All students are required to bring their own notebooks for lessons. You may refer to the required technical specifications for notebook HERE.
REGISTRATION PERIOD 6 Nov 2024 - 26 Jan 2025 |
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COURSE DATE | 21 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2027 | COURSE DURATION / FREQUENCY | 3 hours/session (3 days/week) |
MODE OF LEARNING | Facilitated Learning (Face-to-Face/ Online Synchronous) and Asynchronous E-Learning | COURSE VENUE | Temasek Polytechnic |
Today’s evolving social landscape has created significant opportunities in social services and special needs education. From community support to behavioural management and psychological practices, these areas are crucial in fostering inclusive and supportive environments.
In this comprehensive diploma course, you will gain the knowledge and skills to excel in social services and special needs education. Delve into fundamental and applied psychology, learning about intervention strategies, behavioural management, and the latest psychological perspectives. Equip yourself with the expertise to support casework, facilitate group work, and develop impactful community programs.
What You'll Learn
Upon graduating from the course, graduates should be able to:
- Support the conduct of casework and group work in the community through the application of relevant theories and techniques
- Support programme development and implementation by identifying and addressing needs in the community (including people with special needs)
- Apply ethical principles and guidelines in the social services, special needs education and research domains
- Apply sound methodology and techniques in carrying out applied research, including programme evaluation
- Apply psychological theories and methodologies in relevant industry sectors
To be awarded the Diploma in Psychology (Social Services and Special Needs Education), participants are required to complete a total of 5 modular certificates (MCs). A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of each MC.
Subject Code | Subject | ||
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GPS2303 | Counselling Psychology
This subject aims to provide an introduction to the field of counselling psychology. Learners will be exposed to the fundamentals of counselling and discuss the theoretical perspectives that guide the work of counselling psychologists. Learners will also explore contemporary issues that influence the counselling profession, including ethics, assessment and working with diversity, and to learn about special approaches and settings for counsellors. |
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GPS2304 | Group Work Facilitation
This subject equips learners with the knowledge and skillsets necessary to develop and carry out group work sessions in the context of the social service sector. |
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GPS2305 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology
This subject involves seminars and workshops conducted for deeper study and inquiry into special topics exploring the application of psychology in specific settings such as personal, social and organisational settings. Supervised by staff or guest lecturers who are experts in their fields, the subject is designed to encourage research as well as the intensive study of specific topics and areas that could vary depending on resources and expertise. |
Subject Code | Subject | ||
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GPS1302 | Foundation Psychology
This subject provides learners with an overall perspective and understanding of psychology as a scientific study of mental processes and human behaviour. Fundamental concepts, theories and methodology in the study of psychology will be explored to enhance your understanding of the biological, cognitive and social bases of behaviour. |
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GPS1303 | Social Services in Singapore
This subject provides a broad introduction to the social services sector in Singapore, including the special needs education sector. Learners will be introduced to the social services landscape including the key agencies in the sector, as well as the issues and challenges faced within this sector. |
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GPS1304 | Research Methods in Psychology
This subject aims to provide learners with an overview of research methodology and statistical tools in the social sciences. This will include an introduction to the enterprise of scientific research, research ethics, and also rudimentary research methods and statistical concepts, in order to prepare learners for more advanced research methods subjects. |
Subject Code | Subject | ||
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GPS2306 | Cognitive Psychology
This subject explores two main thematic areas of human information processing, namely, perception and cognition. Learners will explore topics such as sensory perception, attention, learning and memory, knowledge structure, language, judgment and decision-making in order to enhance their understanding of how human beings perceive and process information. |
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GPS2307 | Developmental Psychology
This subject examines theories and methodologies covered in developmental psychology. Learners will explore and gain a deeper understanding of how people change at each developmental phase as a result of interaction between innate factors and external experiences. |
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GPS2308 | Social Psychology
This subject is about the scientific study of the interactions between people and the social contexts they live in. Through exploring real-world social events and situations, learners will gain a deeper appreciation of how people’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours are influenced by other people. |
Subject Code | Subject | ||
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GPS3301 | Abnormal Psychology
This subject explores concepts and issues surrounding abnormal behaviour and illnesses. Learners will explore major theories on how physiology, cognition, developmental, social and other issues influence behaviour. Learners will also be provided with an overview of intervention methodologies and techniques commonly used in the treatment of maladaptive behaviours and psychological disorders. |
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GPS3302 | Deviant Behaviour & Rehabilitation
This subject focuses on raising awareness of the theoretical, psychological and developmental perspectives on deviant behaviour. In addition, it examines the psychological factors that relate to crime on a general level, specific offences and also specific offender and victim groups. Learners will learn to evaluate the contribution of psychology to the explanation of deviant behaviour in a multi-disciplinary framework. Learners will also gain an understanding of the Singapore prisons and rehabilitation system. |
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GPS3303 | Community Psychology
This subject helps learners understand the ecological interaction between individual, group, organisational, community and societal factors and their effect on the health and affective well-being of all members of a community. It will also introduce learners to the theories and paradigms of research and action, promotion of psychological resilience and prevention of mental health problems, based on community psychology perspectives. |
Modes of Assessment
The assessment would be based on a combination of coursework components such as practical and written tests as well as assignments.
For more information on course fee / schedule, or to apply,
Career Opportunities
This course provides job opportunities for graduates to work in both the social service and special needs education sectors. The skills acquired through this diploma also prepare graduates for positions in counselling, rehabilitation, program development, allied health, special education and research, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in various community and educational settings.
Upon completing the part-time diploma course, graduates can look forward to taking up the following types of roles:
- Special Education Assistant Teacher
- Social Service Assistant
- Community Support Worker
- Case Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Behavioural Therapist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
Entry Requirements
‘O’ Levels | At least 3 ‘O’ Level passes AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
Higher Nitec | GPA ≥ 2.0 |
OR | |
GPA ≥ 1.5 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
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OR | |
Nitec | GPA ≥ 3.5 |
OR | |
GPA ≥ 3.0 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
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OR | |
Higher Nitec in Technology | GPA ≥ 2.0 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
Higher Nitec in Service | GPA ≥ 2.0 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
Nitec in Technology | GPA ≥ 3.5 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
Nitec in Service | GPA ≥ 3.5 AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
WSQ Qualification | Relevant WSQ Qualification with 1 year of relevant working experience AND WSQ Workplace Literacy Statement of Attainment (SOA)(Level 6) AND Workplace Numeracy Statement of Attainment (SOA)(Level 6) AND 1 year of relevant working experience |
OR | |
Without relevant academic qualifications | At least 2 years of relevant working experience |
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 2 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.
Suitable For
This programme is suitable for in-service staff with Nitec or Higher Nitec qualifications, mid-careerists without a psychology background, and fresh ITE graduates seeking to enhance their careers in the social service and special education (SPED) sectors. The course provides the opportunity to upskill or transit into community-focused careers, by gaining relevant knowledge and skills in the social services or special needs education sectors. It is designed to foster professional growth and strengthen the workforce in these critical areas.
Course Contact
- Mainline 67881212
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Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Closed during lunchtime, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
and on weekends and public holidays. - https://www.tp.edu.sg/tsa
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Temasek SkillsFuture Academy (TSA)
Temasek Polytechnic
East Wing, Block 1A, Level 3, Unit 109
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757
Temasek Polytechnic reserves the right to alter the course, modify the scale of fee, amend any other information or cancel course with low enrolment.