Graduate Diploma (Social Work)
Arts and Social Sciences 
Social Work 
swkbox3@nus.edu.sg
Department of Social Work Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS3 Level 4, 3 Arts Link Singapore 117570
Graduate diploma
Social Work
The Graduate Diploma in Social Work (GDSW) programme was launched in 1999 and is for persons holding non-social work degrees. They are typically currently working in social service sector or planning to switch into social work.
Faculty
Arts and Social SciencesSocial Workswkbox3@nus.edu.sgDepartment of Social Work Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS3 Level 4, 3 Arts Link Singapore 117570Welcome to the NUS Department of Social Work!
- Since 1952, our department has trained social workers in Singapore who have positively and significantly impacted our society, at both levels of frontline social work practice addressing the needs of marginalized groups and individuals, as well as policy changes promoting social justice and inclusiveness. Today, we continue to attract some of our country’s brightest students who demonstrate talent and passion for the people-helping profession.
- Social Work education at NUS strongly advocates a dual focus on thinking and doing. By thinking, we engage students in conceptual, abstract, and critical thinking that is vital for effective leadership in social work practice. By doing so, our students undergo a mandatory 800-hour field educational experience — our signature pedagogy — which provides immersion in practice and empowers students for real-life scenarios upon their graduation.
Scholarships
Alice Goh ScholarshipEe Peng Liang Memorial FundNgee Ann Kongsi-Post Graduate Scholarship
Commitment and Candidature
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Part Time | 1.5 Year | 3 Years |
Target Audience
Bachelor’s degree students with relevant background who aims to develop themselves into competent social service professionals in social work theory and practice, and social service delivery systems.
General Admission Criteria
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | A NUS Bachelor’s degree with Minor in Human Services; or Bachelor's degree and work in the social services or related fields; or demonstrate commitment in helping through volunteering experience reaching out to vulnerable population; or Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 6.0 / 9 | ||
Please refer to the Faculty’s website here for the complete admission requirements and here for a list of supporting documents required.
Application Periods and Intakes
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | 1 August (in the year preceding the intake) to 15 January (in the same year as the intake) | End of May |
How to Apply?