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Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

Graduate Certificate
(Postgraduate)

Key Highlights

  • Exciting array of modules and wide range of lecturers from local and overseas contexts
  • Blend of theoretical and practical teaching modes
  • Multi-disciplinary Applied Learning


Graduate Certificate in Gerontology


Overview

The rapidly ageing population in Singapore and concomitant need for trained professionals in the health, social and psychological services have given rise to an imperative need for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Graduate Diploma in Gerontology, Master of Gerontology and PhD in Gerontology programmes. As the needs of the elderly are specialised, dedicated attention within the training to address specific characteristics, such as the ageing process, demands interdisciplinary courses in Gerontology.

Singapore University of Social Sciences’ Master of Gerontology, with Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and PhD option, is the first in Singapore to offer a holistic training programme for a rewarding career in the eldercare and silver sector. Graduates from the programme will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills to be leaders and consultants in the field of gerontology. They will be prepared to perform challenging roles and functions in both government and private sectors.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

For SUSS graduate programmes that are conducted in the English Language, you must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR)* if your undergraduate degree is not awarded by an English-medium university, or your undergraduate degree is awarded by an English-medium university but the language of instruction was not English.

* at least an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 85 (internet-based), or a PTE Academic score of 58, or C1 Advanced score of 180 [score must be obtained within the last 2 years at point of application].

Applicants with an undergraduate degree that was conducted in English but awarded by a non-English medium university must produce an official letter from the university to certify as such in order to seek waiver of the ELPR requirement.

Financial Assistance

N.A

Programme Structure

Each of the courses in the GCGER programme is 5 credit units and can be taken on a stand-alone basis. These courses can be stacked to a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology upon successful completion of 15 credit units of coursework.

Compulsory Compliance Courses (15 cu)

This is a programme with weekend classes. Students have to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in their coursework as part of the fulfilment of the GCGERC programme.

Find out more on the admission eligibility criteria and tuition fee.

The programme is for professionals in the eldercare industry such as social workers, nurses, occupational and physiotherapists, counsellors and managers. It is also suitable for those who wish to switch careers and enter the eldercare/silver industry.

The programme is recognised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, Ministry of Health, Gerontological Society and Workforce Development Agency. Graduates can apply for positions in government, statutory boards, profit and not-for-profit agencies and eldercare services.

  1. Instead of signing up for a Graduate Certificate programme, can I just register for one course?
    Applicants may continue to sign up for modular courses as CET by submitting an application via the CET application portal. Upon successful completion of and attainment of the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.50 for the required modular courses, eligible CET students may apply for the graduate certificate.

  2. 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.

  3. What is the maximum candidature of the programme?
    The maximum candidature for GCGER is 2 years.

  4. How many intakes are there in a year?

    Application Period for January Semester: October to mid-November
    Application Period for July Semester: May to mid-June

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