Overview
Evolving societal, community and individual needs bring about heightened expectations of contemporary social workers, from both clients and employers.
To meet these challenges of the new era, leaders in the social services sector are required to play a vital role in guiding and developing fellow social workers as well as to possess a wealth of knowledge in a specific field. This programme offers the key to fulfil this new role.
The Master of Social Work (MDSW) programmes are practice-based programmes designed to prepare social workers aspiring to take up leadership positions in the social service sector. They aim to equip graduates with advanced clinical social work skills, administrative and supervision skills to function at management positions in the sector.
Unique Features of the Programme
- The programme is specifically designed for social workers, recognising prior professional knowledge and focusing on advanced-level competencies relevant to leadership and specialised practice.
- The programme offers two specialisation tracks – Social Impact Leadership and Advanced Clinical Practice – allowing students to tailor their learning to their professional aspiration.
- Students develop the ability to critically appraise practice, use data meaningfully, and contribute practice-informed research/ research-informed practice and service improvement.
- Learning is grounded in real-world practice, with strong emphasis on application, critical reflection and practice-based inquiry relevant to Singapore’s social service landscape.
- 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 brings together experienced social work professionals from diverse sectors, creating rich opportunities for peer learning, professional exchange and collaboration.
Register for our e-PG Day programme briefing session on 28 March 2026 (Sat) to have your queries answered by our faculty. This online session will be conducted from 11am to 12am. |
Career Prospects
Building on prior professional experience in social work, the Master of Social Work programme prepare graduates for advanced and leadership role across the social service sectors. Graduates of the ‘Social Impact Leadership’ track are well-equipped for managerial, strategic, and policy-oriented roles. ‘Advanced Clinical Practice’ track prepares graduates to be senior practice and clinical leadership roles, focusing on complex case work, supervision of practitioners, practice development, and enhancing service quality through research-informed and reflective practice.
Programme Structure
Master of Social Work
Students are required to complete a total of 60 credit units (cu) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 to graduate. The breakdown of the cu to be completed is:
- 30 cu of Core courses (including 10 cu of Social Service Applied Project)
- 20 cu of Electives courses (Specialisation tracks or Generic Master of Social Work)1
- 10 cu of Unrestricted Elective Course2
1 Students have the option to not choose either Track 1 or Track 2 but can select courses from both baskets to complete 20 cu.
2 Students will need to select a Research Methodology Course (5 cu) as part of the Graduate Unrestricted Electives requirement if they do not have relevant research knowledge to embark on their Applied Project.
Curriculum
Admission Requirements
Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.
The Master of Social Work programme is open to individuals holding a social work degree – either undergraduate or graduate diploma degree in social work.
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.
This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Tuition Fees
View More Details on FeesFinancial Assistance
Concession
The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.
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Area of Interest: Community Care and Social Services
Programme Type: Graduate Studies