Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy

Graduate Diploma
(Postgraduate)

To meet the growing need for specialised competencies in systemic couple and family work.

Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy

Applications Open: 15 January 2025

Applications Close: 15 April 2025

Next Available Intake: July 2025

Programme Type: Graduate

Fees: View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest: Social Services

School/Department: S R Nathan School of Human Development

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

• Saturday, 30 November 2024, 2.00pm – 3.30pm

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Despite state efforts in promoting strong and stable families, relational issues within families are increasing and the need for couple and family oriented services is pressing. In response to the growing need for specialised competencies in systemic couple and family work, Singapore University of Social Sciences now offers Graduate Certificate in Systemic Therapy (GCST) and Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy (GDST).

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Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, applicants will need to meet these minimum requirements:

Possess at least a basic degree from a recognised institution or its equivalent, in Counselling, Social Work or Psychology, or a postgraduate degree that includes the following clinical knowledge and skills, or their equivalent: Principles and Practice of Counselling, Psychosocial Development, Clinical Assessment and Ethics in Counselling, Psychological Disorders and Intervention Strategies, Couple and Family Therapy.
At least two years of work experience preferably in couple, family, and community work.
Good communication skills (written and spoken English).

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.

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

The programme offers flexibility to students in choosing courses that are in alignment with their interest and professional development. Students should complete any six courses to obtain a graduate diploma. Students who graduated with graduate certificate can return after some time to acquire new and relevant clinical skills offered in a second graduate certificate. The two combined certificates (consisting of 6 courses) will then qualify these students to stack up to a graduate diploma in systemic therapy.

The graduation requirements and candidature of the proposed programme is as follows::

Candidates are given a maximum candidature of 24 months (2 years).
Certification requirement of a CPGA of 2.5 will apply.

All GDST courses requires 100% attendance. Exceptions are given only to cases with evidence (e.g., medical certification of self and immediate family). Family holidays and work-related travels would not be considered. Students who fail to provide a valid certification or reasons for their absence will be penalised.

DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM PLAN

Module Types
ELECTIVE	COU502 Advanced Systemic Family Therapy COU504 Structural Family Therapy COU506 Advanced Couple Therapy COU507 Couple and Family Therapy COU508 Systemic Family Therapy Supervision COU511 Clinical Supervision in Counselling & Systemic Therapy COU517 Systemic Family Therapy COU519 Person of the Therapist COU550 Emotionally Focused Therapy COU562 Advanced Couple and Family Therapy COU566 Minuchin Family Therapy COU568 CFT Supervision for Practice COU570 Narrative Therapy COU572 Medical Family Therapy COU574 Gottman Couples Theory COU576 Sexual Issues in Couple Therapy COU580 Integrative Systemic Therapy COU690 Advanced Supervised Practice and Analysis for Psychotherapy Project COU691 Supervised Practicum II	30 cu

This programme provides continuous professional development for students who have completed their master's degree in counselling, social work, psychology, or equivalent, and wish to pursue additional knowledge in couple and family therapy (CFT) with at least two years of work experience preferably in couple and family work. SUSS alumni can also pursue courses in Systemic Therapy (ST) for their ongoing professional development.

SUSS alumni can pursue courses in Systemic Therapy for their ongoing professional development. SUSS alumni will be offered two courses free of charge within two years of graduation.

Graduates can look forward to building a career in couple and family therapy. Our faculty consists of local and international systemic therapy scholars and practitioners who will equip students with clinical competencies to support, heal and transform troubled relationships among individuals, couples, children, families and communities into emotionally healthier relationships.

How many intakes are there for GDST?
One intake per year, in July.
What is the maximum candidature period for GDST?
Maximum candidature of 2 years.
How many courses do students take each semester?
Two to three courses (subject to courses availability)
When are lessons scheduled?
Lessons are on weekends, usually on Saturdays.
What are assessment components in each course?
GDST courses will have one assignment and one end of course assignment.
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 have not completed their graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification for such graduate programmes. Such students however may apply to take, via the CET pathway, the remaining courses which they did not complete under their graduate programmes as part of their personal learning and development. Such application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as such students have exceeded the candidature period for their graduate programmes, they will not be awarded the qualification for such graduate programmes even after taking and completing the remaining courses via the CET pathway (“Condition”).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE, IS ONE OF THE COURSES UNDER A GRADUATE PROGRAMME. THEREFORE, APPLICANTS FOR THIS COURSE ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION. BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS COURSE, THE APPLICANT AGREES TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION.

Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy

Graduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy

Overview

Admission Requirements

Financial Assistance

Programme Structure

Curriculum