{"id":14553,"date":"2024-05-27T09:30:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T01:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/?page_id=14553"},"modified":"2026-09-10T16:39:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T08:39:15","slug":"master-of-social-work-coursework-about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/master-of-social-work-coursework-about\/","title":{"rendered":"About the Master of Social Work (by coursework)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1>\n\t\t\tMaster of Social Work (By Coursework)\t<\/h1>\n\t<p>The NUS Master of Social Work (MSW) programme produces leaders of the social work profession in direct practice, policy and legislation, and research and evaluation.<\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tTwo Admission Routes\t<\/h2>\n\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"301\"><strong>Direct Admission Route<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"301\"><strong>Stackable Route<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"301\"><strong>For all applicants<\/strong>\nApply directly to the MSW and complete 40 units.<\/td>\n<td width=\"301\"><strong>For Singapore Citizens &amp; <\/strong><strong>Permanent Residents only<\/strong>\n<ol>\n<li>Complete one or more standalone courses first.<\/li>\n<li>Apply to the MSW and stack eligible courses which you have completed, towards the 40 units*.<\/li>\n<li>Upon admission, complete the remaining courses.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<p><em>*Eligible courses that can be stacked towards the MSW programme: <\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Credits from these courses must not already have been used toward the award of another degree programme and;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Each course must be read and completed within the last 4 years prior to admission into the MSW programme and;<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>The average Grade Point Average (GPA) of all stackable courses must be at least 3.0.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tApplication\t<\/h2>\n\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>Admission Route<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"113\"><strong>Intake<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Application Period<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"153\"><strong>Application Outcome<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>Direct Admission Route<\/strong>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/prospective-students\/graduate\/coursework-programmes\/application-process-gradcoursework\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See here for application details.(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"113\">Semester 1<br \/>\n(August intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">15 October to 15 December (the year before the intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"153\">By 31 May of intake year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"180\"><strong>Stackable Route<\/strong>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/prospective-students\/graduate\/coursework-programmes\/application-process-gradcoursework\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See here for application details.(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"113\">Semester 1<br \/>\n(August intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">15 October to 15 December (the year before the intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"153\">By 31 May of intake year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"113\">Semester 2<br \/>\n(January intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">1 May to 15 July (the year before the intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"153\">By 30 November of intake year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"180\"><strong>Application for standalone courses<\/strong>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/scale.nus.edu.sg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See here for application details.(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"113\">Semester 1<br \/>\n(August intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">May<\/td>\n<td width=\"153\">July<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"113\">Semester 2<br \/>\n(January intake)<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">October<\/td>\n<td width=\"153\">December<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<p><strong>Academic Year (AY) at NUS:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Semester 1: August-December<\/li>\n<li>Semester 2: January-May<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tAdmission Requirements\t<\/h2>\n\t<p><strong>Admission Requirements for the Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\"><strong>Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><strong>Applicants with a Graduate Diploma in Social Work<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><strong>Applicants without a Graduate Diploma in Social Work or a Bachelor in Social Work<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\"><strong>NUS<\/strong> Bachelor&#8217;s degree in Social Work <strong>(with Honours)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"201\">A Bachelor&#8217;s degree (with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) <u>and<\/u> a <strong>Graduate Diploma in Social Work<\/strong> (with at least an average grade of B+ or equivalent)<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><strong>NUS<\/strong> Bachelor&#8217;s degree in a related field <strong>(with Honours) <\/strong><u>and<\/u> a minimum of <strong>5 years<\/strong> of relevant work experience in the human services sector<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\">A <strong>4-year<\/strong> Bachelor&#8217;s degree in Social Work (with at least an average grade of B or equivalent)<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"201\">A <strong>4-year<\/strong> Bachelor&#8217;s degree in a related field (with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) <u>and<\/u> a minimum of <strong>5 years<\/strong> of relevant work experience in the human services sector<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\">A Bachelor&#8217;s degree in Social Work (with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) <u>and<\/u> a minimum of <strong>2 years<\/strong> of relevant work experience in the human services sector<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"201\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<p><strong>Admission Requirements for Standalone Courses (without admission into the MSW programme)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A Bachelor&#8217;s degree in any discipline <u>and<\/u><\/li>\n<li>Three years of work experience as a social service practitioner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<p><strong>Other Admissions Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"179\"><strong>Graduate Record Examination<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\n<td width=\"422\">The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test report is <strong><u>optional<\/u><\/strong> but can be used to strengthen your application. GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date and score reports are valid only if our University receives them directly from the Educational Testing Service. Our University Code is 0677.