Graduate Diploma in Social Work (GDSW)

Overview

As societal, community, and individual needs continue to evolve, the expectations placed on contemporary social workers by both clients and employers have increased significantly.

The Graduate Diploma in Social Work (GDSW) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The programme is particularly well-suited for those who aspire to develop a professional career in the social service sector, including fresh graduates from other disciplines, mid-career switchers, and practitioners seeking formal professional qualifications in social work.

Grounded in social work values and practice, the programme equips students with essential knowledge, practical skills, and ethical foundations required for social work practice in Singapore’s diverse social service landscape. Upon graduation, students will attain the essential academic qualification to enter the social service sector as a social worker, preparing them for roles across community agencies, social service organisations, healthcare settings, and related fields.

The curriculum integrates theory with practice, enabling students to understand social issues, apply evidence-informed interventions, and work collaboratively with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Unique Features of the Programme

The programme provides the foundational academic qualification required to enter the social service sector, equipping graduates with core competencies expected of social work professionals.
The programme emphasises the application of theory to real-world contexts. Students develop core competencies in areas such as casework, group work, community practice, social policy, and ethical decision-making, ensuring they are practice-ready upon graduation.
All courses are taught by established academics and professionals in leadership positions with vast real-time experiences, ensuring that issues discussed are always kept current and relevant for practical application.
The programme provides a strong platform for continued professional development including further studies in social work (Master of Social Work) or related disciplines and long-term career progression in the social service sector.

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Career Prospects

Graduates of the graduate diploma programme will be recognised as social workers by the Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board (SWAAB) as well as by key employers in the field, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY), and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue enriching careers in family service centers, children and youth agencies, government bodies, healthcare institutions, prisons and rehabilitative agencies and other community development or social service agencies.

Programme Structure

Graduate Diploma in Social Work
Students are required to complete a total of 40 credit units (cu) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 to graduate. A supervised practicum (400 hours) is also required for graduates to apply their knowledge in an actual social service setting.

GDSWK Flowchart Jan26

Curriculum

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Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

Applicants will need to submit their CV for the application to be considered, and may be required to undergo one or more interview(s) to assess their suitability in terms of their motivation and ability to complete the programme.

In the event of overwhelming demand and limited vacancy, priority will be given to eligible applicants who applied early. You are encouraged to submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

Tuition Fees

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The programme is particularly well-suited for those who aspire to develop a professional career in the social service sector, including fresh graduates from other disciplines, mid-career switchers, and practitioners seeking formal professional qualifications in social work.

How many intake(s) are there in a year for the Graduate Diploma in Social Work (GDSW)?
There are 2 intakes a year; every January and July.
What is the duration to complete the programme?
Students will take 3 semesters to graduate based on the recommended course load of 3 courses per semester.
How many courses students take in each semester?
Students are recommended to take up to 3 courses per semester.
When are the lessons scheduled?
Lessons are scheduled on 4 Saturdays per course, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with a lunch break of an hour.
Currently I'm holding a full-time job. How should I go about completing the supervised practicum sessions?
The practicum stretches over 2 semesters and students who are not able to do the block practicum (full-time) will be assisted to complete the 400 hours in smaller stretches.
Will Singapore University of Social Sciences help to source for practicum sites or must the student self-source the practicum sites?
The University will assist to source for practicum sites for students. However, students may also nominate their preferred self-sourced practicum sites which are subjected to screening and approval.
How long does it take to complete the practicum?
Students have up to 2 semesters to complete the practicum.
I'm interested in the Career Conversion Programme for Social Workers (CCPSW). Where can I find more details?
Please refer to the CCPSW webpage here for more details.
Do note that the CCPSW scheme is only offered in the July semester intake and applicants who are keen should correspondingly apply for the July semester intake of GDSW (i.e. successful CCPSW applicants will be enrolled to GDSW under the July semester intake).
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.

Financial Assistance

Concession

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

SWSD

Bachelor of Social Work (Part-Time)

Area of Interest: Community Care and Social Services

Programme Type: Part-time Undergraduate

SWSD

Master of Social Work

Area of Interest: Community Care and Social Services

Programme Type: Graduate Studies

SWSD

Bachelor of Social Work

Area of Interest: Community Care and Social Services

Programme Type: Full-time Undergraduate

SWK501 Human Lifespan and Social Ecology	5 CU
SWK502 Social Work Practice I: Casework and Family Intervention	5 CU
SWK504 Social Work Practice II: Groupwork & Community Organisation	5 CU
SWK506 Social Welfare Policy and Delivery Systems	5 CU
SWK508 Legal and Ethical Issues and Decision Making in Social Work	5 CU
SWK509 Social Research and Programme Evaluation	5 CU
SWK510 Social Issues and Social Services in Singapore	5 CU
SWK512 Social Work Practicum and Field Seminar	5 CU

Graduate Diploma in Social Work

Application Period

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Overview

Career Prospects

Programme Structure

Curriculum

Admission Requirements