Application is now open for the NUS Graduate Diploma in Social Work.
Register here for the Aug 2026 intake.
Application period: 1 Aug 2025 to 15 Jan 2026
Typical duration: 1 year (full-time) / 1.5 years (part-time)
Why the NUS Graduate Diploma in Social Work?
Enter Social Work Practice
Specifically designed for individuals seeking a career in social services without a social work degree, this programme enables you to acquire the essential qualifications for social work practice.
Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Develop critical thinking skills that are essential to social work practice, and learn to address problems faced by social workers.
Become a Skilled and
Reflective Practitioner
Get started in your journey of becoming a skilled and reflective social worker through the programme, which inculcates thoughtful and effective practice.
What our students say about the Graduate Diploma in Social Work
“The GDSW programme provided a comprehensive education of different modalities in social work, and students were taught by experienced faculty members from the sector. The compulsory practicum also offered a valuable chance to glean insights from working directly with clients in the field. The GDSW programme thus equipped me with necessary skills and knowledge that put me in good stead in my first position as a social worker.”
MR BENJAMIN CHUA
Trans Family Services,
GDSW, Class of 2024
“The courses really expanded my perspectives in our work with clients — for instance, ethical considerations, working with clients with mental health issues, community based work and more. Beyond that, interactions with fellow peers & instructors in the programme also reminded me of the importance of our sector’s work and the need for us all to continually develop ourselves and serve our clients with the right heart.”
MS LAI SU ANN
Care Corner KidSTART,
GDSW, Class of 2024
"The engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and practical assignments truly challenged and expanded my understanding of social work theory and practice. One aspect that truly stood out to me was the exceptional faculty members who guided us throughout the course. Their expertise, dedication, and genuine passion for social work were evident in every class. Their mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional journey."
MR YAHYA ABDUL RAZAK
GDSW, Class of 2023
"It showed me the importance of front line work. Watching the undergraduates (that I mentor) collaborate and work with marginalised clients, inspired me to jump in! In addition, I realised that people are influenced by familial, communal, and societal factors. Therefore, I hoped to learn about systemic interventions from the Social Work field."
MR NG YONG HAO
NUS Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Programme
"The modules had developed professional capabilities by equipping me with not just knowledge on theoretical frameworks and concepts, but also on essential skills in communicating with clients."
MS LIM EN YIN, AMANDA
Ministry of Social and Family Development
Where our students consider a career after completing the GDSW
Those with the Graduate Diploma in Social Work can look forward to a career in social services, such as in the examples listed here:
| Medical | Public & Civil Service | Community-Based Agencies | Social Enterprises & Philantrophy |
| Hospital, polyclinics, and other medical settings | Ministry of Social and Family Development, Ministry of Education, Singapore Prisons, Family Justice Court | Family Service Centres, youth agencies, senior and eldercare services, and others | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) divisions, foundations, and others |
A non-exhaustive list of examples of organisations that graduates can work in:
The Unique NUS Experience
We develop:
Critical thinkers
We hone:
Evidence-based
practice
We nurture:
Skilled and
reflexive practitioners
We groom:
Social service leaders