Master of Social Sciences

Overview

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Date: 8 July 2026, Wednesday

Time: 7pm – 8pm (Singapore Standard Time). If you are an international student, please convert it to your local time.

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The contemporary world is becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) than ever. Many real-world problems require a multidisciplinary approach to address. The Master of Social Sciences (MSSC) programme provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary education and career development, allowing individuals to integrate different disciplines in addressing contemporary issues and challenges in their profession, industry or the society at large. This programme will be especially suitable for candidates who are entrepreneurial and self-directed, charting a learning journey into the future of work.

Unique Features of the Programme

Provides an alternative progression pathway for students who aim to equip themselves with multidisciplinary knowledge.
Promote innovation and flexibility where students take ownership and chart their own learning.

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Programme Structure

Students are required to complete 60 credit units (cu) of relevant courses from two graduate diplomas and a 10 cu applied research project.

To graduate with the Master of Social Sciences, students are required to achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (out of 5) and the duration taken to complete both graduate diplomas must be within a maximum candidature period of 4 years, not including the time taken to complete 10 cu of applied research project.

Curriculum

Download Curriculum Plan

RSH688 Applied Research Project

10 CU

RSH500 Graduate Level Courses

5 CU

AI for Supply Chain Management

PGLSCMAIB^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

AIB501 Introduction to AI	2.5 CU
AIB502 Ethics of AI	2.5 CU
AIB504 Machine Learning in Business	5 CU
SCM501 Strategies for Supply Chain Management	5 CU
SCM503 Leading Supply Chains in the Digital Era	5 CU
SCM511 Supply Chain Analytics	5 CU
SCM515 Formulating Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges	5 CU

Analytics and Visualisation

PGAV^Specialisation Core (10 cu)

ANL501 Data Visualisation and Storytelling	5 CU
ANL503 Data Wrangling	5 CU

PGAV^Specialisation Elective (20 cu)

ANL505 Hyperautomation	5 CU
ANL551 Data Analytics for Decision Makers	5 CU
ANL553 Applied Statistical Methods and Causal Analysis	5 CU
ANL555 Data Integration for Enterprise Automation	5 CU
ANL557 Applied Forecasting	5 CU
ANL558 Prescriptive Analytics for Decision Making	5 CU
ANL559 Generative AI for Work Automation in Analytics	5 CU
ANL560 Applied Business Analytics in Production: Python Specialisation	5 CU

Applied Linguistics (TESOL)

PGTSL^Specialisation Core (15 to 30 cu)

TSL501 Fundamental Aspects of Language Structure	5 CU
TSL503 Fundamental Aspects of Language Meaning	5 CU
TSL505 Sociolinguistics and Education	5 CU
TSL507 Second Language Acquisition and Pedagogy	5 CU
TSL508 TESOL Methods	5 CU
TSL509 TESOL Curriculum	5 CU

PGTSL^Specialisation Elective (0 to 15 cu)

TSL551 Global English and Language Teaching	5 CU
TSL553 Classroom Discourse	5 CU
TSL555 Literacy, Language and Education	5 CU
TSL557 Pragmatics and TESOL	5 CU
TSL561 Pedagogical Grammar	5 CU
TSL563 Materials Development	5 CU
TSL565 Language Testing and Evaluation	5 CU
TSL567 English for Specific Purposes	5 CU
TSL569 English Pronunciation and TESOL	5 CU
TSL571 Academic Discourse: English in a Global Context	5 CU
TSL573 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics	5 CU
TSL599 Independent TESOL Project	10 CU

Artificial Intelligence for Business

PGAIB^Specialisation Core (20 cu)

AIB501 Introduction to AI	2.5 CU
AIB502 Ethics of AI	2.5 CU
AIB503 Foundation to Python for AI	5 CU
AIB504 Machine Learning in Business	5 CU
AIB551 Natural Language Processing	5 CU

PGAIB^Specialisation Elective (10 cu)

