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Course Overview

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.

 

 


All students are required to bring their own notebooks for lessons. You may refer to the required technical specifications for notebooks HERE.

Entry Requirements

 

‘O’ Levels

3 relevant ‘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 OR

Nitec

GPA ≥ 3.5 OR

GPA ≥ 3.0 and 1 year of relevant working experience OR

Higher Nitec in Technology/Services GPA ≥ 2.0 and 1 year of relevant working experience OR
Nitec in Technology/Services 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)

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.

Who Should Attend

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.

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
GPS1301 Fundamentals in Special Needs Education

This subject provides learners with an introduction to the range of special needs and types of disabilities encountered in the special needs education sector. It equips learners with foundational understanding necessary to build towards higher-order skillsets in the areas of classroom management and the development of interventions for people with special needs.

GPS2301 Interventions & Strategies in Special Needs Education

This subject presents an overview of the types of teaching and intervention approaches in managing people with different types of special needs. It also explores teaching strategies to support learners with various special education needs, covers the different types of assessments, and guidelines for their use in the context of special needs education. The subject also explores different programming strategies and interventions to support learners with various special needs.

GPS2302 Behavioural Management in Special Needs Education

This subject presents various evidence-based techniques for understanding and addressing behaviours commonly exhibited by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It explores topics to assess behaviours, develop appropriate interventions, trainings, reinforcement strategies, communication approaches, and training or educational materials in special needs education. Emphasis is placed on individualised interventions tailored to the unique needs and strengths of each person with autism, fostering their social, emotional, and cognitive development while promoting positive interactions and meaningful participation in daily activities.

Subject Code Subject
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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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

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Course Contact

  • Mainline 67881212
  • 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
  • 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.