge from various areas of learning, and critically and creatively apply it to a social work project. Independent projects can be done either individually or in groups (of not more than 4 learners). Learners are expected to investigate a social issue or an aspect of social work practice systematically. Based on the research findings, they will propose, design and/or implement social interventions to address the social issue or area of social work practice in question.

In addition to reinforcing theories and skills necessary for social work practice, research and project management, the module also instils critical life skills espoused by NYP Graduate Attributes, namely ‘Competent in 21st Century Skills’, ‘Innovation and Enterprising’ and ‘Socially Responsible’ These skills in communication, leadership, resource management, teamwork, digital literacy, creative thinking, problem solving, transdisciplinary thinking prepare learners adequately for entry into the workforce. Learners are to be self-directed in taking responsibility for their own learning. They are to question, reflect and persevere in the pursuit of learning independently through self-reflection and evaluation of their work processes.

Complementary Electives

General Studies

General Studies

To learn more about the GSMs offered, click here

Why we love SW – stories told by graduates

Mr Ahmad Zaki Bin Osman
Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work), Class of 2018
Current Occupation: Case Manager at KidStart@AMKFSC

The Social Work course at SHSS is amazing. Our lecturers were supportive, professional and highly skilled. They provided us with a very positive and engaging learning environment, and were always available to provide additional guidance when needed. The small class sizes also allowed for a more personalised learning experience giving us the confidence to explore and develop our individual competencies, helping us grow personally and professionally.

The different modules have equipped us with the knowledge and skills to contribute and add value to the social work sector. What I especially appreciate was the practice-based nature of the course, where we learnt from experiences in the ‘real world’ through internships, field visits and community practice projects. This has given me a wider understanding of the social work field and a deeper insight to the reality of actual practice.

Lee Xin Xuan, Danielle
Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work), Class of 2021
Current Occupation: Social Work Associate at Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS)

I decided to pursue my Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) at Nanyang Polytechnic to equip myself with the skillset needed to advocate not just for people with disabilities, but any marginalised group in society. I believe what sets social work apart from other professions is the heart and mind we have for our clients. The heart we have for our clients drives us to improve their lives, while the mind informs us of our service delivery through our theoretical knowledge. By marrying the two, we are one step closer to transforming our society into an inclusive one, a society where everyone can find his or her sense of belonging. And this is what makes my job so meaningful.

Elshaddai Jeevanathy d/o Venkatesan
Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work), Class of 2021
Current Occupation: Social Work Associate at Heart@Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre

I have always wanted to better understand the needs of the various communities in our society, and learn how I can play a role to help them meet their needs. Pursuing this Social Work course at SHSS, NYP, has given me the knowledge, skills-set, and opportunities to fulfil my life's passion. I have absolutely no regrets doing this course because, due to the expansive curriculum, we have been exposed to working with persons with disabilities, older adults, youths, families and more. I was, thus, able to fulfil my passion in terms of the clientele I desire to work with.

As with any journey, there are challenges, but our lecturers have always been there to guide and support us in any way they can - be it for assignment consultations or simply a listening ear.

My experience at NYP, with my cohort mates and lecturers, has certainly shaped me into the Social Work Associate I am today. Seeing the impact my role has made on the lives of my clients has brought me great satisfaction and self-fulfilment.

David Lee Meng Chong
Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work), Class of 2019
Current Occupation: Medical Social Work Associate at Changi General Hospital

Social work is a very challenging field. At work, no one day is like another as each day brings different challenges: We not only deal with the external environment that impacts our clients, we also focus on the personal factor, servicing each client as an individual with his or her own needs and outlook on life. It is, thus, a career that offers a steep learning curve.

The course at SHSS, NYP, has developed my knowledge in a wide range of social issues, and has given me the skills to be competent as a professional medical social work associate. More importantly, the course is also a journey for us to learn more about ourselves and the people around us.

The three years spent studying in NYP are some of the best years in my life. It has enabled me to constantly improve myself, and empowered me to put aside my own biases, in order to serve the wider community and be the voice for the marginalised population in Singapore.

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School of Business Management

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Centre for Foundation & General Studies

Polytechnic Foundation Programme

Social Work (C47)

About the Course

Introduction to Social Work and Ethical Issues [60 hours]

Introduction to Psychology [30 hours]

Introduction to Sociology [30 hours]

Communication and Personal Effectiveness [45 hours]

Self-Awareness and Resilience [30 hours]

Basic Counselling Skills [60 hours]

Contemporary Social Issues [60 hours]

Human Development Over the Lifespan [60 hours]

Groupwork Facilitation and Intervention [60 hours]

Case Work and Care Planning [60 hours]

Fundamentals of Innovation and Enterprise [45 hours]

Working with Families [45 hours]

Working with Children [45 hours]

Working With Youth [45 hours]

General Studies

Communication and Personal Branding [30 hours]

Working with Older Adults [45 hours]

Working with Persons with Disabilities [45 hours]

Crisis Intervention [45 hours]

Introduction to Research and Statistics [45 hours]

Working in Healthcare Services [60 hours]

Working in Correctional Services [45 hours]

Field Placement I [360 hours]

Diversity and Cultural Competence [45 hours]

Programme Development, Implementation and Evaluation [120 hours]

Volunteer Partnership [45 hours]

General Studies

Field Placement II [480 hours]

Final Year Community Practice [360 hours]

Independent Project [150 hours]

General Studies

Contact Us

Manager (Social Work)

Downloads

Course Booklet - School of Health & Social Sciences