AIB552 Deep Learning & Neural Networks	5 CU
AIB553 Computer Vision & Applications	5 CU
ANL503 Data Wrangling	5 CU
ANL555 Data Integration for Enterprise Automation	5 CU
FIN559 Big Data, Cloud Computing and Machine Learning	5 CU

Community Leadership and Social Development

PGCLSD^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

CSD502 Building Communities and Forging Identities	5 CU
CSD504 Facilitating Community Engagement	5 CU
CSD507 Community Leadership and Organisational Development	5 CU
CSD510 Sustainable Development for Social Well-Being	5 CU
CSD521 Civil Society, Leadership and Capacity Building	5 CU
NPM513 Data Visualisation and Analytics for Social Sector	5 CU

Crisis Management and Recovery

PGCMR^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

GSS501 Global Crime Prevention and Security Management	5 CU
GSS502 Global Security, Strategy and Leadership	5 CU
GSS503 Navigating Risk in an Interconnected World	5 CU
GSS510 Crisis Management and Recovery	5 CU
GSS511 Crisis and Social Media Reputation	5 CU
GSS512 Crisis Management and Essential Services	5 CU

Digital Marketing

PGDM^Specialisation Elective (30 cu)

MKT540 Digital Marketing for Business Expansion	2.5 CU
MKT541 Digital Branding	5 CU
MKT542 Digital Marketing Analytics	5 CU
MKT551 Platform Strategy	5 CU
MKT552 Marketing Engineering	5 CU
MKT553 Search Engine Optimisation	2.5 CU
MKT554 Consumer Insights with Google Analytics	2.5 CU
MKT555 Social Media Marketing in Practice	2.5 CU
MKT556 Content Marketing	2.5 CU
MKT557 Mobile Marketing	2.5 CU
MKT558 Influencer Marketing	2.5 CU
MKT559 Search Engine Marketing	2.5 CU
MKT560 Smartphone Filmmaking and Visual Storytelling	2.5 CU
MKT562 Content Creation for Digital Marketing with Generative AIs	5 CU
MKT563 Prompt Engineering for Marketers	2.5 CU
MKT564 B2B Digital Marketing Strategy	2.5 CU

Digital Space and Cybersecurity

PGDSC^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

GSS501 Global Crime Prevention and Security Management	5 CU
GSS502 Global Security, Strategy and Leadership	5 CU
GSS503 Navigating Risk in an Interconnected World	5 CU
GSS507 Digital Deviance and New Age Crime	5 CU
GSS508 Digital Systems and Security	5 CU
GSS509 Digital Economy and Society	5 CU

Education

PGED^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

EDU511 How People Learn	5 CU
EDU512 Educational Administration and Management	5 CU
EDU513 The Psychology of Learning in Education	5 CU
EDU514 Knowledge, Learning, and Pedagogy	5 CU
EDU515 Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning with Technology	5 CU
EDU516 Fundamentals of Assessment in Education	5 CU

Expressive Arts Therapy

PGXAT^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

XAT501 Asian and Western Theories of Creativity	5 CU
XAT503 Techniques of Counselling and Therapy in an Asian Context: Core Skills and Methodologies	5 CU
XAT505 Play in Expressive Arts Therapy: Theory and Practice	5 CU
XAT507 Mind and Body Work in Expressive Arts Therapy	5 CU
XAT509 Art Making in Expressive Arts Therapy	5 CU
XAT513 Drama Therapy: Unlocking Expression, Healing and Growth	5 CU

Financial Technology

PGFT^Specialisation Elective (30 cu)

FIN521 Financial System, Financial Markets and Financial Supervision	5 CU
FIN545 Technological Innovations in Finance	5 CU
FIN547 Blockchain Technologies: Applications and Challenges	5 CU
FIN552 Introduction to Financial Data Science	5 CU
FIN553 Blockchain Security and Privacy	2.5 CU
FIN556 Blockchain Programming and Design Thinking	5 CU
FIN557 Fintech Innovation Ecosystem	2.5 CU
FIN559 Big Data, Cloud Computing and Machine Learning	5 CU

