NUS Department of Social Work

17/03/2026

A look back at 2026! 💙 We were delighted to meet so many prospective students at our Social Work booth – thank you for stopping by, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring what a future in social work could look like at NUS.

On this Social Work Day, we’re reminded of the impact that social workers make every day – and we hope your visit gave you a glimpse of how you, too, can be part of this meaningful work.

Last call! Applications for the Social Work Talent Admission Route (STAR) close on 19 March for A-Level applicants. If you feel called to serve and create change, don’t miss this opportunity.

📌 Admissions info: nus.edu/apply
🔗 STAR: fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/star/

12/03/2026

The NUS Department of Social Work celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Mrs Lee Choon Guan Endowed Research Fund (LCG) on 6 March 2026, commemorating a decade of supporting practice research in the social service sector.

At the event, three grant recipients were announced – SPD, St Andrew’s Community Hospital and Thye Hua Kwan Moral FSC – alongside a panel discussion on the Future and Impact of Practice Research.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Keith Chua, trustee of the LCG Fund, shared that the fund aims to support research that evaluates and strengthens social services to improve beneficiaries’ quality of life.

Associate Professor Lee Geok Ling, Head of Social Work Department, also recognised Dr Rosaleen Ow, former Head of Department, who initiated the idea for the fund to support social workers in conducting practice research to enhance service delivery.

The insightful and thought-provoking panel discussion with Prof Joubert, Dr Goh Soon Noi, Mr Lee Seng Meng and Ms Helen Sim highlighted how empowering practice research is for practitioners and service users as well as its distinct potential for creating original knowledge for future practice and value-driven social service development in the digital age.

Looking ahead, Associate Professor Choo Hyekyung, LCG Director, announced more initiatives to support practice research, including funding for extension projects, additional seminars, and the archiving of previous awardee’s research papers in the National University of Singapore’s online library.

NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

27/02/2026

At NUS Social Work, we recognise that preparation for the profession requires more than academic achievement alone.

The NUS Social Work Talent Admission Route (STAR) is designed to identify students whose aptitude for social work is reflected in their values, motivation, social awareness, and commitment to serving communities. Through STAR, we look beyond grades to recognise potential – empathy, leadership, experience with community engagement, and sense of purpose essential for meaningful professional practice.

STAR is a rigorous admissions pathway that affirms the qualities that matter deeply in social work: a commitment to social justice, readiness to learn, and the capacity to grow into responsible and reflective practitioners.

With a tradition of excellence, strong mentorship, and a supportive community, NUS Social Work provides the foundation to develop your calling into competence, and your passion into impact.

If you see social work not just as a degree, but as a fulfilling profession to contribute meaningfully to the society – STAR may be your pathway forward.

🔗 Learn more about STAR: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/star/

National University of Singapore
NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

15/02/2026

04/02/2026

Do you see social work not just as a career, but as a calling to serve and uplift communities?

The NUS Social Work Talent Admission Route (STAR) is designed for empathic advocates with a deep commitment to social justice and social change. STAR looks beyond grades to identify students with the aptitude, motivation, and values essential to the profession.

We welcome individuals who have demonstrated passion for social services, leadership, community engagement, or exceptional talent, and who show the potential to contribute meaningfully to society as future social work leaders.

With a tradition of excellence, strong mentorship, and a supportive community, NUS Social Work offers an environment where your passion can flourish and your impact can grow. Build your potential into a meaningful career through transformative education, applied learning and an enriching student life here at NUS.

Channel your passion here – don’t wait. Apply today and take the first step toward leading change.

🔗 Learn more about STAR: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/star/

National University of Singapore
NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

22/01/2026

Back by popular demand – a second run of our course on Design Thinking for Social Work! 🎨

After a highly positive first run last year, our Design Thinking course returns in response to strong interest from the sector. In this course, participants will use human-centered design principles to solve problems and create new solutions for their clients. Through employing design tools and frameworks in practical, project-based application, they will develop the skills and mindset to spark innovative thinking to improve service delivery with adaptability to evolving societal needs.

Swipe through to hear what participants from the first run had to say about their learning experience.

