Why PCD?
- A unique diploma that combines Psychology, Community Development and Social Sustainability
- Gain real-world experience in co-creating sustainable solutions with corporates and communities to maximise the social impact of business decisions
- Choice of three specialisations to expand your knowledge in key social sectors: Youth, Seniors and Disabilities
- Choose one of three learning tracks in your final year – Professional Development, Innovation or Social Advocate New
- Gain an extra edge with NP's signature Personalised Learning Pathway and graduate with a Diploma + Minor* of your choice!
*PCD students will not be able to pursue a Minor in Applied Psychology
About PCD
Curious about psychology and human behaviour? Passionate about building an inclusive and sustainable society? If you are keen to use your understanding of human behaviour to shape society and create real impact for communities, our Diploma in Psychology & Community Development (PCD) will give you a head start!
Become a New-Gen Social Connector
Corporates around the world are making a positive impact on society. PCD prepares you to be a new-gen social connector with the skills to develop sustainable solutions that add value to both businesses and communities.
Through PCD, you will gain insights into the motivations and social dynamics that influence human interactions. Additionally, you will develop an understanding of the principles that guide corporates to make socially sustainable decisions. You will apply design thinking and behavioural insight tools to enable you to mobilise diverse stakeholders from the corporate and community sectors, to create solutions that have long-term sustainable impact. With growing opportunities in the care economy, you can also play key roles in fostering community partnerships and enhancing human services.
Shaping Communities
In your first year, embark on the Community Kickstarter Programme, during which you will interact with different communities to understand their behavioural profile, as well as identify social and environmental factors that influence their behaviour and choices.
With a Behavioural Insights Bootcamp as the highlight of your second-year curriculum, you will hone the skills to draw from psychological and behavioural concepts to design effective programmes and policies. Under the mentorship of your lecturers and guidance from industry practitioners, you will learn how to apply your knowledge to meet real-world scenarios.
Choose from 3 Specialisations
In your second year, depending on your area of interest, you can deepen your understanding in one of the three key sectors of the growing care economy:
- Youth: Acquire the skills to address the wellness of youths and learn to engage them better.
- Seniors: Understand the challenges faced by our seniors and develop programmes that promote active ageing.
- Disabilities: Gain insights into the experiences of persons with disabilities and co-create innovative solutions that enhance diversity and inclusivity for PWDs at work and in their daily living.
Customise Your Learning
In your final year, choose to go on a one-year internship, or a six-month internship coupled with an industry-based project, or a six-month internship with 2 core and 2 elective modules. Our leading partners offering enriching internship opportunities include public sector agencies, private corporations, and social and community organisations such as Deloitte, Fei Yue Community Services, Metropolitan YMCA, Ministry of Family and Social Development, National Youth Council and Sodexo.
Growing a Changemaker Community
Imran Mean believes in making a difference in the community around him. This big-hearted youth founded a 380-strong volunteer group, known as the IM Volunteers Network, which focuses on welfare events such as meal distribution, fundraising and other social initiatives. The group has supported 200 events to date and now has a Malaysian branch that supports volunteering efforts across the Causeway!
Overview of Your PCD Journey
Further Studies
Graduates may pursue further studies at both local and overseas universities. As PCD is a broad-based diploma, graduates have a wide array of choices, including programmes in fields such as psychology, the social sciences, humanities and business.
Some of the local and overseas universities that our graduates have enrolled in include:
Singapore
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
Australia
- Griffith University
- Bachelor of Human Services
- Bachelor of Child, Youth and Family Practices
- Edith Cowan University
- Bachelor of Counselling
- Bachelor of Youth Work
- Bachelor of Social Science
- University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- University of Western Australia
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Commerce
Toh Pei Ling
Business & Social Enterprise* graduate,
Class of 2022
Pei Ling is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at SUSS.
*Renamed the Diploma in Psychology & Community Development
Tay Hui Ann
Community Development* graduate,
Class of 2024
Hui Ann is a recipient of the NCSS Social Service Scholarship and pursuing Social Work at NUS.
* Renamed the Diploma in Psychology & Community Development
Careers
The community development and social services sectors are expanding, while the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) sector, focused on sustainability and ethical business practices, is also gaining attention. With PCD, you can pursue careers in roles such as:
- Community Care Associate/Assistant
- Community Development Executive
- Community Partnership Executive
- Programme Coordinator/Executive
- Publicity & Outreach Executive
- Social Sustainability Executive
- Social Work Associate/Assistant
With further education in psychology, social work and counselling, you can also look forward to practise as a:
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Research Officer
- Counsellor
Sheena Lim
Business and Social Enterprise* graduate, Class of 2011
Sheena is an Assistant Director at Fei Yue Family Service Centre (Yew Tee).
*Renamed the Diploma in Psychology & Community Development
Eu Shu Qi
Business and Social Enterprise* graduate, Class of 2015
Shu Qi is a Forensic Psychologist and Lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
*Renamed the Diploma in Psychology & Community Development
Entry Requirements
AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-A
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE 'O' Level examination (or equivalent) results.
| Subject | 'O' Level Grade |
|---|---|
| English Language | 1-6 |
| Additional Mathematics/Mathematics | 1-7 |
| Any one of the 2nd group of Relevant Subjects for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type | 1-6 |
Applicants must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-A Aggregate Type (English Language, 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects) listed at www.np.edu.sg/docs/ELR2B2.pdf.
For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.