Gerontology

PGGER^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

GER502 Ageing and Society in Asia	5 CU
GER503 Lifespan Development and Psychology of Ageing	5 CU
GER505 Physiology and Healthcare	5 CU
GER508 Ageing Families: Multigenerational and Cultural Issues	5 CU
GER510 Applied Research in Gerontology	5 CU
GER511 Social Policy in Gerontology	5 CU

Human Capital Management

PGHCM^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

HCM535 Employment Law, Policy, and Ethics	5 CU
HCM539 Human Capital Strategy and Business Partnering	5 CU
HCM547 Technology, Disruption, and Human Capital Management	5 CU
HCM549 Managing and Measuring Human Capital Projects	5 CU
HCM551 Human Capital Management in the New Normal	5 CU
HCM553 Performance Management and Total Rewards Strategy	5 CU

IP and Innovation Management

PGIPIMM^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

IPM501 Foundation IP Law	5 CU
IPM503 IP Asset Management	5 CU
IPM505 IP & Business Strategy	5 CU
IPM507 IP Intelligence	5 CU
IPM553 Licensing IP	5 CU
IPM575 Commercialising Innovation	5 CU

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

PGLSCM^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

SCM501 Strategies for Supply Chain Management	5 CU
SCM503 Leading Supply Chains in the Digital Era	5 CU
SCM505 Managing International Logistics	5 CU
SCM511 Supply Chain Analytics	5 CU
SCM513 Transitioning to Green Supply Chains	5 CU
SCM515 Formulating Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges	5 CU

Non-Profit Management

PGNPM^Specialisation Core (25 cu)

NPM505 Fundraising and Philanthropy	5 CU
NPM506 Volunteer Management	5 CU
NPM507 Social Capital and Social Impact	5 CU
NPM511 Strategic Planning & Change Management for Non-Profit Organisations	5 CU
NPM512 Governance & Risk Management for Non-Profit Organisations	5 CU

PGNPM^Specialisation Elective (5)

GER521 Programme Planning and Evaluation	5 CU
NPM504 Social Sector Leadership	5 CU
NPM513 Data Visualisation and Analytics for Social Sector	5 CU

Organisation & Leadership for Social Change

PGOLS^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

NPM520 Lead and Manage Diverse Stakeholders	5 CU
NPM522 Maximise Human Capital for Social Impact	5 CU
NPM524 Develop and Create Value for Organisation and People	5 CU
NPM526 Leadership for Collective Impact	5 CU
NPM528 Systems Thinking for Transformative Strategy	5 CU
NPM530 Design Thinking for Social Innovation	5 CU

Organisational Psychology

PGPSYOP^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

PSY511 Selection and Assessment	5 CU
PSY512 Life Career Development, Leadership and Coaching	5 CU
PSY513 Learning, Training, and Development	5 CU
PSY514 Organisational Development and Change	5 CU
PSY515 Work Wellbeing	5 CU
PSY516 Specialist Professional Skills in Organisational Psychology	5 CU

Professional Life-coaching

PGPLC^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

PLC504 Coaching Practice and Practicum	5 CU
PLC506 Coaching Presence: Personal and Professional Development	5 CU
PLC507 Expressive Arts and Positive Psychology in Life Coaching	5 CU
PLC511 Foundations of Professional Life Coaching: Theory, Ethics, and Practice	5 CU
PLC512 Core Coaching Skills and Effective Conversational Practice	5 CU
PLC513 Coaching for Change: Outcome and Transition	5 CU

