SUSS Set to Launch Pioneering School of Social Work by 2025 – A Game Changer for the Sector!

SINGAPORE: Exciting news for aspiring social workers! The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has officially unveiled plans for its sixth school dedicated to social work and social development, which is set to open its doors in the third quarter of 2025. This ground-breaking initiative was revealed on March 25, during a much-anticipated announcement.

Currently, SUSS and the National University of Singapore are the sole providers of comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in social work within the country. The establishment of the new School of Social Work promises to enhance education and resources at a time when the social work sector is facing significant challenges, including high attrition rates and burnout among professionals. SUSS Provost, Professor Robbie Goh, underscored the importance of expanding capabilities to address these pressing issues.

The university currently welcomes approximately 250 students annually across its existing social work programs. "While we’re doing good work, the establishment of the new school will ramp up our capabilities significantly," stated Professor Goh, emphasizing the need for a revamp in the current curriculum.

The new school will continue to offer SUSS's existing programs, including part-time and full-time Bachelor degrees in social work, as well as part-time Master’s degrees and graduate diplomas. The part-time programs admit students twice a year—in January and July—while the full-time program has an annual intake in August.

A notable addition to the leadership team, Dr. Vincent Ng, CEO of Allkin Singapore, will be appointed as Dean of the new school. Allkin Singapore, formerly known as AMKFSC Community Services, is one of Singapore’s major social service agencies. Dr. Ng brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as an associate faculty member at SUSS.

Transitioning from the S R Nathan School of Human Development, all 10 existing full-time faculty members in the social work team will join the new school, with plans to bring on board additional faculty to enhance the academic framework.

The revamped undergraduate curriculum is designed to include "areas of concentration," allowing students to specialize in fields such as family social work, child and youth welfare, eldercare, disability services, juvenile justice, and healthcare. This innovative approach aims to align students’ practicum experiences with their chosen specializations, offering them practical knowledge and skills tailored to real-world scenarios.

Professor Goh highlighted the importance of expanding the social workers' role beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging them to explore intersecting disciplines. The school aims to equip future social workers with a versatile skill set, preparing them for evolving challenges in the field.

At the postgraduate level, the new school will introduce specialized tracks focusing on policy and management, as well as clinical practice, ensuring that seasoned professionals can continue to develop in their careers. These offerings promise to be stackable, catering to the needs of adult learners seeking further education.

Collaboration is also a key focus for the new school. SUSS plans to engage in practice-based research and forge partnerships with various organizations, including social service agencies, government bodies, and healthcare institutions. This will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students, particularly in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Looking ahead, SUSS aims to establish a new campus at the former Rochor Centre site, with completion projected for the mid-2030s. Currently, the university boasts an impressive portfolio of over 110 programs across its schools, solidifying its commitment to fostering quality education in social sciences.

As SUSS prepares for this exciting chapter, the future of social work education in Singapore is poised for significant transformation, promising a brighter tomorrow for both students and the communities they will serve. Stay tuned for more updates on this landmark initiative!