Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work)

Course Structure
YEAR 1 - SEMESTERS 1 & 2
Core modules
HS1133 Introduction to Social Work
HS1134 Dynamics of Interpersonal Effectiveness
HS1097 Introduction to Sociology
HS1096 Introduction to Psychology
HS1135 Basic Counselling and Intervention Skills
HS1136 Ethical Issues and Legal Provisions in the Social Service Setting
HS1137 Contemporary Social Issues
HS1138 Human Development over the Lifespan
HS1139 Group Dynamics and Facilitation
HS1140 Case Management and Report Writing
HS1141 Working with Families
HS1142 Working with Children and Youth
YEAR 2 - SEMESTERS 1 & 2
Core modules
HS2178 Program Planning, Organizing and Evaluation
HS2179 Working with Older Adults
HS2180 Working with People with Disabilities and Special Needs
HS2181 Marketing in Social Services
HS2182 Crisis Intervention
HS2134 Research Methods
HS2183 Communication and Public Education
HS2184 Working in Healthcare Settings
HS2185 Working in Correctional Settings
HS2135 Statistics
HS2186 Industry Attachment I
YEAR 3 - SEMESTERS 1 & 2
Core modules
HS3121 Final Year Project
HS3122 Organizational Behaviour and Leadership
HS3123 Volunteer Management
HS3124 Industry Attachment II

MODULE SYNOPSES
YEAR 1
Core Modules
HS 1133

Introduction to Social Work

60 hours

This module gives the students a broad understanding of the social work
profession and the role that the profession plays in the social service system. It
examines the values, principles and purpose of social work and issues in social
services in the Singapore setting. As an integral component of the module,
students will be required to visit various social service and voluntary welfare
agencies in Singapore.

HS 1134

Dynamics of Interpersonal Effectiveness

45 hours

This module aims to improve the interpersonal effectiveness of the students.

Topics covered include self-awareness, others-awareness, emotional and social
intelligence. In addition to providing the students with theoretical knowledge,
emphasis will be placed on practice and application using experiential learning
methods.

HS 1097

Introduction to Sociology

30 hours

This module provides an introduction to the sociological concepts and

perspectives used to understand and analyse the broad socio-cultural context of
society.

HS 1096

Introduction to Psychology

30 hours

This module gives a broad overview of various topics in psychology, such as

learning, memory, emotion, motivation and personality. Students will learn to
appreciate psychological theories at a foundational level and apply them to their
interaction with and service of clients.

HS 1135

Basic Counselling and Intervention Skills

90 hours

This module looks at the history of counselling and the spectrum of models of
counselling. Students will gain an appreciation of the theories, assessment and
intervention methods associated with different approaches to counselling and the
debate about integration and eclecticism of theory and practice. Students will

also be given ample opportunities to practise and refine basic counselling and
interviewing skills.

HS 1136

Ethical Issues & Legal Provisions in Social Service Setting

45 hours

This module examines the ethical issues and dilemmas faced by the profession
in the practice of social work. Students will be introduced to the code of
professional ethics of the Singapore Association for Social Workers. The module
will also acquaint students with an understanding of major legislations related to
the practice of social work in Singapore.

HS 1137

Contemporary Social Issues

60 hours

This module examines social issues and problems faced in society. Students will
explore and understand the historical, economic, political and socio-cultural
factors surrounding these issues and problems as well as attempts to solve or
address them. Topics covered include racism, family violence, drug abuse and
alcoholism.

HS 1138

Human Development over the Lifespan

45 hours

This module covers the scope of human development from birth to old age. It will
examine major developmental theories from a lifespan perspective. Specifically,
students will look at physical, cognitive, social, psycho-emotional and moral
development from the viewpoint of a helping profession.

HS 1139

Group Dynamics and Facilitation

90 hours

This module introduces students to group processes, stages of group

development and the different types of groups. Students will gain understanding
of the dynamics generated in group processes and develop skills in group
facilitation and intervention. Emphasis will be placed on the application of
theoretical concepts to planning, conducting and evaluating group sessions.

HS 1140

Case Management and Report Writing

45 hours

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of case

management. It will examine the case management model which encompasses
these stages: assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation and termination.
Students will be equipped with the skills to accurately assess clients problems

and effectively identify specific interventions to enhance clients well-being.

Besides students will also learn the techniques of report writing, case
documentation and recording.

HS 1141

Working with Families

45 hours

This module provides students with a broad sociological framework towards

understanding the family and its interacting dynamics. Through exploring the
needs of the family at different stages, students will examine the different
approaches in family-centred practice.

