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Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy

Graduate Diploma
(Postgraduate)

To meet the growing need for specialised competencies in systemic couple and family work.

Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy


Overview

Despite state efforts in promoting strong and stable families, relational issues within families are increasing and the need for couple and family oriented services is pressing. In response to the growing need for specialised competencies in systemic couple and family work, Singapore University of Social Sciences now offers Graduate Certificate in Systemic Therapy (GCST) and Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy (GDST).

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, applicants will need to meet these minimum requirements:

  • Possess at least a basic degree from a recognised institution or its equivalent, in Counselling, Social Work or Psychology, or a postgraduate degree that includes the following clinical knowledge and skills, or their equivalent: Principles and Practice of Counselling, Psychosocial Development, Clinical Assessment and Ethics in Counselling, Psychological Disorders and Intervention Strategies, Couple and Family Therapy.
  • At least two years of work experience preferably in couple, family, and community work.
  • Good communication skills (written and spoken English).

This programme is currently unable to take in international students, i.e., you must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or a resident in Singapore (e.g., Employment Pass holder) in order to apply for admission.

Financial Assistance

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

Programme Structure

The programme offers flexibility to students in choosing courses that are in alignment with their interest and professional development. Students should complete any six courses to obtain a graduate diploma. Students who graduated with graduate certificate can return after some time to acquire new and relevant clinical skills offered in a second graduate certificate. The two combined certificates (consisting of 6 courses) will then qualify these students to stack up to a graduate diploma in systemic therapy.

The graduation requirements and candidature of the proposed programme is as follows::

  • Candidates are given a maximum candidature of 24 months (2 years).
  • Certification requirement of a CPGA of 2.5 will apply.

This programme provides continuous professional development for students who have completed their master's degree in counselling, social work, psychology, or equivalent, and wish to pursue additional knowledge in couple and family therapy (CFT) with at least two years of work experience preferably in couple and family work. SUSS alumni can also pursue courses in Systemic Therapy (ST) for their ongoing professional development.

SUSS alumni can pursue courses in Systemic Therapy for their ongoing professional development. SUSS alumni will be offered two courses free of charge within two years of graduation.

Graduates can look forward to building a career in couple and family therapy. Our faculty consists of local and international systemic therapy scholars and practitioners who will equip students with clinical competencies to support, heal and transform troubled relationships among individuals, couples, children, families and communities into emotionally healthier relationships.

  1. 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 do not complete the graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification. You may apply to take the remaining courses as part of your personal learning and development via CET pathway. Your application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as the candidature period has been exceeded, you will not be awarded the qualification even after taking the courses via CET pathway.
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