Radicalisation and Violent Extremism

PGRVE^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

GSS501 Global Crime Prevention and Security Management	5 CU
GSS502 Global Security, Strategy and Leadership	5 CU
GSS503 Navigating Risk in an Interconnected World	5 CU
GSS504 Singapore and the Changing World Order	5 CU
GSS505 Media Influence and Societal Impact	5 CU
GSS506 National Security, Intelligence and Terrorism Studies	5 CU

Social Work

PGSWK^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

SWK501 Human Lifespan and Social Ecology	5 CU
SWK503 Social Policy Analysis and Development	5 CU
SWK505 Social Administration and Planning	5 CU
SWK507 Theories and Principles of Supervision for Social Work	5 CU
SWK509 Social Research and Programme Evaluation	5 CU

Supply Chain Analytics

PGLSCMANL^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

ANL501 Data Visualisation and Storytelling	5 CU
ANL553 Applied Statistical Methods and Causal Analysis	5 CU
SCM501 Strategies for Supply Chain Management	5 CU
SCM503 Leading Supply Chains in the Digital Era	5 CU
SCM511 Supply Chain Analytics	5 CU
SCM515 Formulating Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges	5 CU

Sustainability Management

PGESG^Specialisation Core (20 cu)

ESG501 Sustainability Management	5 CU
ESG503 Change Management and Corporate Sustainability Transformation	5 CU
ESG505 Sustainability Reporting	5 CU
ESG511 Climate Policies and Carbon Markets	5 CU

PGESG^Specialisation Elective (10 cu)

ESG507 Governance for Impactful Organisations	5 CU
ESG515 ESG Investing	5 CU
ESG521 Stakeholder Engagement for Social Sustainability	5 CU
ESG531 Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future	5 CU
FMT501 Circular Sustainable FM	5 CU

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

PGLSCMESG^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

ESG501 Sustainability Management	5 CU
ESG505 Sustainability Reporting	5 CU
SCM501 Strategies for Supply Chain Management	5 CU
SCM511 Supply Chain Analytics	5 CU
SCM513 Transitioning to Green Supply Chains	5 CU
SCM515 Formulating Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges	5 CU

Taxation

PGTAX^Specialisation Elective (30 cu)

TAX501 Taxation – Legal Framework and Policy	5 CU
TAX503 Corporate and Individual Income Tax	5 CU
TAX505 Goods and Services Tax	5 CU
TAX507 Tax Planning and International Taxation	5 CU
TAX509 Selected Topics in Taxation	5 CU
TAX521 OECD Model Tax Convention	5 CU
TAX523 Cross-Border Tax Planning	5 CU
TAX525 Transfer Pricing	5 CU
TAX529 Taxation, Governance and the Wider Environment	5 CU
TAX531 Applying Transfer Pricing	5 CU
TAX533 Landmark Cases in Income Tax and Handling Tax Controversy	5 CU
TAX535 Taxation and the Digital Economy	5 CU

Youth Work

PGYWK^Specialisation Core (30 cu)

SWK569 Theory and Practice of Youthwork	5 CU
SWK577 Rehabilitation and Protection of Individuals and Families	5 CU
YWK501 Youth Suicide and Prevention	5 CU
YWK503 Gaming, Game Addiction and Cyber-Bullying	5 CU
YWK505 Youth in The World	5 CU
YWK507 Youth Engagement and Relationship	5 CU

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae detailing your education and work experience.

For the 10 cu applied research project, applicants are required to identify a problem and submit a proposal (of about 500 words) that integrates the knowledge acquired from two graduate diplomas and solve the problem in the chosen field(s). Please click here for the proposal template.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, as well as international students.

Tuition Fees

View More Details on Fees

Financial Assistance

The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.

SkillsFuture Series Funding
Some courses receive SkillsFuture Series funding and may also be taken individually via Continuing Education and Training (CET). For information about SkillsFuture Series funding, please click here.

The programme is suitable for those who are keen to formulate innovative solutions and apply the cross-disciplinary knowledge to address the challenges facing a fast-changing world.