\u00a0More information: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ets.org\/gre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.ets.org\/gre(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"179\"><strong>English Language<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"422\"><u>Applicants whose native tongue is not English<\/u>\n<ul>\n<li>Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):<br \/>\nMinimum score of 580 for the paper-based test <u>or<\/u><br \/>\nMinimum score of 237 for the computer-based test <u>or<\/u><br \/>\nMinimum score of 85 for the Internet-based test (with a minimum score of 22 for the writing section)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>or<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>International English Language Testing System (IELTS):<br \/>\nMinimum Academic score of 6.5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<strong><em>Note:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><em>TOEFL \/ IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at the point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application. Our Faculty&#8217;s TOEFL Institution Code is 9081.\u00a0More information for TOEFL: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>https:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl.html<\/em>(opens in new tab)<\/a><em> and for IELTS: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/ielts.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>https:\/\/ielts.org\/<\/em>(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<p><strong><em>Note:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><em>Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application information and all supporting documents are truthful and correct. NUS reserves the right to verify information provided as part of an application. False or misleading information in an application (including but not limited to test scores, resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc.) is grounds for admission rejection, revocation and\/or dismissal from the University.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tProgramme Candidature\t<\/h2>\n\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"186\"><strong>Typical Duration<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"186\"><strong>Maximum Candidature<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Full-time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"186\">1.5 years<\/td>\n<td width=\"186\">3 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Part-time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"186\">2.5 years<\/td>\n<td width=\"186\">4 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<p><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong> <em>International applicants must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore to apply for a Student&#8217;s Pass. For more information, refer to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ica.gov.sg\/reside\/STP\/apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Singapore Immigration &amp; Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website(opens in new tab)<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tProgramme Structure\t<\/h2>\n\t<p><strong>40 units comprising:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>3 core courses (4 units each) <u>and<\/u><\/li>\n<li>2 practice research capstone courses (4 units each) <u>and<\/u><\/li>\n<li>5 elective courses (4 units each)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The 10 courses must include at least one course from each of the following baskets:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Direct Practice<\/li>\n<li>Policy &amp; Legislation<\/li>\n<li>Research &amp; Evaluation<\/li>\n<li>Leadership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><em> Courses are subject to change. See <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/master-of-social-work-curriculum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here for details on the curriculum(opens in new tab)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/master-of-social-work-course-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here for the course list(opens in new tab)<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tGraduation Requirements\t<\/h2>\n\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"170\"><strong>Course Requirements<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"431\">Complete a total of 40 units, comprising:\n<ul>\n<li>3 core courses (4 units each) <u>and<\/u><\/li>\n<li>2 practice research capstone courses (4 units each) <u>and<\/u><\/li>\n<li>5 elective courses (4 units each)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe 10 courses must include at least one course from each of the following baskets: Direct Practice, Policy &amp; Legislation, Research &amp; Evaluation, Leadership.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"170\"><strong>Grade Point Average (GPA)\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"431\">Minimum 3.0 (out of maximum 5.0)\nPlease see also the University&#8217;s minimum standards for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nus.edu.sg\/registrar\/academic-information-policies\/graduate\/graduate-continuation-and-graduation-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Continuation and Graduation Requirements(opens in new tab)<\/a>. Specific programmes may implement stricter or additional requirements.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2026\/08\/Sample-study-plan-for-Master-of-Social-Work-03-Aug-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See here for sample study plans.(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tFee and Scholarships\t<\/h2>\n\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"171\"><strong>Tuition Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"430\"><u>For students admitted in AY2027:<\/u>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2026\/05\/Tuition-fee-structure-for-local-students_Existing_18-May-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuition fee structure for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may be eligible for SkillsFuture funding by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), and the MSW Tuition Fee Rebate of 30% (for non-SWDA subsidised courses).<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2026\/05\/Tuition-fee-structure-for-international-students_Existing_18-May-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuition fee structure for international students(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>International students who are NUS alumni are eligible for the NUS Master&#8217;s Degree by Coursework Tuition Fee Rebate of 20%.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"171\"><strong>Application Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"430\">S$54.50 (including 9% GST)\n<ul>\n<li>Non-refundable and non-transferable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"171\"><strong>Acceptance Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"430\">S$5,450.00 (including 9% GST)\n<ul>\n<li>Payable upon acceptance of offer.