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Graduate Diploma in Gerontology

Graduate Diploma
(Postgraduate)

Offers a holistic training for a rewarding career in the eldercare and silver sector.

Graduate Diploma in Gerontology


Overview

Meet the Head of Programme at our online dialogue session via Zoom and have your questions answered!

• Monday, 16 December 2024, 3.00pm – 4.00pm

[ Register now ! ]


The rapidly ageing population in Singapore, and concomitant need for trained professionals in the health, social and psychological services have given rise to an imperative need for Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Graduate Diploma in Gerontology, Master of Gerontology and PhD in Gerontology programmes. As the needs of elder people are specialised, dedicated attention within the training to address specific characteristics such as the ageing process, demands interdisciplinary courses in Gerontology.

Singapore University of Social Sciences's Master of Gerontology, with graduate certificate, graduate diploma and PhD option is the first in Singapore to offer a holistic training for a rewarding career in the eldercare and silver sector. Graduates from the programme will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills to be leaders and consultants in the field of gerontology. They will be prepared to perform challenging roles and functions in both government and private sectors.

Unique Features of the Programme

  • Enrol for any standalone module of your interest
  • Exciting array of modules and range of lecturers from local and overseas contexts
  • Blend of theoretical and practical teaching modes
  • Flexible enrolment by individual modules for credits

Most importantly, what distinguishes the programme from others are that

  • There are frequent tie-ups with industry partners which can help students establish valuable networks;
  • Students are often informed of industry activities and even have a chance to be involved in them due to our amicable relationships with our partners;
  • Students are able to do various applied projects to solve the community issues together with our partners;
  • Students are able to attend international dialogues with scholars and practitioners who are passionate about ageing matters.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Subscribe to our SUSS Gerontology channel on Youtube to know more about our programme and gain more insight to the industry.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

This programme is currently unable to take in international students, i.e., you must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or a resident in Singapore (e.g., Employment Pass holder) in order to apply for admission.

Financial Assistance

Concession

The University offers course fee concession for selected graduate programmes. Please click here for more details.

Sponsorship

Alice Lim Memorial Fund
To apply for Alice Lim Memorial Fund, please click here for more details.

Study Grant
Anonymous donors are sponsoring study grants for needy students pursuing graduate programmes at Singapore University of Social Sciences. Please click here for more details.

SkillsFuture Study Award for Healthcare and Social Sectors
Applicants may apply for the study award for Healthcare Sector which is worth $5000. Please refer to the following website for details:
- SkillsFuture Study Award for Healthcare
- SkillsFuture Study Award for Social

SkillsFuture Fellowships
The SkillsFuture Fellowships are for Singapore Citizens with at least 10 years of working experience in the same, or related, industries or job functions. The award is worth $10,000 and further details are available here.

Programme Structure

Students are required to complete a total of 30 credit units (cu) with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to graduate with a graduate diploma.

  • 30 cu of Core Courses

Courses may also be taken individually as a graduate certification course.

ProgStruc_GER

GER525 Internship is compulsory for students who are looking at progressing to Master in Gerontology after completion of Graduate Diploma in Gerontology, but do not have experience in eldercare sector. If you have relevant experience in eldercare sector, kindly include a letter/email from your supervisor or HR detailing your jobscope in your application. With this documentation, you can take another course in replacement of GER525. Without submission of this document, the School will assume that you would need to take on GER525 Internship and will notify you to attend an internship briefing before the course commences.

The programme is for professionals in the eldercare industry such as social workers, nurses, occupational and physiotherapists, counsellors and managers. It is also suitable for those who wish to switch careers and enter the eldercare/silver industry.

The programme is recognised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, National Council of Social Service, Ministry of Health, Gerontological Society and Workforce Development Agency. Graduates can apply for positions in government, statutory boards, profit and not-for-profit agencies and eldercare services.

  1. How many intake(s) are there in a year for Graduate Diploma (GDGER) & Master of Gerontology (MGER)?
    One intake a year; every July.
  2. What is the duration to complete the GDGER & MGER?
    GDGER is a 1-year programme and MGER is another 1-year programme.
  3. What is the maximum candidature for GDGER and MGER?
    The maximum candidature for GDGER is 2 years and additional 2 years for MGER.
  4. When are the lessons scheduled?
    Lessons are mostly scheduled on 4 Saturdays per course from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with a lunch break of an hour.
  5. Currently I'm currently holding a full-time job, how should I go about completing the MGER internship?
    The internship can be arranged with Singapore University of Social Sciences' appointed supervisor to accommodate to your full-time work schedule.
  6. How long is the duration for MGER internship?
    2 semesters (1 year) usually from year 2 onwards when students have completed the 6 compulsory courses under Graduate Diploma in Gerontology. Students have to clock 200 hours within this timeframe.
  7. Is it the students' responsibility to look for internship partners or will Singapore University of Social Sciences assist?
    Students are advised to suggest their preferred agencies for internship. Ultimately, Singapore University of Social Sciences will assign them with a supervisor and agency.
  8. How long will the dissertation take?
    Students can take up to 9 months to complete the dissertation.
  9. What happens if I do not complete the graduate programmes (e.g. Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master) within the candidature period? Can I apply to take the remaining courses via CET pathway?
    Students who do not complete the graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification. You may apply to take the remaining courses as part of your personal learning and development via CET pathway. Your application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as the candidature period has been exceeded, you will not be awarded the qualification even after taking the courses via CET pathway.
Koh Tat Wan
"The programme is interesting as it covers bio-psycho-social-spiritual approaches towards ageing issues, as well as ethical and legal aspects which are very relevant to my job scope.


The theories, practical knowledge, and skills learnt from the programme greatly helps practitioners like me, to relate and apply the knowledge during my assessment and intervention with individual seniors. and to resolve issues on the ground.

As a clinical supervisor, the knowledge learnt enabled me to advise and guide my younger colleagues to navigate the challenges they faced in their work with seniors."


MR KOH TAT WAN
Senior Social Worker
Touch Community Services Ltd
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