Community Development

Level 1.1

Community Development & Social Services

This module introduces students to the wide array of community development efforts, social services and resources that promote wellness, with special attention to the local context. Students will explore the variety of services catering to different population groups in the community (including children, youth, elderly, family, and people with disabilities and special needs) and appreciate the importance of inclusivity.

Fundamentals of Sociology

This module stresses the influence of societal forces on behaviours and lives of individuals. The aim is to provide students with an understanding of the social context of behaviours.

Introduction to Psychology

This module introduces psychology as a science of behaviour and mental processes. Students are given a broad overview of the different fields in psychology and will learn to actively apply psychological insights to their lives.

IT Applications

This module develops the e-competencies by equipping the students with the essential computing concepts and necessary skills to use computer applications for information research, organisation, collaboration and presentation.

Academic Writing & Presentation

This module focuses on critical thinking, academic writing as well as presentation and listening skills. The module aims to equip students with the skills for academic writing and presentation. Finding and evaluating academic sources, reading, note-taking, essay planning and writing, and presentation skills will be developed in this module.

Career & Professional Preparation 1

This module helps to give students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. It will help them to embark on their three-year course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics, and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. The module aims to deepen students’ commitment to the sector that the course prepares them for.

Level 1.2

Managing Social Service Organisations

This module enables students to acquire an introductory understanding of management principles and applications. They will learn how managers plan, lead, organise and control activities and resources in organisations. Students will work closely with local social service organisations to understand the different strategies used to meet community needs. The module also introduces concepts and principles of accounting and financial decision-making by social service organisations.

Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This module introduces the social and environmental issues faced by the local community. The module also examines the different community needs, and analyses the different types of innovative social solutions that have been designed to meet those needs. Students will work closely with local social enterprises, non-profit organisations, and voluntary welfare organisations, to understand the different strategies used to meet community needs.

Development across the Lifespan: Embracing Diversity & Inclusivity

This module studies the physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of human development from infancy through childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. The aim is to provide students with knowledge of progressive psychological changes that occur in human beings as they age and the multidisciplinary approaches in the assessment and intervention for disabilities which can occur in the human lifespan. The module encourages students to embrace differences, diversity and inclusivity through deconstructing their notion of disability.

Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics

This module introduces students to basic statistics and methods used in social and psychological research. Students will learn descriptive and inferential statistics, probability theory, the formulation of research problems and the construction of empirically testable hypotheses, sampling, data collection techniques, and research writing skills.

Professional Communication 1

This module prepares students to communicate effectively in business settings. Students will learn both oral and written communication skills that demonstrate concepts of business communication principles, interpersonal skills and intercultural skills. Topics such as proposal and report writing, elevator pitch and professional presentation will be covered.

Health & Wellness

This module offers students a choice of 22 physical activities to embark on. Besides increasing their fitness level, it also enables them to pick up a new skill and develop their confidence, teamwork and leadership qualities.

Course Curriculum (Year 1)

Level 2.1

Sponsorship & Volunteer Development

This module provides students with an overview of the fundamentals of stakeholder partnerships, sponsorship and a Volunteer Management Framework in the context of social services. Through service-learning, case studies and empirical findings, students will gain an understanding of issues related to engaging stakeholders, fund-raising and sponsorship development and the role of volunteer management framework in managing issues such as volunteers' recruitment, job-match, motivation and recognition.

Programme Development & Impact Evaluation

This module provides students with the basic knowledge and skills in the design, management, implementation and evaluation of programmes in the context of social services. Through field-based learning, students will be able to apply psychological / social service concepts to guide the process of programme development.

Group Dynamics & Facilitation

This module equips students with theories, research findings and skills aimed at managing group dynamics / conflicts and improving group effectiveness. Through field-based learning, students will be able to build the skills required to apply knowledge in practical situations such as managing psychoeducation group sessions.

Research Methods for Social Services

This module builds on the foundational course for Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics. This module explores more complex research design used in the social sciences, including multiple comparisons and regression analyses. Students are also introduced to community mapping, venn diagrams, wealth ranking, stakeholder and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, preference and matrix ranking, focused interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and direct observations

Professional Communication 2

This module prepares students to write effective cover letters and resumes. Preparation and enhancement of portfolio to meet professional standards as well as development of presentation skills, and improvement of job-seeking techniques will also be covered in the module.

Level 2.2

Community Psychology & Advocacy

This module introduces community analysis to identify problems and challenges, and promotes individual and community wellbeing and inclusivity through prevention and intervention efforts. Students will, through a service-learning project, develop content and tools of communication for educational and advocacy purposes, including the design and delivery of public education campaigns and promotional communication to inform, educate and persuade audiences in community settings.

Case Management & Supervised Practicum

This module provides students with the basic knowledge and skills of working with an individual: engaging the individuals through basic counselling skills, conducting needs assessment, formulation of objectives, implementation of intervention, and evaluation of outcomes. Through supervised practicum, students will gain practical knowledge and skills in case management and be exposed to ethical and self-care issues.

Technology for Community Solutioning

This module introduces students to the principles and concepts of technologies in social services. They will explore the role of technology in assisting the various communities and disabilities and incorporate technology into service plans and programmes so as to bring about improved outcomes.

Marketing & Communication for Social Service Organisations

This module examines the concepts and principles of marketing and public relations communications for social service organisations. Students have the opportunity to apply marketing concepts in creative and visual means for social goods and services through real-world applications. Students will also be exposed to writing approaches required for various communication situations, audiences, and objectives - and apply digital photography and imaging for creating publicity collaterals.

Regulatory Framework & Governance

This module introduces students to the essentials of corporate governance frameworks pertinent to social service organisations in Singapore. Students will learn about various legal structures for start-ups, internal controls against fraud and unfair human resource practices, and product/service liabilities and obligations. It also introduces students to basic approaches taken by social enterprises to measure social impact.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective

This module develops a student’s ability to think critically on world issues. Students will discuss a wide range of social, political and cultural issues from the Singapore perspective. It also looks at how city-state Singapore defied the odds and witnessed close to half a century of rapid economic growth, strong political ties and social harmony.

Course Curriculum (Year 2)

Level 3.1

Practicum with Integrated Project

This module requires students to work on a capstone project that allows them to integrate and apply what they have learnt in their three years of study while undergoing a practicum at an organisation. Students will collaborate with the organisation to either start their own social enterprises or undertake a project to benefit selected communities.

Professional Communication 3

This module equips students with personal grooming skills required in a professional setting. Students will be taught grooming and social etiquette as well as appropriate dressing. Other topics include personal hygiene, making small talk and handling difficult conversations.

Project ID: Connecting the Dots

This module aims to prepare students for an increasing globalised and interconnected world where problems are multi-faceted and require interdisciplinary research and collaboration to solve. Using a project-based learning approach, students will have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team to investigate and propose comprehensive recommendations for a pressing real-world problem affecting Singapore. They will be guided to step out of their disciplinary silos and effectively communicate and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds. Ultimately, the module seeks to develop independent learning skills and the ability to synthesize diverse strands of knowledge to solve a complex problem, while impressing on students the importance of being a responsible global citizen.

Level 3.2

6-month Internship

The internship programme enables students to acquire the work experience needed for their chosen areas of interest, with professional practitioners acting as mentors. The organisations involved are selected for their capacity to allow students to learn different aspects of work in the industry concerned. The students’ learning outcomes are assessed by their respective field mentors and Ngee Ann supervisors. Students could also work closely with industry partners on internship projects that will benefit children, families and the community.

Course Curriculum (Year 3)