<\/li>\n<li>Non-refundable (even if the Student&#8217;s Pass application is not approved by ICA) and non-transferable.<\/li>\n<li>Will be credited towards tuition fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"171\"><strong>Miscellaneous Student Fees<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"430\">As published by\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nus.edu.sg\/registrar\/administrative-policies-procedures\/graduate\/graduate-fees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office of the University Registrar(opens in new tab)<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Payable every regular semester.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"171\"><strong>Scholarships<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"430\">Students in this programme may be eligible to receive funding support from some of the following scholarships*:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2025\/05\/alice_goh_scholarship_notice_latest.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alice Goh Scholarship(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/eepengliang\/scholarship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ee Peng Liang Memorial Fund(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thengeeannkongsi.com.sg\/en\/education\/the-ngee-ann-kongsi-post-graduate-scholarships-in-social-sciences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ngee Ann Kongsi-Post Graduate Scholarship(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2025\/06\/Ann_Wee_MSW_Scholarship_NOTICE.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ann Wee Master of Social Work Scholarship(opens in new tab)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<em>*Subject to terms and conditions. Kindly refer to respective bodies offering the scholarship for more information. NUS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information provided here.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The University reserves all rights to review and adjust fees as necessary, without prior notice.<\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tAdmin\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Coordinators<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\"><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><strong>Name<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><strong>E-mail<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Master &amp; PhD (Research) Coordinator<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\">Assoc Prof Srinivasan Chokkanathan<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><a href=\"mailto:swksrini@nus.edu.sg\">swksrini@nus.edu.sg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Master (Coursework) Coordinator<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\">Prof Irene Ng<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><a href=\"mailto:swknyhi@nus.edu.sg\">swknyhi@nus.edu.sg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Graduate Diploma Coordinator<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\">Prof Irene Ng<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><a href=\"mailto:swknyhi@nus.edu.sg\">swknyhi@nus.edu.sg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Field Placement Director<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\">Assoc Prof Peace Wong<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><a href=\"mailto:swkwyj@nus.edu.sg\">swkwyj@nus.edu.sg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Graduate Field Placement Coordinator<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\">Ms Sophie Cheng<\/td>\n<td width=\"200\"><a href=\"mailto:sophie.cheng@nus.edu.sg\">sophie.cheng@nus.edu.sg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Notices<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<h4><b>Examination Matters<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>No notices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Student Project\/ Research<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/ethics-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Research Ethics Guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Claim for Student Research Projects\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2021\/02\/student_project_fund_guidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guidelines on Student Project Fund<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. For reimbursement of claims, students are to complete and submit the following forms (hard and soft copies) to the respective administrator at the Department General Office at AS3 Level 4 for payment processing.\n<ul>\n<li>i) <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2023\/03\/request-for-payment-formRFP_new_student.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request for Payment Form<\/a> <b>(the fields that need to be filled up are highlighted in YELLOW)<\/b><\/li>\n<li>ii) <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2021\/02\/student_project_expenses_claim_form-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Student Project Expense Claim Form<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Other Matters<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myportal.nus.edu.sg\/studentportal\/fas\/ug\/policies\/plagiarism\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plagiarism Warning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2023\/10\/NonPlagiarism_Declaration_Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Non-Plagiarism Declaration Form<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tTestimonials\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Ms Choong Ying<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2025\/09\/Choong-Ying-1-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"293\" \/>The NUS Master of Social Work programme offered rigorous training in critical thinking, analytical, and advocacy skills. Among the many enriching courses, I especially enjoyed Poverty and Asset Building with Prof. Irene Ng, Theory and Practice of Social Work Supervision with Yoges and Kumar, and Management of Human Social Services with Prof. Corinne Ghoh. Every professor brought in sector leaders, creating ample opportunities to learn from their varied experiences and to be challenged in our thinking. We were encouraged to examine literature and practices from within the region and beyond, and to engage in discussions that honed our ability to strengthen arguments, challenge viewpoints, and build compelling cases. The Poverty and Asset Building course, in particular, pushed me beyond my comfort zone to explore how macro-level and economic perspectives intersect with social work, and I grew significantly as a result.<\/p>\n<p>Another highlight was the Capstone Research Project with Prof. Lee Geok Ling and Prof. Gerard Chung, which allowed me to pursue a topic I was passionate about: the role transition process from social worker to managerial role. This experience fostered significant professional growth and confidence, giving me the opportunity to present my findings to my organisation&#8217;s senior leadership, curate a group coaching programme to support the development of new supervisors and managers in my centre, and present the subsequent research findings at our organisation&#8217;s symposium.