HS 1142

Working with Children and Youth

45 hours

This module aims to provide students the knowledge base and intervention skills
to work with children and youth. Students will explore issues related to child and
youth welfare such as neglect and abuse, delinquency, adoption, legislation and
legal procedures, as well as preventive and protective provisions.

YEAR 2
Core Modules
HS 2178

Program Planning, Organizing and Evaluation

90 hours

This module serves to help the students to learn how to design an effective
community program utilizing their knowledge and understanding of the current
trends in the social service sector. It aims to provide students with the necessary
knowledge and skills in program planning, budgeting as well as the various
evaluation methods in determining the effectiveness of community programs.

HS 2179

Working with Older Adults

45 hours

This module introduces a biopsychosocial approach in assessing and helping

elders. Topics such as common cognitive and emotional problems, suicide, elder
abuse, caregiver issues and working with elders support systems are also
included.

HS 2180

Working with People with Disabilities and Special Needs

45 hours

This module provides an overview of working with disabled clients with physical,
developmental, cognitive, speech or sensory impairment. It discusses
assessment from the strengths perspective, quality of life issues and various
practice models at the individual, family and community level.

HS 2181

Marketing in Social Services

45 hours

This module enables students to acquire an understanding of the fundamental

principles and concepts of marketing. Focus will be placed on the application of
marketing knowledge and skills in the advertising and promotion of programmes
and activities in the social service sector.

HS 2182

Crisis Intervention

45 hours

This module introduces students to the theories of crisis intervention and equips
them with the principles of effective crisis responding skills. Theories and skills to
intervene effectively at the individual, family, group and community level as well
as principles of international recovery management will be discussed. Emphasis
is on how to teach and educate the community about crisis intervention and
prevention to promote good mental health.

HS2134

Research Methods

30 hours

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of research
methodology. It covers areas of research design related to conceptualisation,
operationalisation, validation, sampling, and examines various methodologies for
data collection.

HS 2183

Communication and Public Education

90 hours

This module is designed to teach communication theories and their application in

public education context. Students will be given opportunities to network with
community partners and display their creativity in conceptualizing public
communication projects.

HS 2184

Working in Healthcare Settings

75 hours

This module covers the psychosocial impact of physical and mental illnesses on
individuals and families. Working with clients to increase coping resources and
an understanding of current healthcare policies are also covered. This module
also provides students with knowledge of medical terms commonly used in the
healthcare system.

HS 2185

Working in Correctional Settings

45 hours

This module gives students a theoretical understanding of crime, juvenile

delinquency and drug abuse in the local context. It covers existing approaches in
the probation of delinquents, care and rehabilitation of adult offenders.

HS2135

Statistics

30 hours

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and principles associated
with statistical analysis. It aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and
interpret findings. The module covers various aspects of probability, descriptive
and inferential data analysis.

HS 2186

Industry Attachment I

320 hours

Students are attached to various social service agencies for industry experience.
They learn to integrate theory into practice by observing and practicing methods
and skills at an individual, group or community level. They also have
opportunities to work alongside other helping professionals like social workers,
counselors, psychologists etc.

YEAR 3
Core Modules
HS3121

Final Year Project

330 hours

This module provides a platform for students to consolidate and apply knowledge
and skills acquired in the course into an integrated project. Students are
expected to investigate a social issue or an aspect of social work practice
systematically. Based on the findings of their research, they have to plan and
execute an original community-based project from beginning to completion. In
addition to reinforcing theories and skills necessary for research and project

management, the project work also instills life skills such as initiative,
independence, teamwork and interpersonal skills to prepare students adequately
for entry into workforce.

HS 3122

Organizational Behaviour and Leadership

45 hours

This module introduces students to the impact of organizations on the individual

behaviour. Students will learn group behaviours, leadership theories, personality,
motivation and job satisfaction, the various models of organizational structures
and systems, effect of organizational culture and models of change management.

HS 3123

Volunteer Management

45 hours

This module introduces students to the importance of volunteers and the critical
role volunteers play in the social service sector. Students will be taught
framework and skills of effective volunteer recruitment and management.
Students will be equipped with management skills and knowledge in recruiting,
retaining, motivating and supervising volunteers.

HS 3124

Industry Attachment II

480 hours

Students are attached to various social service agencies for industry experience.
They learn to integrate theory into practice by observing and practicing methods
and skills at an individual, group or community level. They also have
opportunities to work alongside other helping professionals like social workers,
counselors, psychologists etc.