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Master of Social Sciences

Master's Degree Programme
(Postgraduate)

The Master of Social Sciences focuses on transdisciplinary knowledge aimed at developing individuals to address complex challenges in an increasing fast changing world.

Master of Social Sciences


Overview

The contemporary world is becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) than ever. Many real-world problems require a multidisciplinary approach to address. The Master of Social Sciences (MSSC) programme provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary education and career development, allowing individuals to integrate different disciplines in addressing contemporary issues and challenges in their profession, industry or the society at large. This programme will be especially suitable for candidates who are entrepreneurial and self-directed, charting a learning journey into the future of work.

Unique Features of the Programme

  • Provides an alternative progression pathway for students who aim to equip themselves with multidisciplinary knowledge.
  • Promote innovation and flexibility where students take ownership and chart their own learning.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae detailing your education and work experience.

For the 10 cu applied research project, applicants are required to identify a problem and submit a proposal (of about 500 words) that integrates the knowledge acquired from two graduate diplomas and solve the problem in the chosen field(s). Please click here for the proposal template.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, as well as international students.

Financial Assistance

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

SkillsFuture Series Funding
Some courses receive SkillsFuture Series funding and may also be taken individually via Continuing Education and Training (CET). For information about SkillsFuture Series funding, please click here.

Programme Structure

Students are required to complete 60 credit units (cu) of relevant courses from two graduate diplomas and a 10 cu applied research project.

To graduate with the Master of Social Sciences, students are required to achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (out of 5) and the duration taken to complete both graduate diplomas must be within a maximum candidature period of 4 years, not including the time taken to complete 10 cu of applied research project.
MSSC FC FS3 Jan

The programme is suitable for those who are keen to formulate innovative solutions and apply the cross-disciplinary knowledge to address the challenges facing a fast-changing world.

In addition, graduates from the Graduate Diploma in Social Work, and the Graduate Diploma in Translation and Technology, may also apply to stack their graduate diplomas towards the Master of Social Sciences by pairing with one of the constituent graduate diplomas and completing an applied research project that integrates the disciplines of the two graduate diplomas.

  1. How many intakes are there in a year for the Master of Social Sciences?
    There are two intakes per year that take place in January and July.

  2. How do I apply?
    You may start the online application by clicking the Apply Now button on the top of MSSC programme page.

  3. What is the application fee?
    Each e-application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee which is payable online only:

    Singapore Citizen & Permanent Resident - $60 (subject to prevailing GST)
    All other applicants - $100 (subject to prevailing GST)

  4. Is an interview required for admission?
    Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

  5. What is the total number of CUs required for graduation?
    70 cu (60 cu for two graduate diplomas and 10 cu for applied research project). Students must attain Cumulative Grade Point (CGPA) of at least 3.0 out of 5.0 for both graduate diplomas.

  6. What are the assessment components of each course?
    It comprises a mixture of pre-course and pre-class quizzes, participation, group-based assignments/tutor-marked assignments and written examinations/end-of-course assessments.

    Please refer to the respective programme page for more information.
  7. How much is the tuition fee?
    Please click here for more information.

  8. When are the lessons scheduled for SUSS courses?
    Classes for SUSS courses are generally conducted on weekday evenings from 7pm to 10pm, or on weekends from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

  9. If I am an international student, do I need to apply for visa to come to Singapore?
    The University will provide the necessary information to facilitate the application of student pass. For more information, please click here.

  10. What are some of the recommended Graduate Diploma pairings?
    Gerontology + Analytics and Visualisation
    Human Capital Management + Analytics and Visualisation
    Human Capital Management + Gerontology
    Human Capital Management + IP Management
    Gerontology + Experience Design
    Youth Work + Expressive Arts Therapy
    Youth Work + Professional Life-coaching

    Professional Life-coaching + Expressive Arts Therapy
    Gerontology + Artificial Intelligence for Business

    The above list is not exhaustive, as students may curate their own learning and choose their graduate diploma pairings listed in the Master of Social Sciences (MSSC) programme structure for their research proposal.

  11. 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.

"I was attracted to the SUSS MSSC programme because of its interdisciplinary curriculum approach. It allows programme participants to study any two academic disciplines and to also initiate a research project combining both graduate diploma courses.

Having worked in various industries for the past 20 years, I felt such academic flexibility would better dovetail the skills and experience I had acquired; and it being a multiplier factor to my personal growth aspirations. To this end, it wasn’t easy to shortlist the two graduate diploma (GD) programmes as the offerings were unique and relevant in their own way.

Having completed one of the two GDs, I found the academic staff to be extremely knowledgeable and approachable. This helps provide an open and accessible learning platform to all course participants. I also enjoyed the flipped learning pedagogy as it allows adult learners like me to better assimilate to the training materials.

Having completed my first GD programme (Data Analytics and Visualisation) I was able to apply the course to my work. Using actual and available data stored by the nursing home, I was able to analyse the performance of past fundraising campaigns as well as derive new strategies to improve future efforts. The success of the project was also contributed to the strong and constant support from the programme Head and academic staff.

Personally, I will strongly and unreservedly recommend the MSSC programme to anyone looking to enhance existing knowledge and to gain new ones."

Marcus Lee
Director of Operations
Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home

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