<\/p>\n<p>I am immensely thankful for the networks formed, the continued mentorship and support received, and the opportunities to participate in nationwide symposiums and conferences that broadened my perspective on social work practice. This programme has deeply shaped my development as a social work professional and continues to inspire my commitment to the field. I wholeheartedly recommend NUS Master of Social Work programme to anyone seeking to advance their career and deepen their impact in the field of social work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ms Choong Ying<\/strong><br \/><strong>Assistant Senior Social Worker,<\/strong><br \/><strong>Allkin FSC @ Cheng San 445,<br \/>Master of Social Work graduate, Class of 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Mr Adrian Tan<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2021\/11\/Adrian-Tan-SWK.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"330\" \/>The capstone courses allowed me to experience first-hand using practice research methodologies to guide my practice, which contributed to better patient care at the hospital where I work as a Medical Social Worker.<\/p>\n<p>I especially enjoyed the space given for experimentation, and receiving peer feedback and support from my instructors&#8217; throughout the learning exposed me to different perspectives and ideas. The knowledge and skills learnt allowed me to continue conducting my own practice research back at the hospital where I work and contribute back to evidence-based practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mr Adrian Tan<\/strong><br \/><strong>Medical Social Worker<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Ms Yvonne Ang<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2021\/11\/Ms-Yvonne-Ang-SWK.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"241\" height=\"325\" \/>Embarking on the practice research is one of the most impactful and challenging journey that helped me reflect on the epistemologies of knowledge in a critical manner. As a moral, ethical and social endeavor, the reflexive process of practice research surfaces multiple complex issues which provokes the thinking and doing of my work professionally and personally. It is also an important contribution to the advancement of social work knowledge, understanding and context which we live in.<\/p>\n<p>My research on kick-starting the journey of exiting the poverty cycle with low-income families and social workers reinforced an ecological lens for holistic practice. Practice recommendations include building families&#8217; problem-solving capacities by enhancing their self-reliance and self-motivation efforts, shifting from a problem-centred perspective to a strengths-based perspective, reducing bandwidth tax and advocating for structural changes. A recursive process of helping families meet basic and long-term needs was recommended. Arising from the research, practice and policy recommendations were generated which may help low-income families more effectively.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, it has been a fruitful adventure of learning which I strongly encourage anyone in the helping profession to venture into. This lifelong learning journey never ends as even after the research is completed, I continue to have reflections on the concepts and theories which are relevant to and for my work as a counsellor and social worker. Beyond thinking about what constitutes as practice research, it is vital to contemplate &#8220;what might make social work research distinctively good?&#8221; as Professor Ian Shaw encouraged us to consider about. I am immensely humbled and grateful to my mentors in this journey &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/people\/choo-hyekyung-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professor Choo Hyekyung<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/people\/lee-geok-ling-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professor Lee Geok Ling<\/a> and Professor Ian Shaw.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ms Yvonne Ang <\/strong><em>(with Prof Ian Shaw in photo)<\/em><strong><br \/>Senior Counsellor, Manager<br \/>National Council of Social Services, Sun Ray Scheme<br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Mr Mohamad Firoz Bin Abdul Kadir<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<p>I have found the capstone courses a core and important set of courses for post-graduate students who want to deepen their understanding of social work practice. My experience of doing research on my current social work practices in the field has been intriguing and enriching. Through the skills and knowledge gathered from the courses, I was able to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of the work I did with my clients. For me, learning and establishing evidence-based practice is aligned to the essence of social work services delivery &#8211; ensuring that our practice is truly benefiting our clients and not causing harm. I appreciated learning the various research techniques and the strong emphasis for us to keep to the fidelity of the proposed methodology as well as the ethical process.<\/p>\n<p>Every learning step while journeying through the courses was well supported by our trainer, <a href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/people\/choo-hyekyung-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A\/P Choo Hyekyung<\/a>. I feel that the teaching and learning were well-paced and we were equipped with the necessary skills to carry out our practice research in our work setting. It was challenging at the beginning for a practitioner like me to start working on a research piece. However, I am amazed at how much knowledge and insight I have gained through my learning experiences as I completed the modules and applied the research skills in my work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mr Mohamad Firoz Bin Abdul Kadir<br \/>Master of Social Work student<br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master of Social Work (By Coursework) The NUS Master of Social Work (MSW) programme produces leaders of the social work profession in direct practice, policy and legislation, and research and evaluation. Two Admission Routes Direct Admission Route Stackable Route For all applicants Apply directly to the MSW and complete 40 units. For Singapore Citizens &amp; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":193,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"unboxed","site-sidebar-style":"unboxed","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14553","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>About the Master of Social Work (by coursework) - Department of Social Work<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/swk\/master-of-social-work-coursework-about\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"About the Master of Social Work (by coursework) - Department of Social Work\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Master of Social Work (By Coursework) The NUS Master of Social Work (MSW) programme produces leaders of the social work profession in direct practice, policy and legislation, and research and evaluation. 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