Date: 3 & 6 Feb 2026
Location: NUS
Learn more: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/events/design-thinking-social-work/

National University of Singapore
NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

20/01/2026

Research by Professor Irene Ng (NUS Department of Social Work ) with National University of Singapore colleagues at Dr Gerard Chung and Livia Lim, Associate Professor Vincent Chua (NUS Department of Sociology and Anthropology), Dr Mathew Mathews ( , Institute of Policy Studies - IPS, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy), and Asher Goh and Tan Zhi Han of NUS Social Service Research Centre ), as well as overseas at Griffith University Associate Professor Carys Chan, has uncovered a stark "polarity" in Singapore's workforce.

While Professionals, Managers, and Executives often enjoy formal flexibility, low-wage young workers face internal and external expectations that they sacrifice work-life balance. This divide extends far beyond schedules, creating layered inequalities in wages, training, job security during crises like COVID-19, and even access to AI.

Their collective research’s extensive data from surveys to ethnographies highlights how these converging disadvantages impact the lives and futures of young, low-income Singaporeans.

How can we bridge this gap and create a fairer future of work for all? Dive into the full, insightful article to understand the deep research and the proposed pathways toward positive change: https://tinyurl.com/3peywrh8

NUS SSWS - Society of Social Work Students NUS Society of Social Work Students NUS Sociology Society

17/01/2026

Happy Saturday! We held our first-ever NUS Social Work Open Day today and were heartened to see so many JC and polytechnic students curious about a future in social work! 💙 From exploring the NUS Social Work curriculum and innovations in education, to hearing real stories from the field, we hope students left with meaningful takeaways from the programme.

A highlight was the sharing on the Social Work Talent Admission Route (STAR) – a new holistic admissions pathway for students who demonstrate strong aptitude and motivation for social work.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and connected with our faculty, students, and social workers from the field. We hope you left with a clearer sense of what social work is – and how you can be part of it.

📌 Ready to take the next step?
Learn more about NUS admissions and STAR at the link in bio.

03/12/2025

Looking to upskill in the new year? Our Continuing Professional Education team is excited to present six upcoming short courses designed to strengthen core competencies for social workers across diverse practice settings.

These courses support evidence-informed, client-centred practice across a variety of topics, including crisis and trauma-informed care, mental health, family conferencing and conflict resolution, behavioural health approaches, and child and adolescent wellbeing.

Swipe to explore each course and discover what best fits your learning needs in 2026. We look forward to supporting your growth in the year ahead.

Learn more: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/continuing-professional-education/

20/11/2025

Congratulations to the recipients of the Ann Wee NUS Social Work Alumni Award 2025! 🎉

This annual award recognises NUS Social Work alumni who have dedicated over 20 years of service to social work education and practice. Their commitment to the social work profession and the positive impact they have made in our community inspire us all.

This year, we are proud to recognise:
🏆 Elaine Loo (Director, Probation, Reintegration and Gambling Safeguards, Rehabilitation and Protection Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development)
🏆 Tan Tian Wui (Principal Medical Social Worker, Tan Tock Seng Hospital)
🏆 Zeng Hui Hui (Senior Principal Medical Social Worker, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital)

Thank you to everyone who joined us – past winners, alumni, faculty, VIPs, and guests – in celebrating our awardees and honouring the enduring legacy of the late Mrs Ann Wee.

Check out some highlights from the event! 📸

19/11/2025

Are you looking to grow as a leader in social work practice, policy, or research? The Master of Social Work (By Coursework) is designed for social workers and social service practitioners who are ready to take their expertise to the next level. Join us if you have a Bachelor in Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Social Work or have worked in social services for at least five years. This programme will enable you to deepen your practice and expand your influence in the social service sector.

🧑‍💼 For: Degree holders
🎓 Intake: Aug 2026
🗓️ Application period: 1 Nov 2025 to 15 Jan 2026
🕒 Typical duration: 1.5 years (full-time) / 2.5 years (part-time)
❌ GRE test not required.

Learn more: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/swk/master-of-social-work-coursework/
For enquiries, contact [email protected]

National University of Singapore
NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

18/11/2025

We were delighted yesterday to host lecturers and students from the Department of Social Development at Khon Kaen University, Thailand!

It was a wonderful afternoon of sharing, learning, and exchanging ideas on community development, social well-being, and social work education across our regions 🌏.

Thank you for spending your time with us – we truly enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to future collaborations! 🤝