In addition, graduates from the Graduate Diploma in Social Work, and the Graduate Diploma in Translation and Technology, may also apply to stack their graduate diplomas towards the Master of Social Sciences by pairing with one of the constituent graduate diplomas and completing an applied research project that integrates the disciplines of the two graduate diplomas.

How many intakes are there in a year for the Master of Social Sciences?
There are two intakes per year that take place in January and July.
How do I apply?
You may start the online application by clicking the Apply Now button on the top of MSSC programme page.
What is the application fee?
Each e-application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee which is payable online only:

Singapore Citizen & Permanent Resident - $60 (subject to prevailing GST)
All other applicants - $100 (subject to prevailing GST)
Is an interview required for admission?
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
What is the total number of CUs required for graduation?
70 cu (60 cu for two graduate diplomas and 10 cu for applied research project). Students must attain Cumulative Grade Point (CGPA) of at least 3.0 out of 5.0 for both graduate diplomas.
What are the assessment components of each course?
It comprises a mixture of pre-course and pre-class quizzes, participation, group-based assignments/tutor-marked assignments and written examinations/end-of-course assessments.

Please refer to the respective programme page for more information.
How much is the tuition fee?
Please click here for more information.
When are the lessons scheduled for SUSS courses?
Classes for SUSS courses are generally conducted on weekday evenings from 7pm to 10pm, or on weekends from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
If I am an international student, do I need to apply for visa to come to Singapore?
The University will provide the necessary information to facilitate the application of student pass. For more information, please click here.
What are some of the recommended Graduate Diploma pairings?
Gerontology + Analytics and Visualisation
Human Capital Management + Analytics and Visualisation
Human Capital Management + Gerontology
Human Capital Management + IP Management
Gerontology + Experience Design
Youth Work + Expressive Arts Therapy
Youth Work + Professional Life-coaching
Professional Life-coaching + Expressive Arts Therapy
Gerontology + Artificial Intelligence for Business
The above list is not exhaustive, as students may curate their own learning and choose their graduate diploma pairings listed in the Master of Social Sciences (MSSC) programme structure for their research proposal.
What happens if I do not complete the graduate programmes (e.g. Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master) within the candidature period? Can I apply to take the remaining courses via CET pathway?
Students who have not completed their graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification for such graduate programmes. Such students however may apply to take, via the CET pathway, the remaining courses which they did not complete under their graduate programmes as part of their personal learning and development . Such application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as such students have exceeded the candidature period for their graduate programmes, they will not be awarded the qualification for such graduate programmes even after taking and completing the remaining courses via the CET pathway (“Condition”).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE, IS one of the courses under a graduate programme. THEREFORE, APPLICANTS FOR THIS COURSE ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION. BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS COURSE, THE APPLICANT AGREES TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION.

"I was attracted to the SUSS MSSC programme because of its interdisciplinary curriculum approach. It allows programme participants to study any two academic disciplines and to also initiate a research project combining both graduate diploma courses.

Having worked in various industries for the past 20 years, I felt such academic flexibility would better dovetail the skills and experience I had acquired; and it being a multiplier factor to my personal growth aspirations. To this end, it wasn’t easy to shortlist the two graduate diploma (GD) programmes as the offerings were unique and relevant in their own way.

Having completed one of the two GDs, I found the academic staff to be extremely knowledgeable and approachable. This helps provide an open and accessible learning platform to all course participants. I also enjoyed the flipped learning pedagogy as it allows adult learners like me to better assimilate to the training materials.

Having completed my first GD programme (Data Analytics and Visualisation) I was able to apply the course to my work. Using actual and available data stored by the nursing home, I was able to analyse the performance of past fundraising campaigns as well as derive new strategies to improve future efforts. The success of the project was also contributed to the strong and constant support from the programme Head and academic staff.

Personally, I will strongly and unreservedly recommend the MSSC programme to anyone looking to enhance existing knowledge and to gain new ones."

Marcus Lee
Director of Operations
Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home